January 5: Fathered of God

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been fathered by God, and everyone who loves the father loves the child fathered by him. By this we know that we love the children of God: whenever we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments do not weigh us down, because everyone who has been fathered by God conquers the world. This is the conquering power that has conquered the world: our faith. Now who is the person who has conquered the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.  (1 John 5:1-5 — New English Translation)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been fathered by God… everyone who has been fathered by God conquers the world. These two statements are a summation of the truth of God. Understanding and applying these truths will give us victory in life. If we are sick of defeat, if we are tired of being a victim of circumstances and the oppression of demons, the ideas spoken about in these verses have the power to turn our situations around.

Conquering the world means something completely different to most people. The world sees it as financial success, possessions, money, fame, holidays, being respected by their peers, driving a certain car or living in a certain neighborhood, having a family, etc. God sees conquering the world as having victory over sin, over demons, over the flesh, experiencing the presence of God, and adopting His nature. Conquering the world in God’s eyes is being saved, something that cannot be bought with money, and yet costs all that a person has (Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price). When we are born of God — or fathered of God — that is when we truly conquer the world. All other attempts are false and short-lived.

If you have not yet undergone the radical change of being fathered of God, changed into His image, I encourage you to fight for this with all the strength you have as we start this new year. Our lives are a waste as long as we lack His presence. Tell God that you are not content with the life that your parents gave you, you want the life that only He can give.