Here are the verses in a few different translations:
NASB
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
NIV
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
NLT
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
In other words, it all boils down to faith!
For those of us who struggle with sin (that would be all of us!!) take heart in this scripture! If you are in Christ, have trusted Him as your Savior and Lord, and are still trusting Him YOU HAVE VICTORY. You CAN obey God's commands. His divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Have you ever thought or believed that God's commands were burdensome? I think anyone who is in rebellion will view God's commands as a burden. This is especially true when you are a teenager or student in college. Frankly, many people feel this way as adults! In the here and now, it is much easier to succumb to the temptations of this world rather than be set apart and pure.
In a different way, as an adult, I know that trying to walk with God and obey His commands has felt burdensome to me at times Why? Because I had the wrong motivation for obedience. If my obedience comes from anything other than love and fear/reverence of the LORD, then it is legalism. Legalism is lifeless, stark, and depressing. Or, there have been times when the Holy Spirit convicted me of the same old sin, and I felt like I could never have victory! I especially felt this way about the sin of pride. Some sins are just so deep and cherished by Christians that it is very hard to really repent. Why? Because of doubt and unbelief. Sometimes we just don't believe we have the power to completely turn away from the sin in our lives. We don't really believe that Jesus, through his blood, has washed us clean.
In these verses and many others, the Bible is clear that if we are believers in Christ we have victory over the world, over Satan, over our sin! He has taken away our sin, made us completely new, and has given us the Holy Spirit as a seal.
One night this week, Caroline awoke in a foul mood. There is no other word to use but foul! She was just plain mean. Trying to remain calm, and to send a message to her, I quietly and calmly left the room and shut the door behind me. I then began praying fervently for wisdom. I knew I could spank her--which is often what happens when she speaks to me or Allen that way, but as I prayed I felt that I should handle it a different way. So, I went back to bed and Allen and I waited until she calmed down and showed some sign of repentance. We even prayed that God would give her sorrow over her sin.
When I could sense a change of heart I went back into her room. We sat and talked about what had happened, and I asked her questions that probed her heart condition. After she acknowledged her sin, I asked her what the consequence should be for her sinful choice. She responded. I offered two choices for her, and she chose one. After the punishment was given, scripture reviewed, and reconciliation achieved, I asked Caroline to say a prayer to God. My only prompting was to pray what was in her heart and mind. The first words out of her mouth were, "God, take away my sin. I want to obey you and to obey mommy." The truth that I want to ingrain in Caroline and Julianne is the truth that it is love for Jesus that should compel our obedience. The love that God bestows upon us, through Christ should compel us to live for Him. Our obedience should not come from a desire to follow Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, or Lutheran doctrine and platitudes. It should not come from a desire to keep up appearances at church or to please other people, or, can I say, to even please our parents.
I pray for the salvation of my daughters almost every day. I pray for singleness of heart for God, and that they would have a deep love for Jesus Christ. Ultimately, my prayer is that Caroline would obey Allen and me out of a love for and faith in Christ. Then, she can have victory and can live the abundant and free life Jesus promised in the book of John. Every time I discipline Caroline, we have a time of reconciliation. I assure her of my love and that no matter what she does, I will love her and discipline is a part of that love. She will often tell me that she loves me. I often retort, I love you too, but if you love me, you will obey me. Jesus said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Love and faith are so inextricably linked in God's economy!!
All of this to say, no matter what your sin--no matter how grievous it is--you can be totally set free from it. The key is faith. It will be hard and it will take perseverance, but it is possible. He promises us freedom! Faith is the victory!
For some of us, our sin IS unbelief. Romans 14:23 says that everything that does not come from faith is sin. ( I am not saying that we will have a carefree life without suffering. We will suffer and we will go through difficult times. There will be times of grief and struggle, but in the midst of all of that, we can have freedom from our sin.) Here are some examples:
1) If I am doubting the truth that God sees me as righteous and pure, and that my identity is in him and not in how I perform, I will make sinful choices.
2) If I am doubting God's love and character, and that He wants only what is best for me I will make sinful choices.
3) If I am doubting the truth of God's Word and the relevancy His truth has in my life, I will make sinful choices.
I can think of several sinful choices that go with each of these points, but I encourage all who read this to stop and think of some yourself. The list can range from sexual sin to pride to fear, to unhealthly relationships...the list goes on and on.
Those who are in Christ must remember that He has overcome the world, Satan, sin and death. If you truly believe that, then you will live a life of victory--a life of freedom! Christ came to set us free and give us victory in any spiritual battle we face.
I couldn't help but recall the words to this old hymn:
Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise.
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled.
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God.
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field.
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
On every hand the foe we find
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n.
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav’n.
Then onward from the hill of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.
Ye Christian soldiers, rise.
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled.
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
Refrain
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
Our sword the Word of God.
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field.
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
Refrain
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
Refrain
White raiment shall be giv’n.
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav’n.
Then onward from the hill of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O Glorious victory that overcomes the world!
