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                               Faith Is the Victory that Overcomes the World (February 20, 2023)

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

We live in an evil world now ruled by Satan and mired in the deadly grips of sin that separates us from a righteous God who first loved us and created us in His own image to have dominion over the earth. Deceived by this formidable demonic foe who seeks our defeat, mankind rebelled against God, allowing sin and death to enter what our Creator had conceived as a perfect eternal paradise. Thankfully, however, as children of God, Scripture declares, “You are of God, little children…and have overcome…because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”  (1 John 4:4) The good news is that as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we can take refuge from the troubles, trials, and tribulations of this fallen world and enter into the peaceful haven of rest offered by a Savior who has overcome the world.

“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)

Every person who earnestly trusts that Jesus’ brutal death on the cross, His burial in a now-empty tomb, and His triumphant resurrection on the third day secured their salvation and everlasting life has been reborn spiritually and freed from bondage to sin and spiritual death. As the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus has assured His earthly followers that, while we will experience tribulation and suffering for His sake, we will ultimately share His glory as the eternal heavenly beneficiaries of His resounding defeat of Satan at Calvary. As born-again believers who’ve welcomed the LORD into our repentant hearts, by God’s grace, our faith in Christ has given us victory over Satan and made us not only overcomers but “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)



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