VICTORY THROUGH STEADFASTNESS AND BELIEVING THE WORD OF GOD
2 Corinthians 2:14 Hebrews 12:2
God's original plan for His children is to have continuous victory over the enemy. At creation, He gave man dominion over all other creatures (Genesis 1:26-28). At the fall of man, he lost this opportunity (Rom 3:23). Miraculously, at the cross, Jesus Christ paid the price for our redemption and restoration of the lost dominion. At salvation, the saved souls are empowered to triumph over the enemy continuously (2 Corinthians 2:14). To maintain the life of total victory, the need for steadfastness, personal devotion and believing the word of God cannot be overemphasized in the life of such saved souls.
There is spiritual warfare for every believer to fight (Ephesians 6:12). This warfare is divided into two (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL). The internal warfare is the one Satan stages in ones heart to enslave him (Romans 7:23); While the eternal warfare is the one he uses his agents to subdue one into doing his will (Ephesians 6:12; 1Timothy 6:12). Immediately one conquers the devil by surrendering his life to Christ, the Bible enjoins him to be steadfast, stable, unmovable and to keep the faith despite the challenges of life. (Galatians 5:1; John 5:14). This can be achieved by not becoming careless or going into sin any more.
1. SATAN'S CONSTANT ATTACK ON HIS VICTIMS
Isaiah 14:17; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 4:1-4; Zechariah 3:1; Job 2:9; 1 Kings 19:4
Paul the apostle warned believers never to allow Satan get advantage of them, through his subtle devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). He fights to control man and later destroy him in order to hijack his victory (1Peter 5:8). He has no plan of releasing his captives and those who surrendered to him (Isaiah 14:17). Satan is a desperate and determined fighter. Also his agents, demons, witches and powers of darkness are like him (1Kings 20:1, 13-21, 30). The way the Philistines fought with the children of Israel is compared to the spiritual warfare believers are fighting today. The Philistines fought with Israel throughout the reign of Saul (1Samuel 14:52), the reign of David (1 Samuel 19:8) and beyond (1Chronicles 20:4-8).
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ disclosed the scope of the Spiritual warfare in Matthew 11:12. Satan uses self to fight men today (1 Kings 19:4). Paul the apostle, being aware of this declared war, against self (1Corinthians 9:27) and encouraged believers to do so, to be steadfast and unmovable (Colossians 3:5-7). He also used the society to fight and lure men unto sin (Genesis 39:7). The best way to conquer the society is not to love and appreciate what it offers but continuously believing the word of God (1John 2:15-17). Thank God, he has given us the victory at last and our victory shall be permanent in Jesus name.
2. SUNDRY CAUTION TO VICTORS
2 Timothy 2:4; John 14:30; 3:3, 5; 1 John 5:4; 2Corinthians 6:17, 18; Romans 12:1; 1John 5:18; Acts 4:31; 13:6-9; 2Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
For one to be victorious in the spiritual warfare, he must desist from sin and worldliness (2Timothy 2:4). Sin is like grease on the hand (Palm) of somebody who wants to climb up to the top of a tree. Satan as the god of this world cannot give man anything that will help him to have victory or conquer him and his agents. If any of his property is in one’s possession, it will weaken that individual and cause him to be defeated (John 14:30). To have a resounding victory over Satan through steadfastness and believing the word of God, one must also ensure that the following attributes are kept intact: (i). Salvation (1 John 5:4; John 3:3,5) (ii). Separation from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) (iii). Surrendered to the control of God (Romans 12:1) (iv). Sanctification (1 John 5:18) (v). Spirit Baptism (Acts 4:31; 13:6-9) (vi) Study the Bible and meditate therein (2 Timothy 2:15; Joshua 1:18) (vii) Supplicate always (1Thessalonias 5:17; Luke 18:1-8)
3. SECRET OF PERMANENT AND CONTINUOUS VICTORY
Deut 11:22-25; 28:, 7; 1 Samuel 17:45; 2Kings 13:14-19; John 14:21; Ephesians 6:11,13-18; James 4:7 1Peter 5:8-9
To maintain and enjoy permanent and continuous spiritual victory through steadfastness, one must be willing to obey and believe the word of God. Also the profits of continuous personal devotion and steadfastness in the life of a believer are great and unquantifiable.
i. We receive great revelation from God about His word.
ii. The more time we spend with God, the more we become like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
iii. God reveals our lives and future to us so as to enable us prepare always.
iv. The Spirit of God grants answers to questions bothering our minds.
v. We receive daily strength from above to face life challenges.
vi. We shall receive the crown of righteousness and glory if we faint not.
vii. The devil and his agents are defeated through God’s power in us.
However, personal devotion and steadfastness is a must for every victorious Christian, if we must survive in this evil world. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). We must be courageous and never relent after each victory (Eph. 6:10; 2Kings 13:14-19). Today, if one fully submits to God and steadfastly resist Satan and his cohorts, they will flee (James 4:7; 1Peter 5:8-9) and will enjoy our victory.
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