1 John 5:4,5 “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” Overcoming the world. Someone who isn’t used to biblical terminology would be mystified by this phrase. Overcoming the world sounds like something aliens attempt. So, what is the world? It’s refering to the values, opinions and powers that are against God. There is a sense of popularity and public opinion. Jesus faced the worldly powers. His first violation was having the wrong pedigree. He was poor and from the backwoods (Nazareth). He also wasn’t educated by the acceptable methods. He also violated the religious norms. One wasn’t a good jew and associated with tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners. He was called out a few times for his incorrect contacts. Jesus also disagread with how the temple property was used. He drove out the money changers. What type of worldly pressure will we need to overcome? The wise and strong of the world consider christians weak and foolish. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” This was true back in biblical times. Today, some say faith is against science. Those that come to Christ or profess Christ have to risk that misconception. The social superstars say christians are prudish and judgmental. We often feel defensive. “No, I’m not a hater”, or “I like to have fun”. 1 Peter 4:4 says, “In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you”. They truly don’t see our perspective. They are surprised. How does this pressure effect us? Our discomfort with feeling rejected or missing out can pursuade us to try those things. It’s adult sanctioned peer pressure. The advent of tv and the internet has spread it worldwide. Much of their worldview is unbiblical. So, to follow Christ one must ignore the world’s pull. As we follow Christ we are adhearing to His rules and laws. We begin to overcome sin. We are filled with joy. The God shaped appetite gets filled. It’s like a parallel, invisible universe. One of the great philosophers tells the story of the people in a cave who are unaware of the outside world. One who has been there tries to convince them without success. Those of the world don’t get it. We need to continue trying to pursuade them. Lord, thank You that You allow us to overcome the world. Help us to be couragious as we live for You.