A TIME OF VICTORY
INTRODUCTION
A time of victory exists when the proper path is chosen as revealed by the Prophet Isaiah, who gave warning: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight; which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him (Isaiah 5:20-23). We are witnessing a waiver in commitment towards the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God as secular progressive values and cultural changes become acceptable rather than rejected.
A Time of Victory
Light Versus Darkness
Failure towards a time of victory is with intermixing of the world instead of separation with allegiance belonging to God. Apostle John wrote: God is light and in him is no darkness at all, if we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not (practice) the truth (1 John 1:6). It was noted that walk in darkness means walking in sin, that such persons lying and misleading others.
He wrote: If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7). It was noted that God is light, which is to live free from bondage to sin, making true communion between believers possible. Jesus’ death on the cross, which is what blood signifies, is the antidote for and defense against sin’s presence and power (a time of victory).
Love not the World
Apostle John wrote: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). It was noted that love not the world is a command implying that action now in progress, if so doing, must cease. There is a sense in which Christians should love the world, since God Himself did and does (John 3:16); but in pledging personal loyalty and devotion, is in loving God first and foremost (Mark 12:30).
John continued in writing: 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; and the world passes away, and the lust thereof; but he that does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:16-17). A time of victory does not apply if the Christian, caught up in what is warned against, allows his soul to be captured by deception.
Evil Desire Toward Sin
The term "world" signifies the evil desire towards sin which is so much a part of human existence; ever since the downfall in the Garden of Eden. It was noted that all people are tempted differently according to their individual weakness. Temptations appeal to three fundamental areas of life: (1) the lust of the flesh (physical desires); (2) the lust of the eyes (personal desires); and (3) the pride of life (self-interests).
We are witnessing even greater ushering in of these areas of weakness through an electronic world that places such in the hands of the beholder. A time of victory is not allowing such to be the conqueror, but to conquer its influence by not partaking. We have a younger generation that is being fed such rather than towards the betterment of society by adhering to God’s Word.
Encroachment of Freedom
Encroachment of basic freedoms is taking gradual steps towards the possessions or rights of others; to advance beyond the usual or proper limits and trespassing on the rights of others. When the leadership of a nation is tarnished, through lack of godly leadership, it opens the door for the removal of basic rights, and freedoms, by those seeking to empower and rule.
Such is witnessed through Socialism and Marxism, cousins to Communism; Critical Race Theory (CRT), the Great Reset Plan, instituted by the World Economic Forum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Transformation. Included in the spin-off of evil is a drive to maintain legalized abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, and transgenderism as a way of life.
It was noted that goals include: Discredit family as an institution; control of the schools to use as tools for promoting ungodly agenda; eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them violation of free speech and free press; break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography in books, magazines, motion pictures, and TV; infiltrate the press, gain control of key positions in government, radio, TV, and motion pictures; infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with a progressive social religion, and discredit the Bible.
Other Areas of Concern
We are witnessing the rising up of Democratic Socialists; along with the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) organization which functions as a multi-tendency left-wing activist organization. It is the largest socialist activist organization in America; instead of running its own separate ballot line; its members are endorsed candidates within the Democratic Party.
Another area of concern noted is Artificial Intelligence (AI); a computer technology that allows machines to think, learns, and solves problems like a human. AI can process, analyze, and compute massive datasets at speeds and scales that are physically impossible for humans. It was noted that AI is a complex tool with both significant benefits and serious risks, making it a mixed bag rather than purely good or bad and should be treated with caution.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is neither a pure blessing nor a curse, it is a powerful tool shaped by human intent. It acts as a blessing when utilized for the benefit of mankind; it becomes a curse when it spreads false notions, takes jobs, or causes harm. The scariest thing about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the erosion of shared reality through realistic paths of automated propaganda that make it nearly impossible to distinguish truth from fabrication.
Words of Encouragement
Apostle Paul wrote: We are more than conquerors (a time of victory) through him that loves us; for I am persuaded, that neither death, or life, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, shall be able to separate us (the believers) from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39); words of encouragement by Apostle Paul who knew what trials and tribulation were all about; yet continued to walk in the pathway of righteousness.
Paul acknowledged where his strength came from, in writing: The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me. The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever (2 Timothy 4:17-18) (truly a time of victory).
In Paul’s last testament, he wrote: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them also that love is appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8). A time of victory was sustained, and won, through the strength of the Lord.
Weapons of Warfare
Apostle Paul wrote: The weapons of our (the Christian’s) warfare are not carnal (of human standards), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations (false arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
It is a time of victory when we witness the handiwork of God; through Christ, working miracles among His people, towards salvation of the soul. Paul instructed the Christian: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil (our adversary). We wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity), but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of the darkness of this world (world-rulers), against spiritual wickedness (wicked spiritual beings) in high places (Ephesians 6:10-12).
Take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:13). The armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17). Included is the importance of praying always (Ephesians 6:18).
Trusting in God
A time of victory, and its source, is revealed in the words of the Psalmist: Give us help in trouble; for vain is the help of man, through God we shall do valiantly, but he is that shall tread down our enemies (Psalm 60:11-12). Sing to the Lord a new song; his right hand, and his holy arm, has gotten him (us) the victory (Psalm 98:1).
The very essence of salvation and victory in life comes through knowing the Lord, the promises of His Word, encouragement to persevere, even in the midst of suffering, as was the case of many saints of God revealed in the faith Chapter of the Book of Hebrews (Chapter 11). Today is no different, with a time of victory gained, whether in this world or the one to come, in the life of the believer.
GOT QUESTIONS A Website where Bible questions are answered. With over 7,000 answers to frequently asked Bible questions published online, approximately 85% of the questions we are asked already have answers available to you instantly. This Website is an easy way to search out any questions you may have.