“The Victorious Christian Life” … what in the world is that?!

One of my favorite set of verses is found in John 8,

³¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

³⁴ Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. ³⁵ A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

What does it mean to be free in Christ? The first victory is:

1. Our chains of bondage to sin have been broken!

“²² Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, ²³ for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” (Acts 8:22-23)

¹⁴ So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. (Romans 7:14)

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Jesus Christ now gives us the freedom to choose whether we want to stay in (or enter into) bondage to sin. We now recognize it for what it is and know that He has much greater things in store for us. We now have the Spirit who urges us to choose righteously, and we are rewarded greatly with the love, joy, and peace that emanate from Christ as we turn to face Him and bask in His presence. And, with each victory, we become a little more like Christ. This choosing, turning, and facing is called “The Victorious Christian Life.” Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to live the victorious Christian life today.

Abba, I pray for my readers that they will choose life today and every day. Having You working in our lives leading, exhorting, and empowering us gives us courage and victory in our everyday lives. I look forward to tomorrow’s devotional as we continue our look at the freedom we have in You, Lord Jesus. Amen.