How wonderful it is to lead a life of victory! But who is capable of this? It is those who have been washed clean of their sins in the blood of Jesus, those who have attained salvation in Christ and have thus experienced a new life. In order to be able to walk in this new life and maintain it, a life of victory is necessary.
Every child of God is exposed to many temptations and difficulties in this life. God’s Word states in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.” In other words, it is not a physical fight. We are up against the powers of darkness and the cunning attempts of the devil. We cannot fight them alone, but God wants to give us the victory!
Just as in natural warfare, children of God must also be equipped for spiritual warfare. God has provided us with spiritual armor (see Ephesians 6:10-17); we only need to make use of it to gain the victory.
Our first weapon should be the truth. Jesus Christ is the truth. His truth must first transform us, so that we can continue to live in the truth before God and man. Only this truth can conquer the devil, the father of lies.
We are clothed with the armor of righteousness. It is not the righteousness of the Pharisees or a righteousness by works, but the righteousness that was given to us by grace through Jesus Christ. It will stand before God and be a reliable weapon against the enemy.
The legs must also wear boots in order to be ready to march off at any time. A spiritual soldier with boots on is not satisfied with what he has achieved. He marches forward to carry the gospel further.
In the course of the Christian life, the devil shoots many fiery darts at believers, such as envy, resentment, strife, jealousy, etc., in order to attack them in some way. Here the shield of faith should be held up to protect the spiritual body. The arrows of the evil one are warded off by faith and trust, and God gives the victory.
The battle against the powers of darkness also requires the use of the helmet of salvation. When the enemy tries to take away our assurance of salvation, we can say: “Yes, I was a sinner, but Jesus paid everything for me and has forgiven me!” Assurance of salvation is our best defense against this kind of temptation.
The foundation of our faith is the Word of God. It is sharper than a two-edged sword. Jesus used this proven weapon to defeat the enemy. That is why we should also use this sword of the Spirit so that the enemy cannot harm us.
Children of God are called to lead a victorious life. John says: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4). God has done everything on His part through redemption to make victory possible for us. Now it is only up to us to use the God-given resources or armor in the battle and to walk through victoriously by the power and grace of God.
Edith Roesler
Toronto, ON
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