A TIME OF VICTORY
INTRODUCTION
A time of victory exists when the proper conditions prevail; with evil of the same nature. The Prophet Isaiah 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 the tendency to waiver in commitment towards the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God as secular values and culture become acceptable rather than rejected.
A Time of Victory
Light and Darkness
Failure towards a time of victory is an intermixing of the world instead of allegiance 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. John said to do so is impossible, that such persons are lying and misleading others was well.
John continued: 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; to walk in this light, which is to live free from bondage to sin, making true communion between believers possible. Jesus’ violent 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 doing so, must cease. There is a sense in which Christians should love the world, since God Himself did and does (John 3:16); but in the sense of pledging personal loyalty and devotion, Christians are to love God first and foremost (Mark 12:30).
John continued: 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 to the Christian, caught up in what is warned against, with one's soul being captured through deception.
Evil Desire Towards Sin
The term world signifies the evil desire an sin so much a part of human existence; ever since the downfall of man 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 an even greater rush in these areas of weakness through an electronic world that places all within the hands of its beholder. A time of victory is when such is not allowed to be the conqueror, but to be conquered, through its influence not being partaken of.
Encroachment on Freedom
Encroachment of basic freedoms is in taking gradual steps into the possessions or right of others; to advance beyond the usual or proper limits or trespass 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 through those seeking to empower and control.
Such an influence is rising through such names as 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; to name but a few, that would upset the normality of life. 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. Thank God when such influence has been hampered through godly influence.
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, nor 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).
In his last testament, Paul 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 his 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) 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 (a time of victory) to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
It is truly a time of victory when we witness the handiwork of God; through Christ, working untold miracles amongst 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 to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. 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).
Overcoming the World
Apostle John wrote: Whatsoever (refers to every believer in Christ) is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world (a time of victory), even our faith (1 John 5:4). Thank God for the victory; when defeat looms before us, then the Lord comes on the scene and turns defeat into victory. Our hope and victory is in firmly grasping to the promises in God’s Word.
In a poem titled: "This too will Pass Away" by an unknown author, are found these words: If I can endure for this minute whatever is happening to me, no matter how heavy my heart is or how dark the moment may be. If I can remain calm and quiet with my entire world crashing about me secure in the knowledge God loves me.
If I can but keep on believing what I know in my heart to be true that darkness will fade with the morning and that this will pass away too; then nothing in life can defeat me. For as long as this knowledge remains I can suffer whatever is happening, for I know God will break all the chains that are binding me tight in the darkness trying to fill me with fear. For there is no night, without dawning and I know that my morning is near.
Trusting in God
A time of victory comes in the words of the Psalmist: Give us help in trouble; for vain is the help of man, through God we shall do valiantly, for 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 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 as revealed in the faith Chapter of the Book of Hebrews (Chapter 11). Today is no different, as a time of victory is gained, whether in this world or the one to come, in the life of the believer.
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