Living Victorious: Overcoming Through Christ's Strength
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we continued our series on "The Overcoming Church," focusing on how we, as individuals and as a collective body, can live victorious lives through Christ. We began with an exciting announcement about an upcoming youth conference featuring Ben, a speaker with a powerful prophetic ministry. We also took a moment to pray for our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka, believing that the minority of believers will one day become the majority.
We delved into the concept of overcoming, emphasizing that we are not called just to exist but to live victorious lives. This victory is not just for the afterlife but is meant to be experienced here on earth. We explored the Greek word "nikon," which means to conquer or prevail, and how it applies to our daily lives. Overcoming involves a battle, and we are authorized to rule and reign on behalf of our King, enforcing the victory of Calvary.
We discussed the importance of having a "rhema" word from God—a specific, alive word that brings faith and direction. This requires us to be disciplined, seek the Lord, and live circumspectly. I shared a personal testimony about how a rhema word guided me through a challenging season, leading me to make a life-changing decision.
We also looked at the analogy of a marathon runner, emphasizing the need to keep the finish line in mind despite the agony and challenges we face. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. When we do this, we find the strength to persevere.
Finally, we considered the refining process of gold, which is purified through fire. Similarly, our trials are meant to purify us, making us more like Christ. These trials are not meant to destroy us but to strengthen us, deepening our dependence on God and refining our character.
### Key Takeaways
1. Victory in Christ is for Now and Eternity: We are not called just to exist but to live victorious lives here on earth. This victory is not just for the afterlife but is meant to be experienced now. The Greek word "nikon" means to conquer or prevail, and it applies to our daily lives. Overcoming involves a battle, and we are authorized to rule and reign on behalf of our King, enforcing the victory of Calvary. [07:48]
2. The Power of a Rhema Word: A rhema word is a specific, alive word from God that brings faith and direction. This requires us to be disciplined, seek the Lord, and live circumspectly. A rhema word can guide us through challenging seasons and lead us to make life-changing decisions. It is essential to be open and awakened to receive this word from God. [10:36]
3. Running the Race with Perseverance: Like a marathon runner, we must keep the finish line in mind despite the agony and challenges we face. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. When we do this, we find the strength to persevere. Every step we take should be with the finish line in mind, knowing that there is an eternal prize. [21:58]
4. Refining Through Trials: Just as gold is refined through fire, our trials are meant to purify us, making us more like Christ. These trials are not meant to destroy us but to strengthen us, deepening our dependence on God and refining our character. The fire does not destroy the gold; it purifies it, making it like brand new. [26:15]
5. Endurance Produces Spiritual Maturity: Endurance through trials produces spiritual maturity, deeper dependence on God, and conformity to Christ's image. Every trial endured with faith strengthens our trust in God's faithfulness. Success in God's eyes may differ from our perspective, but enduring trials with faith leads to spiritual growth and maturity. [29:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:02] - Youth Conference Announcement
[03:20] - Prayer for Sri Lanka
[04:55] - Introduction to Overcoming
[06:15] - The Call to Overcome
[07:48] - Meaning of "Nikon"
[09:10] - Authorized to Rule and Reign
[10:36] - The Power of a Rhema Word
[11:52] - Personal Testimony
[15:54] - Marathon Runner Analogy
[17:31] - Running with Perseverance
[21:58] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[24:44] - Refining Through Fire
[26:15] - Gold Refining Process
[29:13] - Endurance and Spiritual Maturity
[32:05] - Overcoming Discouragement
[33:35] - Prayer of Repentance
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 3:21 - "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne."
