(Audio)
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong and the word of God remains in you,
and you have conquered the Evil One.
Not just young men, but all people young and old can say this. We can take heart in our troubles because Jesus has overcome the world.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (see John 16:33).
In him we too are conquerors.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (see Romans 8:37).
But we need reminders about this truth. We don't always feel victorious. We often feel, in fact, as if the circumstances are winning, or our sin is winning, or the fallen tendencies of the world are winning. So we need to be intentional about remembering. We need to believe our faith more than we believe our feelings.
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith (see First John 5:4).
John writes to help his audience remember important truths. They know the Father, they know him who is from the beginning, they have conquered. It is only from this vantage point that he asks them to address the places in their lives that still need work.,
Do not love the world or the things of the world.
We can learn so much from this! If we spend more time confessing what is true about us in Jesus we will be better equipped to pursue holiness. If we insist on trying to fix ourselves first, especially if we insist on trying to fix our feelings first, it isn't going to work.
Anna is someone who knows and believes the truth of God's promises. She doesn't have much to go on in terms of worldly fulfillment. The fulfillment of God's promise in Jesus is everything to her. Because she has learned to rely on her belief she is able to receive the consolation of its fulfillment.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
Some commentators have said that this is an understatement. It is as though she goes a little out of her mind with joy. This is a true and lasting joy which we too can know in our own lives. But it starts with believing in what is already true about ourselves in Christ.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
Suggestion: Throughout the day say "I am strong and I have conquered" especially when challenges arise, out loud if possible.
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