Living in the Victory of Christ’s Triumphant Parade

Devotional

Day 1: Christ’s Victory Over All Powers and Principalities

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed every spiritual and earthly power that stood against us, making a public spectacle of them and securing our victory forever. In the Roman world, a conquering general would parade his defeated enemies through the city, displaying their powerlessness; in the same way, Christ triumphed over every force of darkness, and we now live in the reality of His victory, not as those who are defeated, but as those who march in His triumphal procession. No matter what earthly or spiritual opposition you face, remember that Jesus has already won the decisive battle, and you are included in His victory parade. [53:03]

Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV)
"And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel defeated or powerless? How can you remind yourself today that Christ has already triumphed over that very thing?

Day 2: Living in the Parade of Christ’s Triumph

Believers are not just spectators but participants in Christ’s ongoing victory parade, always being led in triumph by Him, even in the midst of hardship or uncertainty. The imagery is not of waiting for victory in the distant future, but of living right now in the celebration and assurance of Christ’s triumph, with gratitude and confidence that He is leading us through every circumstance. Even when life feels overwhelming or you feel battle-weary, you are still in the parade—still being led by the Triumphator, Jesus, who never ceases to lead His people in victory. [01:02:10]

2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."

Reflection: When you face discouragement or spiritual fatigue, what practical step can you take today to remember and celebrate that you are being led in Christ’s victory parade?

Day 3: The Resurrection Secures Our Present and Future Hope

The bodily resurrection of Jesus is not only the guarantee of our future resurrection and eternal joy, but also the source of our present hope, strength, and transformation. Just as Jesus rose from the grave in power, so too will all who belong to Him be raised or transformed to live forever; yet, this victory is not only for the future—it empowers us to live with confidence and joy today, knowing that death and defeat have lost their sting. The empty tomb is the ultimate assurance that nothing can separate us from the life and immortality Christ has brought to light through the gospel. [40:18]

2 Timothy 1:10 (ESV)
"...and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel..."

Reflection: How does the reality of Christ’s resurrection change the way you approach your daily struggles or fears about the future?

Day 4: Our Battle Is Spiritual, But the Enemy Is Defeated

Though we wrestle against spiritual forces of evil, we do so as those who know the enemy has already been disarmed and publicly shamed by Christ’s victory on the cross. The struggles we face are not merely against people or circumstances, but against spiritual powers; yet, we are not fighting for victory, but from victory, because Jesus has already conquered every foe. This truth calls us to stand firm, not in our own strength, but in the finished work of Christ, confident that the ultimate outcome has already been decided. [53:03]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can shift your focus from earthly struggles to the spiritual reality of Christ’s victory in your life today?

Day 5: Surrendering to the Triumphator—Letting Christ Conquer Your Heart

True victory and participation in Christ’s triumphal procession begin with surrendering your heart to Him, allowing Jesus to be your Triumphator and Lord. It is not enough to know about Christ’s victory; you must personally yield to His leadership, becoming part of His family and His army, so that His victory becomes your own. If you have never surrendered, or if there are areas of your life you are holding back, today is the day to let Him conquer your heart and lead you in true triumph. [01:05:03]

Romans 10:9 (ESV)
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life you have not fully surrendered to Christ’s leadership? What would it look like to let Him truly conquer your heart in that area today?

Sermon Summary

When we look at the victory of Jesus Christ, we’re not just remembering a moment in history—we’re invited to live every day in the reality of that triumph. Even though the calendar says Thanksgiving is near, our hearts are drawn to the victory of Easter, because it’s in the resurrection that we see the ultimate win: Jesus conquering death, the grave, and the powers of darkness. Life is full of challenges—some we see coming, others catch us off guard. But no matter what we face, we are called to live in light of Christ’s victory, to see ourselves as participants in a grand parade of triumph that began at the empty tomb and continues today.

The Roman “triumph” parade is the image Paul uses in Colossians 2 and 2 Corinthians 2. In ancient times, a victorious general would lead a procession through the city, displaying the spoils of war and the defeated enemies, while the people celebrated. Paul says that’s what Jesus has done—He has disarmed the spiritual powers, made a public spectacle of them, and leads us in His victory procession. We’re not just spectators; we’re part of His family, part of the army that follows our Triumphator, Jesus, chanting “Triumph! Triumph! Triumph!” as we go.