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
3. 1 Peter 1:6-7 - "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the Greek word "nikon" mean, and how does it relate to our daily lives as Christians? [07:48]
2. According to the sermon, what is a "rhema" word, and why is it important for believers? [10:36]
3. How does the analogy of a marathon runner help us understand the concept of perseverance in our faith journey? [17:31]
4. What is the purpose of trials in a believer's life, as illustrated by the refining process of gold? [26:15]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Revelation 3:21 of sitting with Jesus on His throne encourage believers to overcome their daily struggles? [07:48]
2. In what ways can a "rhema" word from God provide direction and faith during challenging seasons? Reflect on the pastor's personal testimony shared in the sermon. [11:52]
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 speaks about fixing our eyes on Jesus. What practical steps can believers take to maintain their focus on Jesus amidst life's distractions? [21:58]
4. How can understanding the refining process of gold help believers view their trials differently? What does this analogy teach us about God's purpose in our hardships? [26:15]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience victory in Christ during that time? If not, what could you have done differently to claim that victory? [07:48]
2. Have you ever received a "rhema" word from God? Share your experience and how it impacted your life. If not, what steps can you take to be more open to receiving one? [10:36]
3. Think about a time when you felt like giving up in your faith journey. How did you find the strength to persevere, or what could you have done to keep going? [17:31]
4. What are some practical ways you can fix your eyes on Jesus daily? Identify specific distractions in your life and discuss how you can minimize them. [21:58]
5. Share a trial you are currently facing. How can you view this trial as a refining process rather than a destructive force? What steps can you take to allow God to purify and strengthen you through this trial? [26:15]
6. How can you support a fellow believer who is going through a difficult time, helping them to see their trial as a refining process? [27:50]
7. Reflect on the concept of spiritual maturity through endurance. What specific area of your life needs more endurance, and how can you cultivate it? [29:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Living Victoriously in Christ
Victory in Christ is not just a future promise but a present reality. As believers, we are called to live victorious lives here on earth, not merely to exist. The Greek word "nikon" means to conquer or prevail, and it applies to our daily lives. This victory involves a battle, and we are authorized to rule and reign on behalf of our King, enforcing the victory of Calvary. This means that every challenge we face is an opportunity to demonstrate the power and authority given to us through Christ.
Living victoriously requires a mindset shift. We must understand that our victory is not dependent on our circumstances but on our position in Christ. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. This victory is not just for the afterlife but is meant to be experienced now. It is a call to rise above our challenges and live in the fullness of what Christ has accomplished for us. [07:48]
1 John 5:4-5 (ESV): "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel defeated? How can you apply the truth of your victory in Christ to that specific situation today?
Day 2: The Power of a Rhema Word
A rhema word is a specific, alive word from God that brings faith and direction. It is different from the general word of God (logos) in that it is a personal, timely message that speaks directly to our current situation. Receiving a rhema word requires us to be disciplined, seek the Lord, and live circumspectly. It is essential to be open and awakened to receive this word from God, as it can guide us through challenging seasons and lead us to make life-changing decisions.
A rhema word can be a beacon of hope and direction in times of uncertainty. It is a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and desires to communicate with us. By seeking the Lord and being attentive to His voice, we position ourselves to receive these timely words that can transform our circumstances and provide clarity and purpose. [10:36]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. Did you seek a specific word from God for that situation? How can you cultivate a habit of listening for God's rhema word in your daily life?
Day 3: Running the Race with Perseverance
Like a marathon runner, we must keep the finish line in mind despite the agony and challenges we face. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. When we do this, we find the strength to persevere. Every step we take should be with the finish line in mind, knowing that there is an eternal prize awaiting us.
Perseverance is essential in the Christian walk. It is easy to become weary and discouraged, but by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can find the motivation and strength to keep going. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and we too can endure our trials by focusing on the eternal reward. [21:58]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can keep your focus on Jesus during a challenging time? How can this perspective help you persevere?
Day 4: Refining Through Trials
Just as gold is refined through fire, our trials are meant to purify us, making us more like Christ. These trials are not meant to destroy us but to strengthen us, deepening our dependence on God and refining our character. The fire does not destroy the gold; it purifies it, making it like brand new. Our trials serve a similar purpose, removing impurities and making us more reflective of Christ's image.
Understanding the purpose of trials can change our perspective on suffering. Instead of seeing trials as punishment or random misfortune, we can view them as opportunities for growth and refinement. God uses these difficult seasons to shape us, build our faith, and draw us closer to Him. [26:15]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did it refine your character or deepen your dependence on God? How can you embrace future trials with a perspective of growth and refinement?
Day 5: Endurance Produces Spiritual Maturity
Endurance through trials produces spiritual maturity, deeper dependence on God, and conformity to Christ's image. Every trial endured with faith strengthens our trust in God's faithfulness. Success in God's eyes may differ from our perspective, but enduring trials with faith leads to spiritual growth and maturity. It is through these experiences that we become more like Christ and develop a deeper relationship with Him.
