Victory: Overcoming the enemy in our daily battles
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· 23 viewsOur enemy attacks us constantly, trying to render us ineffective for Christ, but we can enjoy victory through faith in Jesus Christ.
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On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed between the United States and Great Britain, thus officially ending the War of 1812. However, without social media, television, or radio, many battles continued to be fought. Such was the case with Andrew Jackson - future President of the United States - who led his militia into one of the bloodiest and fiercest battles of the entire war when they met the British army in the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815.
Such was the case with Andrew Jackson - future President of the United States - who led his militia into one of the bloodiest and fiercest battles of the entire war when they met the British army in the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815.
Although the war was officially over, Jackson’s militia continued to fight for freedom, seeking to retain the liberty that was provided in the Revolutionary War. Many of these were pirates who were undeserving of freedom, native Americans who were not accepted by society, slaves who were in oppressive and abusive circumstances and disrespected by popular public opinion, and others were soldiers who were viewed as rebels and traitors by the British army. Regardless, the war was over, but they didn’t know. They kept on fighting.
The future President Andrew Jackson led his militia against the British forces
Regardless, the war was over, but they didn’t know. They kept on fighting.
We are engaged in spiritual warfare. We face an enemy that is ruthless, crafty, and very experienced. We are fighting for the souls of men, women, boys, and girls across the world and across the street. We are fighting to reach the next generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and train them to carry the light of the Gospel to a world so desperate for truth!
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
One of the most effective tactics of our enemy is to engage us in battles over which God has already provided victory! As long as he can occupy our time with battling these attacks, he knows we are not going forward for the cause of Christ. These attacks appear in the form of doubt, discouragement, and even depression.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
In a recent report presented by the LA county Inter-agency on Child Abuse and Neglect, Michael Pines of the Chicago School of Psychology reported that teen suicides in Los Angeles reached an all time high in 2017 increasing from 16 in 2016 to 27 in 2017. Most of the suicides were committed by 16 and 17 year olds.
The report stated that while most teenagers do not leave notes, their social media often gives clues as to why they would take such drastic measures. The most common factors are failed relationships and depression.
Often parents may sense these symptoms in their teens, but because of a fear of rejection or making their teen upset, they often don’t say anything. Those wrestling with these issues often withdraw. They do not reach out. It is not unusual for them to not respond when you reach out to them.
That is why I will straight up bug you to death if you don’t respond to my texts or calls! I want you to know you are loved and you are valuable!!!
Just because we are believers does not mean that we are not subject to these battles. In fact, BECAUSE you are a believer, Satan will often paint a target on your back and focus his efforts in an attempt to bring you down.
The world’s system is anti-God and against anything holy and righteous. As a result, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, the world is your enemy. The world will attack and oppress.
Have you ever seen a time like the one in which we are living when you disagree with someone and they accuse you of hating them? When we say someone is wrong, we are accused of hate speech.
When we say someone is wrong, we are accused of hate speech.
How often do you see those holding biblical positions on cultural issues taking to the streets, yelling, screaming, vandalizing, and disrespecting authorities? It doesn’t happen!
I have found that often those who go overboard in their demonstrations are only acting out in response to the insecurities and struggles in their hearts and minds. They are miserable, conflicted, and sad! My heart breaks for these.
These insecurities and divisions are not necessary. You do not have to go on through your life struggling with these issues. Jesus said that He is come to give life more abundantly!
Jesus said that He is come to give life more abundantly!
Jesus won the victory for us when He died on the cross and rose again from the grave after three days. It is that victory that we can enjoy each and every day of our lives because in Jesus, we are more than conquerors.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Jesus has made us MORE than conquerors, so 1 John tells us
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Now, many times, someone who is saved will read this verse and begin to wonder if they are truly saved since they sin and struggle with sin from time to time. In reality, according to , we have already overcome the world - we need only to live in that victory!
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Positionally, with Christ, we have overcome the world, but practically, in this life, we still face this enemy and as children of God, we are called, commanded, equipped, and empowered to:
Positionally, with Christ, we have overcome the world, but practically, in this life, we still face this enemy and as children of God, we are called, commanded, equipped, and empowered to:
Overcome the World
Overcome the World
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6
We are not servants of sin. We are not under the power of the world, living in subjection to its system. The world does not understand us or really know us. So they attack. We need to and can overcome the world’s
We are not under the power of the world. we are not servants of sin, living in subjection to its system. The world does not understand us or really know us. So they attack. We need to and can overcome the world’s
We are not under the power of the world. we are not servants of sin, living in subjection to its system. The world does not understand us or really know us. So they attack. We need to and can overcome the world’s
Lures
Lures
The world seeks to makes anything look good if it goes against God. It will pull you in use you, abuse you, and leave you crumpled on the floor feeling like a piece of trash. Oh, there was fun at times, but the consequences in the end were not worth it!
