2021-08-20 “the victory that overcometh the world”

I John 5:4  “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Spiritual birth is an act of God upon His “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (I Peter 1:2).  Those who are “born again” (John 3:1-8) are said to have been brought from death to Spiritual Life (Ephesians 2:1); essentially, they are “a new creature” (II Corinthians 5:17).  Those who are “born again” immediately know and love the Lord, they may not know much about Him at first, but they know Him, love Him, revere Him, and stand in awe of Him.  Furthermore, they strongly yearn to follow Him.  Just like a newborn child is given breath, the “born again” Child of God is given “Faith” (Hebrews 11:1).  This blessed “faith” assures us that this wicked “world” will not defeat us, for “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith”!  So, is our “God” “able” to deliver us from our present distresses!?  Listen to the “lamentable voice” of the king calling out for Daniel who was down in the den of lions, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20)!  Miraculously, Daniel answered, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me” (Daniel 6:22)!  Yes, my “faith” assures me that our “God” “is” “able” to deliver us from our present distresses.  In a time and manner pleasing to Him, He will most certainly show us that He has indeed overcome this wicked “world”.  Just a few hours before He was Crucified, our Lord told His Apostles and us that, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).  So, we should not be surprised when wickedness rears its evil head from time to time, but even in the very midst of grievous “tribulation”, our “faith” tells us that our troubles will not last forever, for “God reigneth over the heathen” (Psalms 47:8).