Faith is the Victory
And this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. (I John 5:4b)
I John 5:1-5; John 16:33; Luke 22:32; Rom. 10:17; Rev. 3:21
What Is God Saying?
John's first letter is addressed to Christians. It was meant for any Christian who heard it read, any time, anywhere. There is no salutation given and no place is specified. Its intent, which is boldly stated in the first sentence, is to take the things he, John, had seen and heard and even touched, and through them to proclaim ‘the Word of Life’ (1:1). This has to do with the gift of eternal life (1:2), the great fellowship we can have with each other as we grow in fellowship with the Lord (1:3), and not least to make our joy complete (1:4). So it is all for Christians and it is for all Christians for all time. It recognizes that we face many problems in the world and because of the world. The same Apostle John writes in his Gospel, ‘In the world, you have tribulation’ (not probably, not maybe, not perhaps, you do have tribulation), ‘but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). Having written that quotati0n of Christ, John in his letter confirms it by saying it is faith in the same overcoming Jesus that gives us victory over the same world. By faith, we share the victory He has won.
How Does This Apply To Us?
To put our faith in anything less than Christ is to put our faith in a losing cause. Faith in the world is a constant source of disappointment and frustration. The world cannot save us. The world seems to have given up on winning any battles at all. It is locked in the grip of the evil one and needs to be saved. It cannot do any saving. Our faith is not in the world or anything in the world: not in the sporadic efforts to clean up its act; not in the dreams of philosophical minds or the advocates of self-improvement; not in treaties and solemn assemblies; not in the beauties of nature.
As a young man, I felt close to God in the scented, soaring pines and beside the awesome canyons of Yellowstone Park, but one summer lightning fires turned it into a raging beast. Our faith in Jesus Christ is often despite the world. That is the faith that can give us hope and love. Our hope is not in vain and our love, it seems, is the only sane thing that is left in a world that is ruled by hatred and jealousy, in a world that is torn by strife and discontent. In that kind of world, we choose faith. This is the victory, the only victory that overcomes the world.
• Faith wins.
• Hope survives.
• Love triumphs.
Pray With Me
Lord, You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Faith comes from You and leads to You. From beginning to end faith cannot be complete apart from You. Today I want to know more about the power of faith. With ever firmer grasp, I would lay hold upon this unconquerable resource. It has the power to overcome the world. I want to see this gift of Your love in its true dimensions. Faith against the world! Faith is invincible! Faith is victorious!
When I am disturbed by the futility of faith in the world, give me that saving hunger that cries out for faith despite the world. You make even the wrath of man to praise You. Let me be filled with quiet assurance as I accept and use Your gift of faith. Let faith be the ideal that inspires, the light that guides, the strength that sustains, and the hope that cheers until every fear is conquered and every foe vanquished.
Help me to find and to hold this faith, not as a general mood of optimism and goodwill but as specific knowledge of the saving power and person of Jesus Christ. He alone can give the final and lasting victory to my soul for He alone has won it. He alone can help me overcome, for He alone has overcome. I simply enter to His victory. To eternity I will praise Him who has made His victory my victory, His peace my peace, and His Heaven my Heaven.
In the name of Him who has made faith a way of life through this world, to Heaven. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Jesus has made faith a way of life through this world and into Heaven. To have continuing and growing confidence in prayer, let it be based on faith at every turn. Never a request but that which believes that God can, if God wills. Never a sin confessed without believing that God wants to forgive us and is faithful and just to forgive us. Never a problem submitted without ‘believing that God gives wisdom to all men generously and without reproaching’ (James 1:5). Faith and prayer go hand in hand. Faith leads to prayer. Then prayer becomes the channel of faith. Together they spell victory, victory in Christ, by Christ, for Christ. We can't lose with that combination.