I have heard that many people who use drugs often have to use more because they feel so terrible about using in the first place! They gave in to peer pressure and a desire to be accepted by a group of so called friends, so they started getting high. While they are using, they often think, “What a loser! I can’t cope with life without getting high! This is awful! I don’t like feeling like this! I need something to make this feeling go away! Hey, what about a hit?!?” - and the cycle continues.
Free sex or this idea of friends with benefits sounds great to a young person driven by hormones and led by their flesh, but when you wind up with some kind of disease, you will probably wish you had taken heed to the warnings.
God is all wise and all knowing. In His love and care for us, He gave us this warning in Scripture:
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death.
Then, in Hebrews, we are encouraged:
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
The world lures you with many enticing things, but remember, there are always strings and hooks attached!
The world lures you with many enticing things, but remember, there are always strings and hooks attached!
We also are enabled to overcome the world’s
Labels
Labels
The world says, You are hopeless, worthless, dumb, unloveable, broken, weak, shameful, useless, enslaved, failure, and the list goes on.
Maybe that is what you were. It is certainly what I was. Notice I am using past tense verbs - were and was. These labels no longer apply to us.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Also, it is important that we do not believe the world’s
Also, it is important that we do not believe the world’s
Lures
Lures
The world seeks to makes anything look good if it goes against God.
Lies
Lies
When you find yourself caught in a trap set by the world, the flesh, or the devil, it is important that we discern between truth and lies. Satan and the world will tell you
Lies about the Solution
Lies about the Solution
They will say you must
Do more
Do more
The more you do, the better you are. It is a performance based acceptance and lifestyle.
Try harder
Try harder
If you are not achieving the standard that the world has told you that you must live up to, you are not trying hard enough. Try harder!
Be better
Be better
They will say that if you are going to be better, it depends upon you determining to be the best version of yourself that you can be. They will say that you must look out for number one and follow your heart.
You must remember though that it was doing that that got you in this predicament in the first place!
Lies about God
Lies about God
Richard Dawkins, the self proclaimed militant atheist, attempts to mock God and His Word, comparing our belief in God to a belief in a flying spaghetti monster. Those who consider themselves to be among the intellegencia of our day will try so hard to come up with reasons why there can be no God.
We simply look to the creation and see that the order and design testify of the reality of a creator and His name is Jehovah!
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
They will say that if there is a God He is aloof, doesn’t care, He is cruel, and He certainly is anything but good because He allows all this hurt and pain.
They simply do not know Him! Without knowing Him, they cannot understand His ways. Not understanding His ways, they do not want to submit to Him. So it is easier to make assumptions and accuse God.
After going through every imaginable hurt that Satan brought against him, the Bible says of Job:
Job1
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Lies about the Bible
Lies about the Bible
Lies about the Bible
Lies about the Bible
The world seeks to cause you to question the authenticity, authority, and author of the Bible. They will say there are contradictions, but the only true contradictions are not found within its pages but between our lives and the Bible!
God’s Word is true, and It is eternal. God wrote It the way He meant It. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to submit to It and obey It.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2 Peter
It is not about what we like or want, it is not about what you may or may not have experienced, it is not about what society approves, it is not about what is popular in our culture, it is all about what the Bible says.
Lies about culture
Lies about culture
Some have taken the approach of conforming to culture in order to reach them. If we do that though, what motivation does the lost have for coming to Christ? If we are just like them, why would they want salvation?
You see, in order to reach the world with the Gospel, we cannot believe its lies about culture that tell us to blend in.
Think about this statement:
“There are some in these apostate days who think that the church cannot do better than to come down to the world to learn her ways, follow her maxims, and acquire her ‘culture.’ In fact, the notion is that the world is to be conquered by our conformity to it. This is as contrary to Scripture as the light is to the darkness.” - Charles Spurgeon
Other than a few antiquated words, it would not surprise anyone if that were made by a contemporary pastor or author, but it was made by Charles Spurgeon back in the 1800’s. He knew back then that the answer is not to just blend in or to excuse what the Bible calls sin.
Thousands have given their lives for the sake of the truth. When standing against the world, they have paid with their lives. This has been true since Jesus gave His life for us and it continues to be true today!
He knew back then that the answer is not to just blend in or to excuse what the Bible calls sin. The so called Equality Act that has passed through Congress is an effort to do just that, but those who are pushing for such legislation cannot and will not find peace in legalizing sin. Often these efforts are masked by explanations of something that sounds pretty good. For instance, the proponents of the Equality Act says that it prohibits discrimination, but instead, it legalizes biological boys going into the girls bathrooms/ locker rooms, showers, etc. based upon what they say they identify as at that time.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The so called Equality Act that has passed through Congress is an effort to do just that, but those who are pushing for such legislation cannot and will not find peace in legalizing sin. Often these efforts are masked by explanations of something that sounds pretty good. For instance, the proponents of the Equality Act says that it prohibits discrimination, but instead, it legalizes biological boys going into the girls bathrooms/ locker rooms, showers, etc. based upon what they say they identify as at that time.
