0833. The Faith That Overcomes

The Faith That Overcomes

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even oar faith.

"Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1Jn_5:4-5).

There are three great foes that beset the Christian's pathway. These foes are strong against all who love the Lord. They are the world, the flesh and the devil. They attack from around, from within and from above.

1. In meeting the world, God has provided us with victorious faith. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

Of course, this faith is the exclusive possession of those who are born of God and who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

The unbelievers are children of the wicked one. The wicked one is the prince of this world and his children walk according to the course of the world.

Believers are called out of the world, they are not of the world. The very fact that they are born from above is proof sufficient that the world hateth them.

Believers overcome the world by faith because faith aligns them with the great Overcomer, the Lord Jesus Christ. His victory is their victory; they are led in the train of His triumphs.

Believers overcome the world by faith because they go outside the camp with their Lord; they hold in their vision another age and a better, and refuse to be conformed to this one.

2. In meeting the flesh God provides us with a victorious faith. The flesh is our "old man," our self life–the deadly foe of the "new man," the life begotten of God.

Through the "hearing of faith" the Spirit was received; the Spirit wars against the flesh; if we walk in the Spirit we are victors and will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh; finally, this walk is a walk of faith for "we walk by faith and not by sight." Thus our victory over the flesh is through the indwelling Spirit, but is also by faith.

3. In meeting the devil God has provided us a victorious faith. It is "the shield of faith that overcomes all the fiery darts of the wicked one." Satan is easily overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony–but both the saving, sheltering Blood, and the testimony of saints is the accomplishment of faith.

Thus faith holds an important place in the overcoming life.

"O for a faith that will not shrink,

Though pressed by every foe;

That will not tremble on the brink

Of any earthly woe.

"That will not murmur or complain,

Beneath the chastening rod,

But, in the hour of grief or pain,

Will lean upon its God.

"A faith that shines more bright and clear

When tempests rage without;

And when in danger knows no fear,

In darkness feels no doubt.

"Lord, give us such a faith as this,

And then, whate'er may come,

We'll taste e'en here the hallowed bliss

Of an eternal home."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR