Focus: Conquering Faith (Pt.5)

Text: 1Jh.5:4

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

By his new birth in Christ and by his faith in God the believer is sure of victory against the world. This world is totally opposed to the believer. James tells us something about this world's wisdom. He says, "This wisdom descendeth not FROM ABOVE, but is earthly, sensual, devilish" (Jam.3:15). 

James is telling us that the world's wisdom is not of God. God is not the source of it. It is not born of God. The Greek word for 'above' is anōthen. The world's wisdom is not of heavenly origin as the believer in Christ is. The believer operates with a different wisdom. James says that the world's wisdom is "earthly, sensual, devilish." You see, demons are behind the world's wisdom. It is anti-God wisdom. Paul says, "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of THIS world, nor of the princes of THIS world, that come to nought" (1Cor.2:6). 

According to Paul, this world's wisdom amounts to nothing. It creates more problems than it solves. It's a wisdom that entices, entraps and misleads. The world's wisdom is foolishness to God. This world's wisdom is useless, damning and damaging to the believer in Christ. He has no need of it. It is not beneficial or profitable to him. Paul says, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness" (1Cor.3:19). The believer makes use of God's wisdom. 

Paul says, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." God has commissioned the church to educate principalities and powers on the manifold wisdom of God. God's wisdom is variegated - multicolored. God's wisdom is ever unfolding. The believer is in possession of God's wisdom and has no need of this world's wisdom.

By his divine nature and faith the believer is adequately equipped to conquer the world's wisdom and cleverness, and all trials and temptations targeted at him by the world.

Paul writes, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col.2:8). The world's philosophy, wisdom, traditions, or rudiments are spoilers for the believer in Christ. 

Child of God, Christ is more than enough for you, and in Him you are complete. You don't need the wisdom of this world. If you lack wisdom, ask God for it. Your God-given faith relies on God's wisdom. Stay on top of the world; don't let the world stay on top of you. Conquer the world with your faith.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter