Study:-
VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE – A Study: Part 3
(Based on Joshua 1–8)
Nelson Thomas Mumbai
Review:
We have seen the meaning and importance of victorious Christian living in its various aspects. It is to enjoy all that God has planned for us in the Lord Jesus Christ. Israel’s exodus and subsequent entrance into Canaan give us many valuable lessons on a Victorious spiritual life. The purpose of their deliverance from Egypt was not just a walk through the wilderness but to enter into Canaan, which flows with milk and honey. Similarly, we have been saved not just to experience a new life but an abundant and fruitful life. Our Lord’s desire for us is to progress in our Christian walk and live on a higher level of spiritual life.
God’s work in the OT vs. the NT
Victory for Israel in the OT and victory for us today in the NT times are two distinct things. God’s work for Israel in the past and the Church in the present dispensation are not alike.
For example, Israel had to defeat the enemy and capture the land. But we do not need to defeat the enemy, actually speaking, because Christ has already won the war. Every child of God already stands in the victory that Christ has accomplished for us on the cross (Col 2: 13 - 15).
Christ has defeated the enemy on the cross. The devil wanted to stop God from redeeming mankind. By Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, He defeated the design of the Devil, erased the writings against us, forgave all our sins and disarmed the enemy. Further, we have been justified and declared righteous.
Victory in Christ
Remember, the cross deals with our sins in the past, present and even future. Nothing can cancel this work of God, even our actions! Notice what Paul writes,
Rom 8:33: “Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.”
Rom 8:34: “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
Rom 8:37:- “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
This victory on the cross is the basis for our victory despite all kinds of hardships. It has to be our true state in Christ because of what our Lord has accomplished on the cross.
Paul further writes, “Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place”, (1Cori 15: 57; 2Cori 2:14). Paul celebrates the victory we have in Christ, remembering the way Roman soldiers celebrate their victory.
All the above-referred verses present victory for a Christian as something he already experiences. Because a victorious Christian life is something that we ought to experience as children of God, through what Christ has done for us. If we continue to lead a failed life, there is a question mark on the very work of Christ in our lives. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1Jn 5: 4). Everyone with faith does experience victory, which is demonstrable and continuing. That’s why Paul declares, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”, (Phil 4:13).
God’s Promises to Joshua, Jos 1: 3 – 6
Not only had He proposed victory in advance for Israel, but God also gave Joshua enough promises to encourage Israel to go forward and experience it. God’s promises are His enablement and resources. Notice the promises:-
a. Every land, V.3, 4 “ I have given”
- Already given freely. Cf. Gen.15.19
b. Unfailing Presence V.5.
- No one can stand against them. God will not leave work unfinished.
c. Prosperity V.7
- Growth.
d. Success V. 8
- Their efforts will bear fruit in victory.
God’s Provision in the NT
Now think of the divine provision in the New Testament. These are not just promises, but resources that can help us to enjoy victorious Christian life.
i. The new nature–divine. 1Peter 1:5
- John 1:12, 13 – result of regeneration.
- 1 John 3: 9 - “God’s seed abides in him’
ii. The Indwelling Spirit. 1Jn 4:4
- To strengthen, equip, guide, etc.
iii. The abiding presence of the Lord, Col 1: 27
- ‘Christ within us’, cf. Matt 18: 20 - ‘among us’; Matt 28:20 – ‘with us’
iv. The word of God in our hand / heart. 1Jn 2:14
- Young men are strong, word of God abides, they are victors too.
v. The intercessory prayers of Christ, Luke 22:31
- Praying for Peter’s victory over the evil one when he will be attacked by Satan, (1Jn 2:2)
vi.The angels to protect, Heb 1: 14
-To serve us – invisible yet true – myriads of angels.
vii. The whole armour of God, Eph 6: 13 – 18.
- To stand against the attack of Satan and his forces.
viii. All other needy resources, 2 Pet 1:3, 4
That includes our safety and encouragement we receive through the fellowship of God’s people (1Cori 5:5; 1Tim 1:20). Often, we do not value the protection we have among the saints. To correct an erring brother, Paul says to put him out of the fellowship so that he will see the difference, repent and return.
When God has done so much and provided such valuable resources, if we still say it’s impossible, hard or not easy, we are only neglecting God’s resources and failing to believe His promises.
