The Victory of F-A-I-T-H
Selected Scripture
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith.” 1 John 5:4
Introduction
I. F-reedom in Christ
“If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
A. Some Christians fail to enjoy their freedom in Christ. They are in bondage to circumstances, themselves, and others. Victory is available through faith.
B. Faith and repentance bring forgiveness and cleansing. Accepting Christ as Savior and Lord brings freedom and victory, enabling one to “overcome the world.” (John 8:32)
II. A-ssurance from Christ
“But Jesus,…said… “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” Mark 5:35-36
A. Many Christians are dwarfed and defeated, overwhelmed by doubts and fears because of failure to accept the assurance that comes only from Christ.
B. We can trust the Lord without reservation, confident that He is able to handle everything that comes into our lives. (Jude 24).
III. I-nvolvement for Christ
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37
A. ‘I’ stands for “Invovlement for Christ” and is the center of the word faith. Failure at this point means losing the victory of “freedom” and “assurance” and the blessings to come.
B. The victory of faith includes working for Christ, for “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). We must share Christ with the unsaved, bringing them to a knowledge of salvation. “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38 NAS
IV. T-riumph through Christ
“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
A. Many Christians live beneath their privileges. Lack of faith brings disappointment to self, discouragement to others, and displeasure to God. Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
B. Faith enables the Christian to triumph through Christ. No mountain is too steep, no valley too deep, no burden too heavy, no problem too difficult for Christ to handle. Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” NAS
V. H-eaven with Christ
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3
A. Faith is good to live by. It brings freedom, assurance, and triumph. Faith is also good to die by. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 Heaven awaits those who keep the faith.
B. The Christian’s climactic victory of faith is eternal life, peace, and love, with no more sin, sorrow, or suffering.
Conclusion
During an earthquake some years ago, the inhabitants of a small village were generally very much alarmed, but they were at the same time surprised at the calmness and apparent joy of an old woman whom they all knew. At length one of them, addressing the old woman, said, “Mother, are you not afraid?”
“No,” said the woman, “I rejoice to know that I have a God who can shake the world.”
