[Greek] νικάω (nikaō), [Latin] vincere, [Latin] Victoria, [French] conquerir, [German] siegen: to conquer, to overcome, to prevail, to overpower; Lk.11:22, Jn.16:33, Rom.3:4, Rom.12:21, 1Jn.2:13-14, 1Jn.4:4, 1Jn.5:4-5, and 17 Revelation scriptures
Plato even reminds us that each of us must control our own sinful and harmful inclinations
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to surpass, to prevail, to conquer, to be victorious, to carry the majority, to appeal to the mob, and to yield to excellence.
Plato’s Phaedrus 56b: “They live a life of happiness and harmony, self-controlled and orderly, holding in subjection what cause evil and giving freedom to that which makes for virtue. For they have truly conquered Olympic contests.”
Euripides’ Medea 912: “And though it took time, you have recognized the superior plan.”
Euripides’ Orestes 944: “The villain spoke and gained his point by appealing to the mob.”
Aristophanes’ Wasps 594: “Did ever the orator carry the day with his opinion!”
Aeschylus’ Eumenides 88: “Remember, do not let fear overpower your heart.”
Sophocles’ Ajax 1357: “I yield to his excellence much more than his hostility.”
Mythology: Nike is the Greek goddess of victory. Through history mortals (man) have called upon the gods to seek favor, fortune, and victory. The Greeks worshipped Nike, believing that she could grant them the strength and speed to be victorious. The related Roman goddess was named Victoria.
Old Testament: This term means to excel, to be pre-eminent, to be permanent, to be justified, to be innocent, and to be clean.
New Testament: This term means to overcome, to conquer, and victor (to be victorious). Victories and defeats may be temporary in life, but Christ has the ultimate victory. One must not be conquered by evil, but one must conquer evil with good. The victory that conquers the world is our faith. The victor is the Christian who holds fast to his faith, and does God’s will in the face of persecution.
Scripture:
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Jn.16:33
Jesus attains the ultimate victory or evil.
“Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.” Rom.12:21
Repressing the desire for vengeance is a victory over oneself. One can subdue or vanquish evil by doing good to others. You may disarm them of their range, bringing them to better minds.
“Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1Jn.5:4
The Christian’s power comes from faith in Jesus, obedience to His commandments, and doing His will.
Why is the Christian life like a race? Christians must prepare, equip, replenish (spiritual nourishment), and strengthen themselves in order to reach the finish line. Those who have remained faithful (and those who have been martyred) have already reached the finish line. Interestingly, these Christian martyrs’ bones are called trophies.
To all Christians: finish that race and achieve that victory. Just do it! (This message has not been brought to you by Nike) ☺☺☺
Conclusion:
Victory, victorious, conquer, conquering, siege, invincible
It is interesting to note that even Plato acknowledges that one can live a harmonious and virtuous life, yet one may succumb to evil influences.
In the Old Testament, this term makes reference to the Maccabeeans who overcome temptation, persecution, and even martyrdom in remaining faithful to their faith. Innocence and cleanliness can make reference to one’s faithfulness.
Update: BLM and Antifa gained their support by appealing to the mob.
Gov. DeSantis and Gov. Youngkin has carried the day in how a Governor should confront social issues in their states.
Crime and cancel culture have let fear overcome many people.
Hatred and cancel culture have prevented and shut down the exchange of political perspectives at the colleges and businesses.
Many have yielded to, accepted, and praised Trump’s policies rather than his persona.
Just because something is currently popular (abortion, cancel culture, ‘family friendly’ drag queen shows, transgender surgery and puberty blockers, etc), this doesn’t mean they are morally right.
It has recently been a very difficult challenge with confronting secular beliefs with traditional Catholic (Christian) principles.
Great strides have been made in conquering the belief that teachers have the sole authority to talk about gender to their students.
Election aftermath: More puzzling issues and concerns seems to have remain supreme from this election.
Does ideology trump crime policies, physical disabilities, and economic policies? Should there be more stronger candidates? Is Trump too polarizing in selecting candidates? Should Trump not run for president again? There needs to be more catechesis about the evils of abortion. What is the best way for a state to manage a election? (Florida knows how to do this).
In order to be victorious in convincing others, you must be persuasive and confident in your arguments. We all sometimes can be persuaded and overcome by the culture’s influences. God calls each of us to conquer these obstacles and remain faithful in our race in life to reach the finish line (eternity and life everlasting). We all too can be dissuaded by worldly values. You don’t have to take my word for it, it can be difficult.
Next 3 posts:
Nov. 13 To persuade and to have confidence
Nov. 16 To put up with and to tolerate
Nov. 20 To be intolerant