"the world"
is more than just the matter of which it consists. Here
John refers to the world's system, it's faculties, it's ruler:
"In whom the god of this world hath
blinded the minds of them which believe not, ..."
The dynamics are far greater than dog-eat-dog, it is an epic
fight, and he who does not overcome, is overcome.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places." There will be no
draws, no overtime, no opting out, and no terms or truce.
The forces of darkness do take prisoners, but with the sole intent
of indoctrinating convicts to converts.
"And every spirit that confesseth not
that JESUS CHRIST is come in the flesh is not of GOD: and this
is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it
should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye
are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because
greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Divine genetics will turn out to be the only escape from this world alive.
That which holds the breath of faith, the genesis of GOD, will
live to see the world to come. Faith in CHRIST is the
birthmark of overcomers.
We can raise the practical scale in three
ways:
First, look up to the SAVIOR Who hath
worsted the world and the wicked one running it:
"Again, the devil taketh HIM up into an
exceeding high mountain, and sheweth HIM all the kingdoms of the
world, and the glory of them; And saith unto HIM, All these
things will I give THEE, if THOU wilt fall down and worship me.
... These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of
good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Second, look within, is HIS victory yours?
... faith must be personal:
"Wherein in time past ye walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince
of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the
children of disobedience: ... And such were some of you: but ye
are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the
name of the LORD JESUS, and by the SPIRIT of our GOD."
Third, look back to the forefathers of
faith: "And what shall I more say? for
the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of
Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the
prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword,
out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned
to flight the armies of the aliens ... (Of whom the world was
not worthy:)"