The verb "to overcome" (νικάω, nikaoo) has been used earlier in this epistle. In 1 John 2:13–14 young men are said to have overcome the evil one. Believers in general have also overcome the antichrist and his followers. The theme of overcoming also appears repeatedly in the book of Revelation with respect to the faithful believers who would overcome (see the letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor, Revelation 2:1 – 3:22).1
5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?