As followers of Jesus we all want to live a triumphant Christian life. The bible assures us that Jesus Christ is a victor and as believers we can share in that victory.
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." -1 Corinthians 15:57-58
Jesus won the supreme victory at the cross, sin was atoned for, and the power of sin and death were broken.
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
The key to achieving victory in Jesus is FAITH.
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? " - 1 John 5: 4-5
With that being said, what is the extent of Christ victory that he imparts to us?
Victory over lust of the flesh and pride
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:16
Victory over the flesh is about victory in the spirit. This comes through the power of self-control that the holy spirit effects within our minds and thinking so that we set our minds on the spirit rather than the flesh. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Therefore in order for us to have victory over lust of the flesh and pride we must not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.
Victory over temptation
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." Jesus was also tempted but he overcame (see story in Matthew 4 1-11), you are not immune to temptation. You are not unique when tempted. You not alone in your temptations. Temptation is a battle of the mind. You can easily fall, if you have faulty thinking about yourselves (i.e if you do not know where stand in Christ), temptation and sin. You must renew your mind: Victory over temptation is spiritual power of a renewed mind.
Victory over death
"Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." - Acts 2:24
(See also: Romans 6:9, Romans 8:38-39)
When Jesus died at the cross, he did not die alone. He took with him our fallen nature, our old selves that had so stubbornly resisted God's love and plan. there on the cross with him this nature was put to death forever. Jesus took the punishment we deserved so that we could be made ready to receive new life. The original curse was broken, God's children were restored to their father and enabled by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
The Whole purpose of Jesus ministry was to give us victory. Man was born in the bondage of sin and under the power of the law. there is no way for a person to escape the things of the world apart from the means of escape we have in Jesus.
As long as we remain in this fallen world, we will still have struggles to overcome and battles to fight. At times we may fall and fail, but we must continue to get up, asking God to equip us with his grace and power to overcome. ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)
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