If you would like to read about our brothers and sisters who have given their lives for the cause of Christ, I encourage you to read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs by John Foxe, The Trail of Blood by J.M.Carroll, and a new book recently released by Striving Together Publications entitled Outsiders by Paul Chappell.
Men and women have faithfully stood against the tide of culture in order to proclaim the truth of the Word of God and the Way of salvation! Culture continually stands against us and is going further all the time in its efforts to stop the proclaiming of God’s Truth.
The so called Equality Act that has passed through Congress is an effort to do just that, but those who are pushing for such legislation cannot and will not find peace in legalizing sin. Often these efforts are masked by explanations of something that sounds pretty good. For instance, the proponents of the Equality Act says that it prohibits discrimination, but instead, it strips away the rights from churches or anyone take a biblical stand against lifestyles the Bible calls abominable.
Furthermore, it strips away the rights from churches or anyone really to deny employment to those who engage in lifestyles the Bible calls abominable.
Right here in our state, last year, Assemblyman Evan Low introduced AB 2943, a bill that would have prohibited counselors (including pastors or church leaders) from counseling someone to turn away from same sex lifestyles. Now, he has introduced a resolution that would carry the power of the state to officially urge pastors, churches, and any influential organization to stop counseling those who identify as LGBTQ+ or are struggling with their identities to turn away from following their desires and to follow after righteousness.
We do not seek to legislate morality, but I do not believe it pleases God to legislate immorality either! We do not want to conform unbelievers to a set of standards that would cause them to feel righteous and thereby gain a sense that they are in a right standing with the Lord.
We do, however, want to take a stand in order to retain the rights and freedoms we have been granted by our founding fathers when they organized and formed this nation based upon the principles of righteousness, godliness, and integrity. That is not to say that they were perfect men - not many are. In fact, there has only been one perfect man - Jesus Christ, the God-man, and people following their culture killed Him.
Culture is the way of life of a group of people. There are many things about the culture that are wonderful an to be celebrated, but there are many things about culture that need to be changed. The real changes will not take place until they get to know Jesus and how much He loves them. When they yield to Him, He will transform their lives!
Lies about sin
Lies about sin
The world says, if it feels good or if you want to do it, go ahead; but just because you can does not mean you should! Sin always comes with consequences. Mankind has always tried to figure out a way to circumvent the sowing and reaping process when it comes to the wages of sin. You will NOT be able to escape. Whatsoever a man soweth that SHALL he also reap!
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
So don’t buy into the lies of the world. Overcome the world! How?
Overcome by Faith
Overcome by Faith
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The world says there is no use in trying to overcome. This is the way it is and you might as well go along. God says, Stand against sin and live righteously. The attacks will come against you, but through faith, you will be victorious!
This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
“…this IS the VICTORY that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (emphasis mine)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
God has given to us all a measure of faith. Exercise that faith and
Believe God’s Promises
Believe God’s Promises
He Loves Me
He Loves Me
The world says you are unloveable, God says, “I Love You!!!”
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
He Accepts Me
He Accepts Me
The world says you are rejected. God says Christ has made us accepted in the beloved!
to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved:
Believe God’s Perspective
Believe God’s Perspective
Who He says I am
Who He says I am
Redeemed, more than conquerors, saved, children of God!
Believe God’s Power
Believe God’s Power
He Fixes my Brokenness
He Fixes my Brokenness
He Heals My Hurt
He Heals My Hurt
He Strengthens My Weakness
He Strengthens My Weakness
It is not just having faith that brings victory. It is the object of our faith.
Overcome through Jesus
Overcome through Jesus
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
When you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, when you trust in Jesus as your Saviour, when you are born again into God’s family, you are an overcomer! You have overcome the world! It is not through your wit and wisdom, not by your strength or intellect, not by your efforts at being good but by the righteousness of Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection.
We can try to find victory over discouragement through friends, and friends are important - we need community, but you will find that when you are away from them the old discouragements return the loneliness, the sadness. However, when your relationships are built upon the foundation of Jesus, when you go your way, Jesus goes with you and keeps you encouraged - if you will listen to and trust in Him!
You can have victory in Jesus because He has already overcome the world!
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Regardless of what the world says and how fierce it comes after you, remember, Jesus has already overcome the world and given you that victory! Because of your faith in Jesus, you are victorious!
Thank you, JESUS!
So, child of God, are you tired of being defeated, discouraged, weak, and worried? Believe Jesus and hear Him call to you,
Are you tired of being defeated, discouraged, weak, and worried? Believe Jesus and hear Him call to you,
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
We do not have to live defeated, discouraged lives. We are overcomers. We are victorious. We are on the side that has won.
Don’t give in to the attack of the enemy who has lost. Rely on Jesus Who has given victory!