Christ the Conqueror: Part 5. The Believer Overcoming in Christ.

[Marilyn C]

The Believer`s Weapons in Christ.


The Lord Jesus Christ is the Mighty Conqueror. He has overcome sin, death, hell, the devil, and the world system. Now as Head of the Body, He leads us in triumph as He enables us to overcome also.

`Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, …` (2 Cor. 2: 14)

Throughout our journey in life, we face many trials, temptations, and tribulations. But in them all as we look to the Lord, He takes us through.

`In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I (Jesus) have overcome the world (system). ` (John 16: 33)



We are warned to not love the world system or the things of it.

`Do not love the world (system) or the things in the world (system)…..the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…..And the world (system) is passing away, and the lust of it; …` (1 John 2: 16 7 17)



Then we are encouraged that God has given divine weapons to defeat the enemy and his strategies – the Word of God and the Blood of Jesus.

`For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,..` (2 Cor. 10: 3 – 5)



The Word of God.

`the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.` (Heb. 4: 12)

The Blood of Jesus.

`Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.` (Heb. 10: 19)


Through the blood of Jesus, we can enter God`s presence receiving forgiveness and protection from the evil one. And the Word of God, the truth overcomes the lies and false teachings of the enemy.

 

[Marilyn C]

The Believer`s Armour in Christ.

`take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…` (Eph. 6: 13 – 18)

The protection of the believer from the enemy is likened to the armour that a soldier wore in Roman times – helmet, belt, breastplate, boots, shield and sword. These are all aspects of the believer`s life in the Spirit under the Head – Christ.

`Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh….` (Gal. 5: 16)

The helmet – Salvation.

`For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body. ` (1 Cor. 12: 13)



The belt – Truth. The belt holds the armour together as the person moves about.

`speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ…` (Eph. 4: 15)



The breastplate – Righteousness. `Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. ` (1 Cor. 1: 30)



The feet shod – Gospel of Peace. `The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ…` (Acts 10: 36)

`How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace..` (Rom. 10: 15)



The shield – Faith.

`This is the victory that has overcome the world (system) - our faith. ` (1 John 5: 4)



The sword – Word of God.

`the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…` (Heb. 4: 12)

 

[Marilyn C]

CONCLUSION


Jesus met the great enemy of truth in the wilderness when His physical energies were at their lowest ebb, and showed that the spiritual weapon of the Word of God was far superior to the infernal powers of evil.


Then throughout His ministry He overcame the world order, the sphere dominated by sin, with its customs, fashions, and laws. This whole system of things which is separated from God, and which offers position, possession, and power to those who serve its interests. Jesus declined every offer made to Him and stated,

“I have overcome the world (system). “ (John 16: 33)



At the cross under the direst conditions of conflict when everything was unfavourable, and the utmost power of evil arrayed against Him, He conquered the oppressor and vanquished the diabolical power of the foe.

“Thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15: 57)



What a mighty Conqueror is our Lord and Saviour!