The games people play cannot compare to the game of life being played for human souls. Whether we wish to accept it or not, believe it or not or think about it, there is, according to God, a battle being waged for control of the human mind. The outcome of this struggle will result in victory through Christ Jesus over self or the triumph of selfishness in the lives of those who reject the love of God. There is no greater battle to be fought here on earth than the battle with oneself. Consequently, there is no greater or sweeter victory than the victory in triumph over one's self. This is not possible without the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Many sincere souls are seeking and claiming a victory in a war that they have not been called to fight. The Christian warfare is chiefly with his fallen sinful nature as he is empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit to do valiant battle against self. Let us consider victory in this post.
VICTORY - the defeat of an enemy or opponent
The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power. (1 Corinthians 15:57/1 John 5:4/1 Peter 3:12)
Prayer brings Jesus to our side, and gives to the fainting, perplexed soul new strength to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. Prayer turns aside the attacks of Satan. (Psalms 6:9/Psalms 102:17/Proverbs 15:29/James 5:16)
The true Christian has willingly chosen to engage in a warfare that is really a struggle within his or herself between two natures - the selfish carnal mind against the spiritual character of Christ. The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight--the greatest battle that was ever fought by man--is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, can not inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the formed habits, must be given up. (Psalms 85:15/1 Timothy 6:12/Ephesians 6:11-18/1 Corinthians 6:9,10)
Victories are frequently lost through delays. Defeat today prepares the way for still greater defeat tomorrow; victory today ensures an easier victory tomorrow. Obedience to God is sure to bring the victory. (Psalms 119:60/Romans 6:16/Hebrews 5:8.9/Philippians 2:8.9/Acts 5:32)
Victory is not found in shunning trials--getting rid of them--but in meeting them heroically, enduring them patiently. Through the grace of Christ, by courage, by faith, by watchfulness, we may gain the victory. We need to repent constantly, that we may be constantly victorious. When we have true humility, we have victory. (James 1:2/1 Peter 4:12-16,3:17/2 Corinthians 7:10,11)
If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer. (Revelation 2:5,7,14-17,20, 25,26, 3:2,3,5,15,18,21)
Man's efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. The power of God is the one element of efficiency in the grand work of obtaining the victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Victory is sure when self is surrendered to God. (James 4:6,7/Romans 1:16/2 Timothy 1:9/)
The principalities and powers of earth are in bitter revolt against the God of heaven. They are filled with hatred against all who serve Him, and soon, very soon, is to be fought the last great battle between good and evil. The earth is to be the battlefield--the scene of the final contest and the final victory. (Ephesians 6:12/Revelation 16:13,14)
Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence, for this is a part of their discipline in the School of Christ, and it is essential in order that all dross may be purged away. (Acts 14:22/Hebrews 10:35,36/James 1:12/2 timothy 3:12/John 16:33)
God and the angels rejoice over every victory gained by the Christian, but when temptation overcomes the soul, there is sorrow in heaven. The Christian life is a life of warfare, of continual conflict. It is a battle and a march. But every act of obedience to Christ, every act of self-denial for His sake, every trial well endured, every victory gained over temptation, is a step in the march to the glory of final victory. (Luke 15:7,10/Proverbs 4:18/2 Timothy 4:7,8)
It is not the will of our heavenly Father that so many would be deceived concerning salvation and eternal life in these last days. While GOD loves everyone and will forgive anyone HE does not change our character against our will or without our cooperation.
A Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could enjoy heaven and a Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could be trusted in heaven.
We are given a life-time, (be it long or short) to cooperate with God in developing a Christ-like character for eternal life in heaven. It begins with the new birth experience.
Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today and to begin the work of changing you for heaven. Confess your sins and acknowledge your need of Him. He loves you and wants the privilege of enjoying friendship with you forever.
© 2009 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
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