August
5, 2003
VICTORY
THAT OVERCOMES THE WORLD
"Whatever
is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory
that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes
the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
(1 John 5:4, 5, NKJV).
Have
you ever considered the statement, "You are as strong
as that in which you place your faith." We place our
faith in all kinds of things, services and people every day.
We have faith that our car will get us to where we want to
go. We believe that water will flow when we turn on the faucet.
We place our faith in the Airlines when we travel by air.
We place our faith to a certain degree in our government and
the local police force. When we place our faith in these services
and things, we are rewarded according to the strength and
dependability of the service provider. If we do not trust
a certain provider for some reason, we generally will not
use that provider. So it is, when we place our faith and trust
in the promises of God, we are rewarded according to the power
and dependability of the Word of God and His promises.
Jesus
speaks with power and authority. What He says is done. His
power is in His word. He speaks the word and it is so. "For
He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast"
(Psalm 33:9). "For He commanded and they were created"
(Psalm 148:5). When a centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant,
Jesus said, " 'Go your way; and
as you have believed, so let it be done for you.' And
his servant was healed that same hour" (Matthew 8:13).
When a woman touch His garment, "she said to herself,
'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.' Jesus
turned around, and when He saw her He said, 'Be
of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well'
" (Matthew 9:21, 22).
God rewards
the faith of those who seek Him. "Ask,
and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock,
and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives,
and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened"
(Matthew 7:7,8). This is the promise of Jesus.
Without
faith, we do not rely on His Word, and therefore limit what
He is willing to do for us. "Without faith it is impossible
to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He
is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek
Him" (Hebrews 11:6). He who believes and trusts that
Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world. Who is he who
overcomes the world? He who believes that Jesus is the Son
of God! (1 John 5:5).
|
