Paul and his fellow-apostles and prophets were the church’s “foundation” (Ephesians 2:20 cf. Ephesians 3:5; 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28). We today do not lay that foundation again by claiming to be apostles and prophets. Rather, we build on the foundational truths God established so firmly through His inspired apostles and prophets. We build with full confidence, knowing how completely Christ has defeated Satan and the sinful world. As He says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him (Colossians 2:15).27 M
Furthermore, He shares that victory with us right now.
… you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14). M
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). M
Look at the things we know28 as we build on Christ’s firm foundation.
- You all have knowledge (1 John 2:20).
- We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers (1 John 3:14).
- By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit (1 John 4:13).
- We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love (1 John 4:16).
- I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
- We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him (1 John 5:18).
28. Research Subject – Things “known” as certainties: John 8:32; 10:14; 15:15; Romans 5:3; 6:3-7; 8:28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 15-19; 15:58; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 5:1,6; 8:9; Galatians 1:11; Ephesians 1:9,17-18; 3:19; 6:8-9; Colossians 2:2; 3:10,24; 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; 1 Timothy 2:4; 3:15; 4:3; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 1:1-2; Hebrews 8:11; James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:18; 2 Peter 1:2-3,12; 2:20