Victorious

1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We see it in our love for sports and competitions of almost any kind. We love winners, and we love to celebrate when our team is victorious. It is no different in Christian circles. Churches are named Victory, bookstores are filled with titles on victorious Christian living, and conferences and seminars are held on the topic. Yet do we fully understand what Paul meant when he said, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”?

Too often, we have believed the false narrative that a victorious Christian life is when everything is going according to plan, when success comes easily and every decision is the right one. That God’s favor is a life free from struggles or conflict, when quite the opposite is true. We often forget the Apostle Paul, the one who wrote the most about a victorious Christian life, spent many of those years persecuted and in a Roman prison. A far cry from our popular definition of victorious living.

The Hebrew and Greek words translated “victory” mean deliverance or rescue, and the first step in living a victorious Christian life is acknowledging that each of us is in a constant state of needing deliverance and redemption from the penalties of our sinful nature and rescued from the consequences of both generational and personal sin. This is why Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The word “saved” literally means to be rescued, and no one can rescue themselves. 1 John 5:4-5 affirms this: “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” Jesus alone secured our victory over sin and death.

When David, a young shepherd boy, stepped onto the battlefield against Goliath, he knew his source of victory. “You come to me with sword and spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord ’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:45,47). Victory comes when we understand that it is never in our own strength or abilities but only through the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. David was "fighting from victory" rather than "for victory." He was standing firm in the assurance that the ultimate outcome is already decided. Whatever battle you are facing, if you are a child of God, then it is the Lord’s fight, and the outcome has already been decided. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom.” (1 Chronicles 29:11)

David went on to fight many battles in his time as king of Israel, and he had this to say about living the victorious life: “Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalms 20:6-7). Victory only comes from the hand of a gracious Father, and Psalms 149:4 confirms that it is given to those that surrender to Him: “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”

Jesus has conquered sin and death. Now He calls us to live as sons and daughters that have been crowned with victory.

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

Romans 8:37-39 AMP We are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us so much that He died for us. For I am convinced beyond any doubt that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the unlimited love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Exodus 14:13-14 ESV And Moses said to the people, Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

Proverbs 24:6 NIV Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.

Proverbs 21:31 NIV The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

1 John 5:4-5 AMP For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our continuing, persistent faith in Jesus the Son of God. Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.

Psalms 118:15 NIV Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!

Revelation 21:6-7 NIV He said to me: It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

John 16:33 NASB These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

Romans 12:21 AMP Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but be victorious, overcoming evil with good.

1 John 4:4 AMPC Little children, you are of God, you belong to Him and have already defeated and overcome the enemy, because He Who lives in you is greater and mightier than he who is in the world.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Ephesians 1:3 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Psalms 46:1-2 NIV God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.

Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Isaiah 54:17 NIV No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.