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Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The proper way for a Christian to combat evil is with good.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201covercome<\/span>\u201d is nika\u014d<\/em><\/span>, a verb form of the noun nik\u0113<\/em><\/span>, which refers to \u201ca conquest or victory.\u201d Hence, nika\u014d<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto subdue, conquer, or overcome.\u201d In both instances in this verse it is expressed in the imperative mood indicating something all Christians are to do.<\/p>\n \u201cEvil<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek word kakos<\/em><\/span>, which refers to that which is worthless in and of itself. Thus, it is often translated as depraved, wicked, or evil. It is expressed here with the definite article, so it literally refers to \u201cthe evil thing\u201d or \u201cthe evil one.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cgood<\/span>\u201d is translated from agathos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cprofitable or beneficial.\u201d It refers to general goodness whereas the Greek word kalos<\/em><\/span>, which we looked at in verse seventeen, refers to something that is inherently good but not necessarily benefitting others.<\/p>\n Paul started off this chapter by stating:<\/p>\n I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,<\/span> which is<\/em> <\/span>your reasonable service.<\/span> (Romans 12:1<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Throughout the remainder of this chapter, he has been showing us what it looks like when a person is a living sacrifice, totally submitted to God; for instance, someone who has presented his or her body as a living sacrifice to God will not repay evil for evil and will not avenge himself or herself.<\/p>\n In the past few verses Paul has not been giving us commandments so much as he has been showing us what the evidence of our submission as a living sacrifice looks like. And so, he wraps up this chapter with a final piece of evidence of a person who is totally submitted and committed to God. This person does not allow himself to be overcome with evil; instead, he overcomes evil with good. A literal translation of this verse could be:<\/p>\n Do not be conquered under the evil one, but conquer the evil one with goodness.<\/span><\/p>\n Some would say that \u201cthe evil one<\/span>\u201d refers to Satan, for he is sometimes referred to in that manner. In this case, however, I believe Paul is referring to anyone who does evil to you. If the result of an evil act on you causes you to do evil in return, then you have succumbed to the temptation of retaliation and you have demonstrated that you are not fully submitted to God. But, if evil is done to you and there is within you the ability to plan and carry out goodness toward the one doing evil, then you are showing that you are still lying on the alter, a living sacrifice to God, and He will use you when you live that way.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not easy to remain on the altar because we each have a sin nature that wants us to be in control and wants to get even with those who hurt us. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit we can remain submitted to our Lord and we can respond to the evil done to us with goodness. That\u2019s sacrificial living. It\u2019s pleasing to God because it allows Him to receive all the glory and all the praise.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span> <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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