Victory!
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
A good starting point for the devotion for today is to define victory. It is also amazing that online dictionaries recognise victory from the perspective of the Bible, and one of the definitions available online says victory 'generally refers to triumph over adversaries, obstacles, or challenges, often signifying God's deliverance and the fulfilment of His promises'. The definition goes on to include both phyiscal and spiritual conquests, including overcoming sin and ultimately, experiencing God's redemption and eternal life through Jesus Christ'. Reflect on all the many parts that have been laid out in the many definitions above. First, there is a clear reference to a process that encompasses a battle, a fight, resistance, opposition or some form of challenge. Without the raw materials listed above, there can be no finished product.
Please ignore all messages about Christ that lays emphasis on an easy life, with no stress, pressure or challenge. That is not in line with the clear message of Christ, which says that in this world, we would have tribulation, but the counter message is that we have already been given victory through the same Christ. In the definition above, we also saw the direct reference to sin, and the fact that victory in Christ covers the scope, reach and impact of sin. That is the context of the verse above: sin has power, no doubt. It keeps its loyal and faithful subjects in bondage, and the devil will fight as long and as hard as he can to hold on to what he has. I have to know what Christ has done for me, so that I can live over and beyond the reach of sin or the devil. Knowing fuels application, and application means I can retain that which is mine by my new birth.
Whatever the devil can throw, Jesus is able to deal and defeat. No matter the depth or scope of present sin, the blood of Jesus is sufficient and capable to secure victory. I also note that the victory referenced here does not have a time limit or an area of specialisation. As long as I am IN Christ, I stand to enjoy all that He is and has. I could not even dare to secure anything of value by myself; flesh and blood can never secure the victory that only the blood of Jesus can provide. He is the One qualified to give that which He has secured by Himself. A man cannot give what he does not have. A man cannot give you what is not even sufficient for himself. It is the will of God that I live above sin and its influence and control. It is the will of God that I trust in His finished work and take hold of His life. Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. No one and nothing else will work. What is your decision? God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment