LESSON: ROMANS 5:1-5

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. 1 John 5:4

Must we not declare that faith which can withstand such mighty enemies as death and the devil, and carry off the victory, is something surpassingly great and wonderful? It is, indeed, as John says, “the victory that overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:4.

Not that all this comes to pass in peace and quietness. This involves a battle which cannot be fought without bloody wounds. In this strife the heart also feels sin, death, the flesh, the devil, and the world so strongly, that it cannot help thinking that all is lost, that sin and death have gained the victory and the devil is on top. It feels little of the power of faith.

This is also the state of affairs in this Gospel of the stilling of the tempest (Matthew 8:23-27), when the waves not only buffet the ship, but actually engulf it. It appears that the ship must go down and sink. All this time Christ is lying asleep. There is no hope of life here: death is on top and has scored a victory. Life is lying vanquished. But this is only how matters stand if one judges solely by appearances. As disciples of Christ, we must not draw conclusions and act simply on appearances, but by faith.

SL.XI.500,6

AE 76,284

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, appearances and experiences in this world so often belie our hopes as your disciples. At such times fill our hearts with courageous faith and hope which never falter but cling even more firmly to you when dark clouds hover above us. Amen.

LESSON: 1 PETER 5:6-11

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Who can withstand the ragings of the devil with his countless cunning suggestions and insinuations by which he hinders God’s Word, faith and hope, and occasions so many errors and sects, and so much seduction, heresy, despair, and superstition – abominations without number? Over against the devil, the whole world is like a spark of fire in a spring of water. The world perforce is subject to the devil, as we also see, hear, and comprehend.

But faith gives the devil something to think about. It not only withstands his temptations, but also exposes his villainy so that his treachery does not succeed at all. He becomes wearied and gives up. We see this also today from what is happening with indulgences.

Similarly, no one can appease and quiet the slightest sin; it keeps on biting and gnawing at one’s conscience so that no help would come even if the whole world would comfort and stand by such a person. He would have to be consigned to hell.

Here faith emerges as a real hero; it quiets all sins even if they were as many as the whole world has committed.

SL.XI.500,5

AE 76,285

PRAYER: We know that your salvation, O Lord, is sufficient for the needs of all sinners. In this confidence grant us the strength of faith to withstand all the wiles of the devil when he tries to fill our hearts with unbelief and to rob us of the faith that saves us. Amen.

LESSON: JOHN 15:18-27

Whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. 1 John 5:4

God so arranges matters that our faith is not called upon to concern itself with unimportant matters, but with matter which exceed the competence of all men, matters such as death, sin, the world, and the devil.

There is no one in the whole world who can withstand death. All men flee from death and quake in terror before it. Nevertheless, they are overtaken by death. But faith remains firm and stands up against death which gobbles up the whole world. It conquers death and devours this ravenous glutton.

So also, the whole world cannot constrain or suppress the flesh. It is in control of the whole world and what it wills must happen, so that the whole world is fleshly. But faith takes hold of the flesh and subdues it. Faith bridles the flesh into obedience.

Similarly, no man can endure the raging, persecution, blasphemy, reproach, hatred, and jealousy of the world. Every man gives way and becomes exhausted. The world gains the upper hand and carries off the victory. It makes a mockery of faith and treads it under foot, and even finds joy and pleasure in all this.

Faith alone is the victory that overcomes the world.

SL.XI.499,4

AE 76,284

PRAYER: We know, O Christ, that by your glorious resurrection from the dead you have conquered and destroyed death as far as we are concerned. Keep us ever mindful of this truth, especially in the hour of death and amidst the ragings of the world. Amen.