Spiritual maturity is not achieved overnight but through a process of enduring and overcoming challenges. Each trial is an opportunity to grow in faith, patience, and character. By trusting in God's faithfulness and persevering through difficulties, we become more mature believers, better equipped to handle future challenges and to support others in their faith journeys. [29:13]
Romans 5:3-4 (ESV): "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
Reflection: Identify a recent trial that tested your faith. How did enduring this trial contribute to your spiritual growth? What steps can you take to continue growing in spiritual maturity through future challenges?
Quotes
1. "Your life is not one as, I grew up in New England and the Dunkin' Donuts man used to do the advertisement at 3.30 in the morning. He would get up half asleep saying, I got to make the donut. Some of you feel like that. That's your life. I, I got to make the donut. I got to make the donut. I got to make the donuts. And he makes the donuts. And anyhow, it's a national franchise, but, but, but, you know, God's called us to not just exist, but to have an overcoming life." [04:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But God's, when he said he's going to build his church in the gates of hell will not prevail, he means what he says. Okay, regardless of what's going on in society, in the world, globally. And so, yes, I'm not, I don't have my head in the sand that our journey of faith is marked by challenges, and painful trials, and at times severe battles. I'm not minimizing that. But we still serve a God who empowers his people to overcome the challenges." [06:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He rewards those who diligently serve him. And so everything you do to further his kingdom and his purposes on earth, God is a rewarder. Remember that. Never forget that. And God sees things that nobody else sees, and he rewards them. Can you say amen? So the Greek word for overcome is nikon, where Nike gets their sneaker name. And it means to conquer, to prevail, or to carry off the victory. And actually, it's personalized. It actually means I conquer. I prevail." [07:48] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who overcame, we find the strength. To persevere in our calling. If you do not fix your eyes on Jesus, the moment you take them off of him, you start to sink. The moment you take your eyes off the Lord in your race, you sink, you fall back, you draw back. That's why we must fix our eyes. It actually means this. One translation says, looking unto Jesus. Looking unto Jesus. What does that mean? If I have to, if I must, which I should, but as we look unto Jesus, to look unto him means we have to look away from other things." [21:58] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The good news is this. Here's the thing. As an overcoming church, we are not defined by our setbacks, but by our ability, to keep running. Keep running. I know, wouldn't be getting many amens on that, because some of you go, I'm tired. Some of you are like this, your arm back, and yeah, you know. Keep running. And you say, I can't run fast. Keep moving forward. I feel like a turtle. Just stick that head out. Just keep going. Just keep going. Keep going forward. Keep looking unto Jesus, and you're going to finish, and you'll finish well." [23:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "But here's the thing about gold. The fire does not destroy the gold. It purifies it. Now, I want you to think about this for the church in your life. How many know fire, is, is devastating. It destroys vegetation, structures, wood, fabric, paper, soil, fertility. But gold, no matter how old it is, watch this, and how tainted it is, how dirty it is, how stained it is, fire, the heat makes it like brand new. Do you hear that? No matter how dirty and filthy. And someone here needs to hear that about your life." [26:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Just as gold is refined through the fire, so too the church in a believer's faith is purified and strengthened through the trials of hardship. And I know that it was easier said than it's done in our lives, but it also is a fact. And so fires, those fires refine our character. And they deepen our dependence on God and should do that. Well, so too, as God's overcoming church, we need to understand that the trials are not meant to destroy us, but they're meant to strengthen us." [29:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we endure, our faith is refined and we come out stronger on the other side. So how is our faith, if I could say it this way, refined through endurance? Very quickly, a few steps. Endurance produces spiritual maturity, the Bible says in Romans 5, 3, and 4. Deeper dependence upon God as we endure, where we depend upon the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12, 9 talks about that. We're conforming to Christ's image. We're being shaped to be more like Jesus. Romans 8, 28, and 29 talks about that." [29:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Though the yield of the olive fails, the fields produce no fruit. Though the flock is cut off from the foal. What does that mean? That means at times, church people get disillusioned, and they just go. And the flock, and they're wandering, and nobody's connected, and they're out there, and the wolf is out there. And there are no cattle in the stalls. But this is what he declares, the prophet. He says, yet I will choose to rejoice in the Lord. Really? Yet I will choose to rejoice in the Lord. I will choose to shout in exaltation in the victorious God of my salvation." [32:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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