The church is called to overcome the world, but what does that mean?
Primarily, we overcome by persisting in the faith, despite all obstacles.
Verse 7 of this passage contains a highly significant textual variant. The history of this variant is instructive and helps us to understand why not printing this verse doesn't make modern bible versions demonic, and why King James Onlyism tends to falter in this area.
Also, caution is necessary when listening to someone preach who doesn't understand textual variants, because sometimes they can make the content in a questionable variant the entire point of their sermon, which simply does injustice to the full text.
In light of all that, and the legitimate, contextual interpretation of v.8, we learn that, for the church living in a world that loves risky behavior, but hates having to deal with the consequences of risky behavior, the solution is not to shun all risk, but to boldly take risks for the sake of the clear commands of Scripture, because our sovereign God is faithful, He honors His Word, and He takes care of His own.
