1 John 4:4 NIV
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.
Origin defines benefits. Sworn allegiance and citizenship define entitlements. Who I am, whose I am, and where I am determine what I have access to. The descendants to the throne do not get involved in petty squabbles; they know what is ahead, and they are prepared for it. Just as it is in the physical, so is it also relevant in the spiritual. I have to be clear about who I am and who I belong to, if I want to make demands on the benefits of the kingdom of God. Many people know about the benefits,, and there are those who will come at intervals to make claims on some benefits when it suits them, but they do not want to be subject to the dictates of that kingdom on a regular basis.
When trouble comes suddenly, as it will do, how do you help someone whose allegiance you are not sure about? How do you make heaven's resources available for someone who is not subject to it? I have victory only because I am from God. That is the simple fact that has been true from eternity. I am not called into a physical war with physical weapons of war, but into a spiritual war, with weapons that are made mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. If I do not know what these weapons are, or how best to wield them in order to maintain and sustain victory, how can I walk in the victory that has been promised by God?
His presence is the assurance I need for victory on a regular basis. It is not so much in the just the abundance of knowledge of the means of war, or battle strategies, good as these may be. I may know a lot about the devil's devices, but it is only the presence of God that can guarantee continuous victory. The One who lives in me, if I have totally and truly submitted to God is greater and bigger than the sum of all who rule over the kingdoms of the world. Even the devil knows God is greater, and that is why he sought to have Jesus bow down to him. It is the lesser that seeks the greater to bow down. Thank God Jesus knew who He is, and we who have come to trust in Him are better for it.
The biggest question here, then, is the issue of identity. It is the greatest question that I must find an answer for, if I am to walk in the victory that God's presence and power have secured for all who are in Him. Who should I follow: the One who owns and controls, and will judge the entire earth, or the one who will be judged when this present earth comes to an end? This world comes to an end at some point in time, and you do not want to be caught unawares of the coming judgement. While there is still time, make sure of your allegiance to and citizenship in God's kingdom. That is key to earthly impact and eternal life with God. God's time of favour is here.
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