^“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

When we come to faith in Christ, we gain a newfound freedom that we’ve never had before. While there are many aspects and nuances to this freedom in our lives, what it boils down to is that God empowers us to break the chains of bondage to the things of this world.

Jesus has overcome the world, and whoever has been born-again of God shares in Christ’s victory. To overcome the world means that we are no longer controlled and dominated by this world and the things outside of His will for us, as we are led by the Holy Spirit and His Word.

We are no longer captives to sin. We are no longer captives to death. We are no longer captives to fear. We are no longer captives to idols. We are no longer captives to the Law. As captives we have been set free!

The Holy Spirit makes us a new creation and transforms our hearts and minds to pursue Him above all else (2 Cor. 3:18). While we may still be tempted by the flesh, we are ultimately driven by our love and reverence for God, and by the desire to accomplish His plans and purpose for our life.

As believers, we no longer need to be enslaved as we once were. If you still feel bound when the Lord has set you free, then pray that He would give you His power to overcome whatever hinders you, and that He would open your eyes to recognize and experience the freedom you have in Christ. Know that sanctification (becoming holy) is a life-long process, but as we surrender more and more to Him, He will continue to purify us and mold us into His image.

Our victory comes not from within ourselves, but from our faith in Jesus who died and rose again. Know that because of Him, you too can overcome the world!