Who is “the One born of God”? God’s Son, the Gift of grace! Obedient trust in Him is the shield that renders harmless “all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). Notice, in 2 Timothy 4, Paul’s assurance as he approached his death. Then notice how “everyone born of God” shares the same victory.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom… (2 Timothy 4:18).
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith (1 John 5:4).
In his farewell to Timothy, as in his farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul emphasized belief in God and His grace as the key to success.
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). M
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus… (2 Timothy 2:1). M
And they have conquered him [the accuser, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (Revelation 12:11). M
This is the way you too will overcome. Depend on the divine blood that frees you from all sin! (Revelation 1:6; 1 John 1:7) Testify to your faith,10 even during severe trials, and even in the face of threats to your life! In your daily walk, as in the weekly Lord’s Supper, “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
10. In the New Testament the most important “testimony” or “witness’ is that of the apostles as eyewitnesses of Christ, Luke 24:48; 1:2; John 15:27; Acts 1:8; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 1 John 1:2; Revelation 1:2. Later Christians are not eyewitnesses of Jesus, John 20:29; 1 Peter 1:8, yet they have a responsibility like Timothy to carry this “testimony” forward, 2 Timothy 1:8. They can also testify to the way Jesus changes and blesses them, for their personal progress is both real and relevant, 1 Timothy 4:15; 5:25; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12.
Picture: The Island of Patmos where Jesus gave to John the Revelation that emphasizes “overcoming” in view of His glorious return.