Did you know that NIKE means “victory”? It is the Greek word “νῖκος” (read as Nikos). “Nikos” is in 1 Corinthians 15:57 which says “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (KJV)
Victory does not mean that a Christian is problem-free. It means that we as christians can overcome and emerge triumphant.
2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Did you notice the qualifying phrases “through our Lord Jesus Christ” and “in Christ”? Indeed, it is not on our own strength and effort alone, but through obedient faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord!
If you are a cyclist, you might have come across a situation when your tires were not fully inflated or worse, deflated. The effort to cycle became arduous. Are we “inflating” our life with the Word of God, so that our steps are ordered by the Lord?
Psalms 37:23 KJV The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
We became more than conquerors through Christ that loved us.
Romans 8:37 KJV Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Interestingly, the word “conquerors” in Greek is “ὑπερνικάω” hupernikaō. “Huper” means “surpassing”, “excessive”. Thus “conquerors” means “surpassing victory”. The victory is not a small marginal victory score of maybe “100” versus “99”. The Devil is not on par nor anywhere near to God’s power or might.
Yet, why do some of us feel defeated, have Monday blues or get easily discouraged? There are some things that are out of our control which can detract us from our plans. However, there are many things that are within our control.
1 John 5:1-5 KJV Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory (νίκη, nikē) that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Our faith is not based on how faithful our parents, spouse, our Bible class teachers, or our best friends are. It is not based on our status of employment, performance of our investment, promotion, etcetera. Our faith is based on solid evidence and assurance. True science and nature attest to the God of creation. Looking at the night sky on one of my trips to the Philippines made me realise what I missed out on in Singapore. There are millions of stars that are lightyears away and they are so beautiful to behold.
Psalms 19:1 KJV The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Psalms 8:3-4 KJV When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; (4) What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
The Scriptures are not a product of man but given by the inspiration of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Peter 1:21 KJV For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
With guidance from scriptures, we can keep ourselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). We need to work on our faith which is what we think inside, overflowing to what we say and do to others. Our relationship with God will be affected by our obedience to His commands which we need to find out in Bible class and our personal study. Our prayers reflect our faith and closeness of our relationship with God.
The same wind that causes a force to lift a 1,300-kilogram passenger plane in flight, is also the cause for the drag force that plane needs to overcome. Yes, there are things we need to overcome. If we focus on our faith in God, our humility and our obedience to Him, He will lift us up (James 4:10). We are just pilgrims in this world yet we can have victory through Christ Jesus our Lord. We can have NIKE in Christ!