This victory isn’t just for the future, when Christ returns or when we enter eternity. It’s for now. We don’t have to wait to experience the benefits of Christ’s triumph. Even when we feel defeated, worn out, or overwhelmed, the truth is that we are living in a parade of victory. The powers that oppose us—whether earthly or spiritual—have been disarmed. Our struggles are real, but our enemy is already defeated.

So as we approach Thanksgiving, let’s remember that our deepest gratitude is for the victory we have in Christ. We thank God for our homes, families, and blessings, but above all, we thank Him that He always leads us in triumph. If you’ve never surrendered your heart to Jesus, you can’t truly live in this victory. The invitation is open: let Him conquer your heart, and join the parade of the redeemed.

Key Takeaways

1. Live in the reality of Christ’s victory Christ’s resurrection is not just a past event; it’s a present reality that shapes how we face every challenge. We are not waiting for victory—we are living in it, because Jesus has already triumphed over death and the powers of darkness. This truth gives us courage and hope, even in the hardest seasons. [34:17]
2. Earthly struggles have a spiritual backdrop Behind every earthly challenge, there are spiritual forces at work. But these forces have been disarmed by Christ. When we feel opposition, we must remember that our true battle is not against people or circumstances, but against defeated spiritual enemies. This perspective helps us respond with faith rather than fear. [53:03]
3. We are participants in Christ’s triumph parade Paul’s imagery of the Roman triumph reminds us that we are not bystanders—we are part of the victory procession. As members of Christ’s family and His army, we follow our Triumphator, celebrating His victory and living out our identity as the redeemed. This shapes our worship, our gratitude, and our daily walk. [59:27]
4. Victory is accessed through surrender To live in Christ’s victory, we must first let Him conquer our hearts. True triumph is not about our strength, but about surrendering to Jesus’ leadership. Only then can we experience the fullness of the victory He has secured for us, both now and forever. [65:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:01] - The Thrill of Victory
[34:17] - The Power of the Resurrection
[37:18] - The Brutality of the Cross
[40:18] - Jesus’ Complete Triumph Over Death
[43:39] - Earthly Symbols, Spiritual Truths
[46:48] - The Forces Arrayed Against Jesus
[49:58] - The Sealing of the Tomb
[53:03] - Spiritual Powers Behind Earthly Struggles
[56:37] - The Roman Triumph Parade Explained
[59:27] - Our Place in the Parade
[62:10] - Living in Triumph Today
[65:03] - Surrendering to the Triumphator
[66:30] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV) — > And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) — > But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) — > For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Observation Questions

In Colossians 2:15, what does Paul say Jesus did to the “rulers and authorities”? How does he describe the way Jesus displayed his victory?
According to 2 Corinthians 2:14, what is God doing for us “in Christ” right now?
The sermon described the Roman “triumph” parade. What were some of the key features of this parade, and how does Paul use this image to describe our life in Christ? [[56:37]]
What does Ephesians 6:12 say about the real nature of our struggles? Who are we truly fighting against?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul uses the image of a victory parade to describe the Christian life? What does this say about how we should see ourselves in relation to Christ’s victory? [[59:27]]
The sermon said that “we are not just spectators; we’re part of His family, part of the army that follows our Triumphator, Jesus.” What does it mean to be a participant in Christ’s triumph, not just an observer? [[59:27]]
The message emphasized that “our struggles are real, but our enemy is already defeated.” How should this truth affect the way we respond to challenges and opposition in our lives? [[53:03]]
The pastor said, “Victory is accessed through surrender.” Why is surrendering to Jesus necessary to experience His victory? [[01:05:03]]

Application Questions

The sermon talked about living every day in the reality of Christ’s victory, not just remembering it at Easter. What is one area of your life right now where you need to remind yourself that you are living in Christ’s victory? How could that change your attitude or actions this week? [[34:17]]
When you face challenges—whether at work, in your family, or in your own mind—do you tend to see them as just “earthly” problems, or do you remember there’s a spiritual battle behind them? How might your response change if you kept the spiritual perspective in mind? [[53:03]]
The Roman triumph parade was a public celebration of victory. In what ways can you publicly or privately celebrate Christ’s victory in your life? Is there a specific way you can express gratitude for His triumph this Thanksgiving? [[59:27]]
The sermon said, “We are not waiting for victory—we are living in it.” Are there areas where you still feel defeated or stuck? What would it look like to walk in the victory Jesus has already won for you? [[34:17]]
The message challenged us to let Jesus “conquer our hearts.” Is there a part of your life you haven’t fully surrendered to Him? What’s holding you back, and what step could you take this week to surrender more fully? [[01:05:03]]
The pastor encouraged us to “chant triumph” even in hard times. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt defeated? How could you remind yourself of Christ’s triumph in moments like that? [[01:02:10]]
Who in your life needs to hear about the victory Jesus has won? How can you share this hope with them in a way that’s natural and loving this week? [[01:05:03]]

