Victory - A Great Theme of the Bible

The Bible views life as a struggle, a battle, a race; and certainly not a walk in the park.  When is the last time you reminded yourself that you are in a spiritual battle and God wants you to win?  The apostle Paul described the Christian life as a race with “knowing Jesus” and inheriting heaven as the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  Are you living your Christian life as if you are in a race or are you still just going through the motions wondering why life seems so difficult?  

Life takes on new meaning and we gain renewed motivation as we begin to understand that our struggles have a purpose and God has a plan for it all.  We will never truly understand the Bible’s emphasis on victory until we embrace the spiritual reality of life-- we are engaged in a spiritual struggle.  And more importantly, God is engaged in our spiritual struggle [with us] to redeem us from sin and restore us to Himself.  True victory is found in a life-giving relationship with God through Christ--this is the great message of the Bible.  With God, we can gain the victory over spiritual enemies and receive the spiritual life which Christ has promised.  Below I have listed a few favorite scriptures on victory.

Favorite “victory” scriptures

• “With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” (Psalm 60:12)
• “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:31)
• “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)
• “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
• “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
• “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
• “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
• “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:4-5)
• “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)

For Jesus [at the cross], great victory came through defeat.  Have you ever experienced a great victory through a setback or defeat?  What we learn from Jesus‘ death on the cross is that victory can come through apparent defeat.  Jesus died on the cross, but his ending was really only the beginning!  On the third day, he rose up from the grave and accomplished victory for all of us today!  Jesus‘ death on the cross represented (1) his complete obedience to the Father’s will, and (2) his complete trust in God.  If you are not living in Christ’ victory today, it is likely that you are not walking in Christ’s obedience and trust. 

If you are willing to live in complete obedience and trust in God's will for your life, you are assured victory in Christ, even in your defeats.  What defeats are you facing?  Have you been through a divorce, suffered some form of abuse, or perhaps experienced a financial failure?  God can work through all of it, if you will turn to him and trust and obey.  God can work through your struggles, your setbacks, and even your apparent defeats to accomplish great things with your life!   I'm praying that even your defeats will become victories as you allow Christ to work in your life.  See you Sunday!  Pastor Tom