Victory In Jesus

Sermon for 3/23/2008 Easter

Victory

Introduction:

A. Veteran newsman Howard Smith tells a wonderful remark from Winston Churchill the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. After the fall of France to the Nazis in May, 1940, until December 1941, Great Britain basically fought the war against Germany alone. President Roosevelt did what he could to help the British, but too many voices in America called on him to keep out of “another of Europe’s wars.” In London, when Winston Churchill received news of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he knew exactly how this nation would respond. He is said to have uttered, “So- we have won!”

B. I can imagine that when the Lord Jesus went to the cross and His disciples scattered, when the nails were driven in and the forces of hell were cackling with glee, when the Savior breathed his last and it looked like all His work had come to naught, an angel in heaven turned to another and said, “So- we have won.”

C. Read Matthew 28:1-8

WBTU:

A. This victory is just not for Jesus Christ but for all of his followers. He declares that the victory has been won and He grants that victory to us.

B. Read 1 Corinthians 15:51- 57

C. We can live a victorious life through Jesus Christ!

Thesis: This morning let’s talk specifically about the areas of life where we can have the victory.

For instances:

I. Victory over sin and evil habits.

A. Jesus Christ breaks the power of sin in our lives. Without Jesus Christ, we have no choice but to do what comes naturally. What comes naturally? (Titus 3:3 NIV) At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

B. But Christ has saved us from all of that because we have the Spirit of Christ. (Titus 3:4 NIV) But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,(Titus 3:5 NIV) he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,(Titus 3:6 NIV) whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

A. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior soon find that loyalty to Him brings trouble as the forces of hell work day and night to break down the allegiance to God’s Son. Our temptations multiply instead of diminish.

B. We can triumph over temptations if we turn to the Lord, since He knows our every weakness. (Heb 4:15 NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.

D. Jesus knows how to help us. There is always a way out. (1 Cor 10:13 NIV) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

E. Nothing is so strong, no sin is so long standing and powerful, that it cannot be broken by Jesus Christ’s power!

F. It may take time and effort on our part, but through Jesus Christ it can be done! Might need someone to make us accountable because the urge to sin can make us rationalize and justify anything. (James 5:16 NIV) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

G. Don’t let anyone tell us that we cannot change. (Mark 10:27 NIV) Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

II. Victory over fear

A. People are afraid of many things. We are only to fear one and that is God.

B. Those who trust in Jesus have nothing to fear. (Mat 28:9 NIV) Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.(Mat 28:10 NIV) Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

C. Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He hold the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.

III. Victory over life’s trails and tragedies

A. Never has a burden been so heavy that He could not share it or lift it. (Mat 11:28 NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.