7 May, 2023

LIVING IN VICTORY

(Christian Living 23)

On the Cross, our Lord shouted “It is Finished!” and He gave up His Spirit. It was a Shout pf Victory. At His death, Christ conquered sin, death, Hell and Satan. By His Resurrection He sealed this victory forever. Hence the Apostle Paul declared, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.15:57). He also said, “Now thanks be to God Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2 Cor.2:14 -NKJV).

The one who seeks to hinder our victory is the devil. He will do that by tempting us, making us doubt God’s Word and lie to us, as he did in the Garden of Eden. Christ called him a “thief” and said, “The thief comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10). Notice his evil works: he comes to steal our blessings, kill us before time and destroy our souls through deception, temptation, and bondage. Thank God for the coming of our Lord Jesus: “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Hallelujah!

So what must we do in order to be living in victory all the time?
1. We need to depend on the Lord Jesus Christ completely.
Notice the promise: “He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.15:57), and “He always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Cor.2:14). This has to do with our close relationship in Christ: “I AM the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Paul testified, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Phil. 2:13).

2. We need to walk in faith.
The Bible says, “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor.5:7) and that “without Faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb.11:6). There is power in faith: faith to move mountains, heal the sick and cast out demons. But in personal life faith gives us victory over sin, temptation, and the flesh. The Apostle John said, “This is the victory that overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). The whole world is under the power of the devil (1 John 5:19) and is therefore the evil force that influences people to sin and turn against God. That is why the Bible warns us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15).

3. We need to walk in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the power of God in us. Our Lord said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). That means we must be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can walk in Him. The Bible says, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal.5:16). Before Jesus was tempted of the devil, we are told that He was “led of the Spirit”. That means He was walking under the power and control of the Holy Spirit. Hence He could overcome all the attacks and temptations of the devil. So can we! AMEN! 

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