Sermon Clips

Easter is about the bodily resurrection of Christ. Without it, the Bible says that we are of all people to be pitied. With it, we are the children of God, blessed beyond all people and a people who have an eternity of unimaginable joy awaiting us. And so this morning I want to share with you a mindset, a picture, the idea of living in a parade. That's a picture that the scripture gives us that, again, I hope that you can take with you when the challenging times come. [00:35:26] (42 seconds) #LivingInTheParade

You see, you know, Jesus wasn't playing possum and then claiming victory. He didn't pass out and then stumble around and then roll the stone away. He didn't fool anybody, but he was just dead, right? He wasn't nearly dead, he was completely dead. And then that Sunday morning he was made alive. The Spirit of God breathed life back into him and he wasn't just barely alive, he was fully alive. He didn't stumble out of the tomb, he came out of the tomb with strength and power in a resurrected body that was going to live for all eternity. [00:40:32] (38 seconds) #ResurrectedAndAlive

We celebrate the resurrection knowing that these earthly forces that come together in an effort to destroy Jesus of Nazareth, we celebrate the resurrection knowing that they came together to do the job, finish the job, secure the job, and we celebrate because we know that they were no match for what was about to happen. We celebrate the resurrection because we read in Matthew 22 and behold there was a great earthquake for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it. [00:51:22] (40 seconds) #TriumphChanting

We wrestle but we must be mindful that we wrestle against a defeated enemy. Is it a defeated enemy that has been disarmed? Look back at this passage, look at verse 15 of Colossians 2 where we started: having done what? Having disarmed. They were not unarmed, they were armed, but Jesus disarmed them, took away their power, took away their ability to have impact and influence. [00:53:47] (41 seconds) #LedInTriumphNow

What Paul is doing here is he's giving us a picture from that day that we're not familiar with. There was a thing 2,000 years ago in the Roman Empire called a triumph. It was a parade, it was a procession, it was done to honor military personnel or generals. A triumph was a parade or a procession, it was the highest military honor that could be given to a Roman general and over the centuries of the Roman Empire during their reign there were a lot of battles, there were a lot of victories, there was a lot of honoring of the generals. [00:54:40] (65 seconds)

That's the picture that Jesus is wanting us to see. He is our triumphator. Amen. Captives, he's making a spectacle of those that he has disarmed, those principalities and powers, Satan and his horde of demons, they are a public display being disarmed. We are a part of his family but we're also a part of that angelic army or with that angelic army following along behind, seeing with loyalty and devotion our triumphator, crying out triumph, triumph, triumph. [01:00:17] (44 seconds)

I look forward to the day when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back on a white stallion, you remember that, to slay all these nations that have risen up in rebellion against him and a sword comes out of his mouth where all he has to do is speak and all of his enemies and all those rebels are put in their place and we will be with him and will we again with that angelic host be crying out triumph, triumph? [01:01:23] (32 seconds)

So my hope and my prayer for you is that when you're feeling like you're getting your tail licked in your spiritual life, when you feel like you're being defeated, when you feel like you can't put one foot in front of the other, when you're feeling worn out, when you're feeling a little bit battle weary, I hope that you can take these verses with you. I hope that you can remember that from Christ's perspective you're living in a parade, that's where you are. You don't just wait for that, you're in it right now. [01:02:31] (44 seconds)

Now you want to talk about thanksgiving, you thank God for your house and your car and your bank account, you thank God for your family and your church family, you thank him for all his blessings, but look at this: now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. The triumph wasn't just 2,000 years ago with an empty, the triumph is just not when he comes again on a stallion, he always leads us in triumph in Christ now. [01:03:21] (31 seconds)

Let me end with this: of all that Jesus conquered, he's still conquering today—the hearts of men and women and boys and girls. He conquered my heart on May 13, 1981, 44 years ago. Can I ask you, has he conquered your heart? You're not going to be able to claim the victory, you're not going to be able to live victorious if you don't first allow the general, the triumphator, to conquer your heart. [01:05:04] (34 seconds)

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