Living in the Victory of Christ's Finished Work

As we begin our journey through the book of Romans, we are invited to explore what it truly means to live victoriously—not by our own strength, but by standing in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Victory, in the biblical sense, is not about personal achievement or ingenuity, but about living from the reality that Jesus has already won the battle over sin, death, and the enemy. His declaration from the cross, “It is finished” (Tetelestai), means our debt is paid, our sentence is served, and the war is won. This victory is not something we strive to earn, but something we receive by faith, standing in God’s grace, fighting in the Spirit’s strength, growing through hardship, loving sacrificially, and hoping with certainty.

Romans is a book that has shaped the course of Christian history, offering deep theological truths and practical guidance for living in the freedom Christ has secured. Paul’s letter moves us from the courtroom of condemnation to the liberating verdict of God’s grace, showing us not only that we have victory, but why we have it. The opening chapters confront us with the reality of sin and the universal need for God’s rescue, while the later chapters teach us how to walk in the victory Jesus has won.

A central question Paul addresses is the existence of God and how we can know Him. Romans 1:18-20 tells us that God has made Himself plain through creation, so that all are without excuse. The evidence for God is not hidden; it is woven into the fabric of the world and the human heart. We considered three arguments for God’s existence: the moral law within us, the finely tuned physical universe, and the intricate design of biological life. Each points to a Creator who is both powerful and personal.

Yet, belief in God ultimately comes down to faith. Doubt is not the enemy of faith, but often its starting point. What matters is not the absence of questions, but what we do with them. We are called to examine the evidence, to know why we believe what we believe, and to be ready to give an account for the hope within us. In a world full of skepticism and competing voices, we must be unashamed of the gospel, prepared to stand for truth, and willing to intercede for those who are searching. The victory is already won; our call is to live in its light and invite others to do the same.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Victory Is Rooted in Christ’s Finished Work True victory is not about our own efforts or achievements, but about living from the reality that Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. His declaration, “It is finished,” means our debt is paid, our judgment is served, and the battle is won. This victory is received by faith, not by striving, and it transforms how we face adversity, love others, and hold onto hope. [10:44]
• 2. God’s Existence Is Evident in Creation and Conscience God has not left Himself without witness. The moral law within us, the order and fine-tuning of the universe, and the complexity of biological life all point to a Creator. These evidences, known as general revelation, do not save us but direct us toward the One who can. Ignoring this evidence is not just irresponsible—it is a refusal to engage with the truth that is plainly before us. [32:10]
• 3. Faith Begins Where Certainty Ends Doubt is not a sign of spiritual failure, but often the starting line for genuine faith. Faith is trusting God in the presence of unanswered questions, not in their absence. What matters is not whether we have doubts, but whether we are willing to seek, study, and respond to the evidence God has provided. [27:40]
• 4. We Must Know Why We Believe What We Believe In a world that challenges faith at every turn, it is not enough to hold beliefs blindly. We are called to study, to understand, and to be able to articulate the reasons for our hope. This equips us to stand firm when questioned, to encourage others who struggle, and to live unashamed of the gospel in every sphere of life. [65:00]
• 5. Intercession and Invitation Are Essential Our response to God’s revelation is not only personal but communal. We are called to pray for those who struggle with belief, to intercede for friends and loved ones, and to be ready to share the truth when opportunities arise. The Holy Spirit does the convincing, but we are responsible to be faithful witnesses and to invite others into the victory Christ has won. [68:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Romans Series Introduction
• [03:30] - What Does It Mean to Be Victorious?
• [07:45] - The Finished Work of Christ
• [10:44] - The Meaning of “It Is Finished”
• [14:20] - Overview of Romans and Its Impact
• [18:55] - The Depth and Richness of Romans
• [22:30] - The Universal Need for God
• [27:40] - The Role of Doubt and Faith
• [32:10] - General Revelation: God’s Evidence
• [38:00] - The Moral Argument for God
• [43:15] - The Physical and Biological Arguments
• [50:07] - The Wonder of Human Design
• [56:30] - Faith’s Response to Evidence
• [65:00] - Living Unashamed and Prepared
• [68:29] - Prayer and Invitation

Bible Reading

Romans 1:18-20 (ESV) — > For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 1:18-20, what has God made plain to all people, and how has He done this?
2. The sermon described three types of evidence for God’s existence: the moral law within us, the fine-tuning of the universe, and the complexity of biological life. Can you recall a specific example the pastor gave for each? ([50:07])
3. What does the word “Tetelestai” mean, and what three contexts did the pastor mention to explain its significance? ([07:45])
4. In the sermon, what does Paul say is the reason that people are “without excuse” when it comes to believing in God? ([32:10])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that God’s existence is “plain” and that people are “without excuse”? What does this say about God’s desire to be known? ([32:10])
2. The pastor said that doubt is not the enemy of faith, but often its starting point. How does this perspective change the way someone might approach their own questions or struggles with belief? ([27:40])
3. The sermon described victory as “standing in God’s grace, fighting in the Spirit’s strength, growing through hardship, loving sacrificially, and hoping with certainty.” How does this definition differ from how the world usually defines victory? ([10:44])
4. The pastor challenged listeners to “know why you believe what you believe.” Why is it important for Christians to be able to explain their faith, especially in today’s world? ([01:05:00])

Application Questions

1. The sermon said that victory is not something we earn, but something we receive by faith. Is there an area of your life where you are still trying to “earn” God’s approval or victory instead of standing in what Jesus has already done? What would it look like to rest in His finished work this week? ([10:44])
2. The pastor gave examples of the moral law, the fine-tuning of the universe, and the complexity of life as evidence for God. Which of these speaks most to you personally, and how could you use it in a conversation with someone who is skeptical about faith? ([50:07])
3. Have you ever experienced doubt about God’s existence or His goodness? How did you respond, and what helped you move forward in faith? ([27:40])
4. The sermon encouraged us to “study, to understand, and to be able to articulate the reasons for our hope.” What is one step you could take this month to grow in your understanding of why you believe what you believe? ([01:05:00])
5. The pastor talked about praying and interceding for those who struggle with belief. Is there someone in your life you feel called to pray for or have a spiritual conversation with? How can the group support you in this? ([01:08:29])
6. The message said, “Doubt is not a sign of spiritual failure, but often the starting line for genuine faith.” How can you create space in your life (or in this group) for honest questions and doubts, both for yourself and others? ([27:40])
7. In what ways can you live “unashamed of the gospel” in your daily life—at work, at home, or in your community? What is one specific situation where you want to be more bold or prepared to share your faith? ([01:05:00])