Instructions For Victory

Instructions For Victory

Text: 1 Cor.15: 57; 2 Cor.2: 14

Intro: Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe has a saying that I have found helpful for many years. It goes something like this: “We aren’t fighting for victory; we’re fighting from victory.”(1) “But,” you may ask, “if we are fighting from victory rather than fighting for victory, why is the title of your message, “Instructions For Victory?” The answer to that question is simply that while the child of God positionally possesses victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil, because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, they do not always possess spiritual victory in the practical sense. Sad but true is the fact that many saints are living in spiritual defeat on a regular basis. But as the Apostle Paul pointed out in our texts, spiritual victory is the positional possession of every Christian.

While numerous other biblical factors could perhaps be expounded and elaborated upon, with reference to this topic, I want to focus on three principles that, if practiced, will pave the way for spiritual victory in the life of the saints of God. All of this of course, precludes the fact that we must rely wholly on God’s wisdom and power daily, as we face life’s challenges, and engage the spiritual enemies of Christ-likeness.

Theme: If we are to be victorious in the Christian life, we must learn to…

I. FLEE

A. We Must Flee Wrong Doctrine.

1 Tim.6: 3 “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

NOTE: [1] Obviously, in the verses above, Paul was not criticizing legitimate teachers of the Scriptures, but those who taught false doctrines contrary to the clear teachings of God’s Word, and quibbled over scripture for their personal gain. The NLT is helpful here:

1 Tim.6: 3 “Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.”(2)

[2] Watch out for false doctrine. Just because Dr. Knothead, on the History Channel, claims there was no miracle involved in the parting of the Red Sea, allowing the children of Israel to walk through, doesn’t mean he’s telling the truth. Tozer had this to say about such things:

We have gotten accustomed to the blurred puffs of gray fog that pass for doctrine in churches and expect nothing better. From some previously unimpeachable sources are now coming vague statements consisting of a milky admixture of Scripture, science, and human sentiment that is true to none of its ingredients because each one works to cancel the others out. Little by little Christians these days are being brainwashed. One evidence is that increasing numbers of them are becoming ashamed to be found unequivocally on the side of truth. They say they believe, but their beliefs have been so diluted as to be impossible of clear definition. Moral power has always accompanied definite beliefs. Great saints have always been dogmatic. We need a return to a gentle dogmatism that smiles while it stands stubborn and firm on the Word of God that lives and abides forever.(3)

B. Flee Worldly Discontent.

1 Tim.6: 6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11a But thou, O man of God, flee these things…”

NOTE: [1] The word “contentment” of verse six carries the following idea:

…an inward self-sufficiency, as opposed to the lack or the desire of outward things. It was a favorite Stoic word, expressing the doctrine of that sect that a man should be sufficient unto himself for all things…(4)