To overcome means to be victorious. But there are moments when it seems the world—the worldly powers that are led by Satan and against God—has won. It seems to triumph when I cling to something other than Jesus to bring ultimate satisfaction, or when I deny and diminish my sin.

But Scripture teaches that the world is not overcome by our perfection. Instead, we triumph over the world by believing that Jesus is the Son of God. How does that work? As the Son of God, Jesus is both God and man. He is the righteous One, and His death paid the penalty for your sin. His victory purchased your forgiveness and eternal life. When you turn from trusting in your goodness to be acceptable to God, and put all of your hope in Christ’s finished work for you, then you will know victory.

But Jesus’ victory does not end there. As your Savior, He promises to complete what He started. He will never let you continue in sin unabated. He will enable you to love and obey Him, and also to love one another. You can trust Him to do that today.