1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour
The Bible enjoined us to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). We were also charged to contend for the faith that was once for all, entrusted to God’s people (Jude 3).
Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12).
However, when we have sinned, we must go in before the Lord, and accuse and condemn ourselves, and commit our cause to Christ as our Advocate.
Without shedding of blood, there is no remission….(Hebrews 9:3b)
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” – Hebrews 2:14
Our righteousness, which is like a filthy rag, cannot give us access to the throne of grace; it is on the basis of the Blood of the Lamb, that we can have access to the presence of God.
In order to secure victory in life, we must continually plead the blood of Jesus.
Pleading the blood of Jesus also talks about building an effective prayer life and having a constant fellowship with the Lord.
The Blood of Jesus cleanses our spiritual garments and makes us blameless in the sight of God. The Blood of Jesus cleanses, heals and strengthens our conscience to do what is right in the sight of God.
The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit through which we secure victory against the adversary.
Remember, Jesus is the Word of God! (Rev 19:13, John 1:1)
Until the word of God becomes the word of our testimony, victory is not in view.
Our lives must reflect the Word. We must live by the Word. We must become doers of the Word. Moreover, we must draw personal revelation from the Word. It is at this point that the Word of God becomes our spiritual sword.
Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God…..the moment the Word of God (which we preach, teach or hear) produces faith in us or in others, a faithful testimony is being borne about Christ.
At this instance, victory is secured in Christ Jesus. (Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world; this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith….).
Experiencing the power of the Cross
Experiencing death to self – losing interest in the cravings of the flesh…
He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal (John 12:25)
Bearing the testimony of Christ in the face of adversity and threats of death.
Not minding to lose our lives for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Identifying with the fellowship of Christ’s suffering.
E.g. The 4 lepers at the gate of Samaria, the 3 Hebrews (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), Esther the queen
PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA
