Introduction:
One of the great positional truths for the Christian is that he has victory in Jesus. This victory is not some future goal to be attained but a present continuous reality. No matter what our circumstances, we need to know that we are victorious in Christ at all times. Let us hold on to this truth today so as to bring our experience up to the level of this higher reality.
I Victory: God’s Will for us
i) Triumphant procession: The image here is of a victorious Roman general returning from battle with captives in his train. The difference is that now the captives are joining in the victory. Cf., Eph 4:18, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to me.
ii) Legal basis of victory: Col 2:14-15, another picture of the victory of Christ: disarmed principalities and powers, canceled written code – the legal grounds for the enemy to harass and vex us, nailed it to the cross (illustr. Martin Luther nailing theses to the door of the church). Jesus born, lived and died under the law, embodiment of the law nailed, made ineffective by the cross.
iii) Disarmed principalities: Satan is still a foe but without arms, weapons. Like a roaring lion, 1Pe 5:8. Satan has no weapons save the weapons we give him: sin, ignorance and fear. His strategy is one of deceit.
iv) Our faith makes this victory a reality: 1Jo 5:4-5, we overcome the world, the flesh and Satan by our faith in the victory that we have in Christ. We don’t feel like it but we confess it and act like it until the victory becomes a reality.
II Victory: What it is not.
i) Absence of trials: Phi 4:11b-13: Paul learned the secret of being content in all circumstances. In this world we will have trouble (Joh 16:33) but Jesus has overcome the world.
ii) No attacks from the devil: We are in constant battle, Eph 6:12. Some battles we may lose but the finally victory is assured.
iii) Something future: There is a future aspect, the consummation of the victory but it is a present reality.
iv) Maturity: Being mature in Christ is not victory but a result of walking in victory, e.g. children of Israel’s victories at the Red Sea, Jericho, etc. received by faith but maturity came as they progressed from victory to victory.
IIIVictory: How to walk in it?
i) Know that it is ours: Hos 4:6, for lack of knowledge my people perish, e.g., Japanese soldier after WW II on Pacific Island.
ii) Determine to walk in victory: 1Jo 2:6 we must walk as Jesus did.
iii) Identify areas of defeat and claim victory:
iv) Be quick to confess sin: Mat 5:25, 1Jo 1:9, give no place for the enemy.
v) Meditate on the Word: Fill up your armoury, Jos 1:8.
vi) Be vigilant: 1Pe 5:8, enemy prowls around.
vii) Be open to ministry from others:
Conclusion:
Victory is ours today. It is God’s will for us to walk in continuous victory in Christ. Let us determine to do that.
