For everyone born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith! (1 John 5:4).
The Greek word for overcome is nike!
Long before Michael Jordan helped elevate an obscure shoe company to huge profits and worldwide influence, God had a better idea. He wanted us to live as overcomers of anything that challenges or attempts to bring defeat to us.
What else does scripture teach us about nike?
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
The word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14).
Who is it that overcomes the world, except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:5).
Nike means to persevere during trials, confess Jesus under the threat of persecution, and stand in faith during both temptation and outright spiritual attack.
There is a more subtle strategy used today by the evil one. I sense many Christians aren’t overcoming, but being drawn away from fellowship and losing fidelity to both the truth of the Bible and the profession of Jesus as Lord.
As lawlessness increases, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:12-13).
Overcoming is faithfulness to God’s word and the Lordship of Jesus. Defeat enters when the way of Jesus is ridiculed. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. Love grows cold when licentious thoughts and lifestyles counterfeit love.
Lawlessness increases and then true love grows cold.
Consider culture today:
Have you heard Christians maligning the body of Christ?
Do people argue in anger or discuss in love?
Are standards of righteousness that are clearly taught in the Bible, challenged in sarcasm and arrogance?
Do people doubt the power of God?
During the pandemic, one enterprise that has thrived is the buying and selling of old Nike sneakers. It was something that could be done while stuck at home. I’m not sure that I would want to purchase a pair of used 1985 Original Nike Air Jordan 1’s for $25,000 on eBay.
Nike means overcoming. I am interested in the victory of Matthew 24:13-14:
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
For those who are interested in the buying and selling of smelly Nikes – when considering the 1985 original Air Jordan 1’s – remember, Father’s Day is approaching.