The
Significance of Victory: We’re Alive!
Through
the power of the cross and resurrection God brings life where once death reigned.
He fills an empty heart with his fulness which forgives sin and transforms the
flesh (Col. 1:13). Paul announces the good news of victory: the old ways are
put to death; sin is washed clean; and the dark powers of un-seen spiritual
warfare called principalities and powers are defeated (Col. 2:15).
The
New Testament scholar D. A. Carson says, “God, in Christ, stripped from
the powers of evil their hold over the lives of men.” Evil no longer holds
us. Christ sets us free. We triumph in daily life because of him!
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The
Simplicity of Victory: We Do Not Live Defeated Lives!
Evil
surrounds us. Tragedy strikes. Storm trouble blows into life. Anxieties riddle
the soul. Worry imprisons us. Principalities and powers attack like an army
battalion. Trials tax energy. Darkness looms on the horizon. In spite of all
of these things, Christ gives cause for a song of victory as we walk and march
step by step towards Christ and his purpose for life (Col. 3:15). We live abundantly
because of Christ as victorious warriors celebrating faith in Christ (John 10:10).
When
Paul speaks of the triumph of Christ he pictures Christ as the victorious general,
his people as the soldiers in a victory march, and the peace secured for all
eternity. (Col. 2:15). Saint Columba of Iona, in the sixth century after Christ,
called for God’s servants to follow an active Christianity. He asks, “What
is best for the Christian life? Simplicity and singlemindedness.” Triumph
comes in simply and single-mindedly following Christ. Victory is in Jesus!
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Sermon
brief provided by: John Duncan, Pastor, Lakeside Baptist Church, Granbury, TX