Our Source for Spiritual Victory

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

As a pastor, I often have to deal with Christ followers that struggle with spiritual defeat—recurring sins. Their collective questions are pretty much the same: How do I overcome sin in my life? My answer is always the same: Learn, and practice applying biblical principles to specific situations. That’s right, knowledge of the Word is extremely helpful when it comes to dealing with sin.

A lack of knowing God’s Word always leads to immaturity. That’s because the Bible teaches you what God expects of Christ followers. Likewise, it offers divine counsel on dealing with sin. Knowing this, and applying it, leads to maturity.

How did Jesus overcome temptation to sin? When He was personally attacked by Satan, He quoted Scripture, which applied to specific temptations [see Matthew 4:1-11]. He was an overcomer because He knew and believed the Word of God. Furthermore, He refused to compromise its godly principles. His is our example to follow.

Don’t expect maturity overnight. It’s a continual process just as it is in life. But if you really want to be an overcomer, you must mature in Christ. The Apostle John used three metaphors to describe our spiritual maturity: Children, Young Men, and Fathers. 

1 John 2:13 - I write to you, dear Children… Spiritual children are not yet mature in their faith and must, as Peter said, “desire the pure milk of the Word, that [they] may grow thereby” [1 Peter 2:2].

1 John 2:14 - I write to you, Young Men… Spiritual young men are strong because, as John said, “…the Word of God abides in you.” In other words, The Bible has found a home in their heart.

1 John 2:14 - I write to you Fathers… Fathers are mature because, as John said, “they know Him who has been from the beginning.” Their maturity is based on a relationship with God, produced by a long time in prayer and the Word. 

Where do you see yourself here? A Child? A Young Man? A Father? Cling to the Word. The more you get into Scripture, and the more Scripture gets into you, the more mature you will become. With maturity comes a victorious Christian life. Scripture is the best source for spiritual victory.

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word… Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:9; 11