Topical Encyclopedia
The phrase "more than a conqueror" is derived from the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, specifically
Romans 8:37 in the Berean Standard Bible : "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." This expression encapsulates the victorious and triumphant life that believers in Christ are called to live, transcending mere survival or victory in the face of trials and tribulations.
Context and MeaningRomans 8 is a profound chapter that addresses the life in the Spirit, the assurance of salvation, and the unbreakable love of God. In the immediate context of
Romans 8:31-39, Paul is emphasizing the security and victory that believers have in Christ. He lists various adversities—tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword—and asserts that none of these can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
The Greek term used for "more than conquerors" is "hypernikōmen," which combines "hyper" (beyond, exceedingly) and "nikaō" (to conquer, to overcome). This suggests not just a victory, but an overwhelming, surpassing victory. It implies that through Christ, believers do not merely achieve victory; they overwhelmingly triumph over any opposition.
Theological Implications1.
Union with Christ: The phrase underscores the believer's union with Christ. It is "through Him who loved us" that this victory is achieved. This reflects the doctrine of union with Christ, where believers are inextricably linked to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As Christ has overcome the world (
John 16:33), so too do believers share in His victory.
2.
Assurance of Salvation: The concept of being more than conquerors provides assurance to believers. It affirms that no external circumstances can thwart God's purpose or sever the believer from His love. This assurance is rooted in the unchanging nature of God's love and the completed work of Christ.
3.
Empowerment for Christian Living: This victory is not passive but active. Believers are empowered to live out their faith boldly, knowing that they are equipped to overcome sin, temptation, and the challenges of life. The indwelling Holy Spirit provides the strength and guidance necessary for this victorious living.
4.
Eternal Perspective: Being more than conquerors also shifts the believer's focus from temporal struggles to eternal realities. It encourages a perspective that sees beyond present sufferings to the glory that awaits (
Romans 8:18). This eternal perspective fuels perseverance and hope.
Practical Application1.
Confidence in Trials: Believers can face trials with confidence, knowing that they are not alone and that victory is assured through Christ. This confidence is not in their own strength but in the power and love of God.
2.
Witness to the World: Living as more than conquerors serves as a powerful testimony to the world. It demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of God's kingdom breaking into the present age.
3.
Encouragement in Community: The church community is called to encourage one another with this truth. As members of the body of Christ, believers support each other in living out this victorious identity.
In summary, the phrase "more than a conqueror" encapsulates the triumphant and assured life that believers are called to in Christ. It is a life marked by victory over sin and adversity, rooted in the unbreakable love of God, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Topical Bible Verses
Romans 8:37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
5245. hupernikao -- to bemore than conqueror... to be
more than conqueror. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hupernikao Phonetic
Spelling: (hoop-er-nik-ah'-o) Short Definition: I am
more than conqueror...Library
But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with...
... But the vessel being driven by the very tempest to the haven where it would be,
is better off still, and thus "more than conqueror." So it is with the saint now...
'More than Conquerors through Him'
... We are never inmore danger of fresh assailantsthan when we... other in their haste
to be the first to desert and bring feigned submission to theconqueror....
Whether God Always LovesMore the Better Things?
... not onlymore than He loves the whole human race, butmore than He loves... of the human
race; rather did He become thereby a gloriousconqueror: "The government...
Whether God Always Loves Better Things theMore
... loves Christ not onlymore than the entire human race, butmore than the whole... On
the contrary, he thereby became a gloriousconqueror, in keeping with Isa.9:6...
The Crucifixion
... shame. See how He endured"how patience had her perfect work in Him"how
in all things He wasmore than conqueror. What gentleness...
Swooning and Reviving Christ's Feet.
... of our flesh; He brought Himself into contact with us, and made us perceive the
reality of His love to us, and then He becamemore than aconqueror over us....
Sin Slain
... There shall be another picture painted soon, and that shall be thy picture too,
when thou shalt bemore than aconqueror, through him that hath loved thee....
A Retreat, or a Rout?
... but turn again and face the foe and fight him until the victory comes, until you
regain what you have lost, until you stand "more than conqueror through him...
His Name --The Mighty God
... wilderness hand to hand with him on the top of the pinnacle of the temple; side
by side with him in the midst of a busy crowd"yet evermore than conqueror....
The Fainting Warrior
... "Thou shalt conquer," says he; "I will make theemore than aconqueror through
my death." And then appears the Holy Spirit, the Comforter....
Resources
How can I become more like Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine in Ephesians 3:20? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)? | GotQuestions.orgMore: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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