Past Tense

Past Tense
Words of Faith 5-30-24
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2024
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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1 John 4
[4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. [5] They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. [6] We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

I love it when the Bible speaks in past tense about things we are waiting for. That is because biblical faith speaks of things promised as accomplished facts. Biblical faith is sure of what we hope for and is certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Faith speaks confidently, especially when addressing the big battles and victories won.
All through the Hebrew Scripture of the Old Testament, the Bible speaks of God's work as already accomplished, even though the people had not yet seen those victories. The truth is that the battles were all won before they started. God delivered the land long before the Hebrews possessed it. The victory was sure even when the enemies looked powerful. Victories were won because of Almighty God.
John speaks in this same way. When we get worried about those things that are against us, when the challenges are large, when there are the perils of the antichrist and obstacles to the Kingdom, we must remember that we have already overcome—not because of our strength, but because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Do you have a battle ahead today? Jesus has won the big battle on the cross. The enemies are trampled. We need to take possession of the victory He has already established. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Lord, Jesus, I stand in Your victory today. I lift to You the battles of my day with confidence that You are in me and greater than the enemy in this world. Thank you for the battles ahead that have already been won. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2024
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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