Seven steps to absolute victory.

What did Jesus say about the world?John 16:33

Jesus said, “In the world we shall have tribulation…but we should be of good cheer because He has overcome the world.

Here Jesus said that there are tribulations, trials, troubles, frustrations and wickedness in this world, but he did not end it there. He also said, Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Jesus did not overcome for himself; he overcame so that we can be overcomers too. Jesus started the statement with, “In me ye may have peace.” It is only when we are in Him that true peace can come. What Jesus is saying is that the only place there is true peace and joy is in Him.

What invitation did Christ make to everyone with problems, frustrations, and trials in the world?Matthew 11:28

He said, “Come unto me all ye that labour…”and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.

Are you troubled? Jesus says, “Come.” Are you sick? Jesus says, “Come.” Is your family in crisis? Jesus says, “Come.” Are you in financial crisis? Jesus says, “Come.” Are you frustrated? Jesus says, “Come.” Christ does not want you to carry your load all alone. He says, “Are you heavy-hearted?” Please come because He has rest for you.

Jesus did not come so that life can be more difficult for you. He came so that we can enjoy life, so that we can have fulfillment in this life. Christ wants you to have abundance. He wishes you well; He wants you fulfilled. That is why He came. A crippled life is not for you – a hard and tough life is not God’s will and plan for you.

Jesus came to destroy all the works of the devil in your life. What are the works of the devil? Everything that is making life uncomfortable for you, everything that is making you unhappy; and making you frustrated. These are the works of the devil. Sickness and diseases, poverty, barrenness, untimely death, joblessness, loneliness are also works of the devil. He came to destroy them. Would you allow Him to do that today?

Friends, the heavy burden you are carrying is not meant for you. Christ has paid the price for you to be set free. With Christ, your life can be free of crisis.

When you are in Christ, life is going to be better for you not worse. God’s will for you is that life should get better each day. Friends, since I have found Jesus, I have never had a better last year. Each year, things are getting better for me and so shall it be for you in Jesus’ name. Life in Christ will increase you, not decrease you; it will exalt you, not disgrace you; it will promote you, not demote you; it will make you flourish, not diminish you. Henceforth, your path will continue to shine brighter in Jesus’ name. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you.” Friends, following Jesus will make you, not unmake you. When God makes you, no devil can pull you down.

When you are not in Christ, He says your way is darkness.

Your life is not secured. Your life is not insured. You don’t have guarantee over your life; you can stumble anytime; anytime you can be killed. The devil can do whatsoever he wants with your life. You’re food for the devil. The Bible shows that the serpent feeds on the dust. If you are not in Christ, you are dust and the serpent can feed on you. Until you change your nature, you’re food for Satan and his angels.

They are the cause of all evil that is occurring in the world.

He cometh to steal, kill and destroy. Satan is the cause of all frustration; he is the cause of all accidents; the cause of all problems, all evil; his ministry is to steal, to kill and to destroy; Unless you are in Christ, you are a victim, you are an ordinary man. The bible says, “The way of a sinner is hard.” Things will continue to be hard until you change your nature and stop being in the devil’s kingdom.

Friends, there are two kingdoms in the world and you can only be in one. Either the kingdom of God or the kingdom of darkness. Everybody belongs to one of these two. The devil rules in the kingdom of darkness, he is the leader there. In the devil’s domain dwelleth all forms of evil, sin, death, sickness and diseases, poverty, fear, barrenness and accidents.

These are the entitlements of being in this kingdom but in the kingdom of God, of Jesus Christ, there is life, righteousness, peace, joy, love, prosperity, good health, long life and victory. Those who choose the kingdom of God have been rescued from the domain of Satan. Friends, you do not have to be dominated any longer, Christ has paid the price, He has delivered us from oppression and wickedness of Satan.

All you need to do is make a choice and effect it now. You shall be set free. The Bible says that if the Son of man shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.

To overcome, to be a candidate for victory, you must be born of God. To totally defeat the devil, you must be born of God. You must change your nature and your kingdom to become part of the kingdom of God.

Jesus is saying, unless you are born again and you receive a new nature, you cannot be in the kingdom of God.

Some time ago the newspaper told the story of a young girl who had raised a tiger as a pet. It was only a few days old when it was given to her. The girl was ever so kind to this pet and the two of them spent many hours together in play.

As the tiger grew larger and older, the girl was warned of the danger of having this wild animal for a pet. She had almost grown up with the tiger and was certain that the animal would never harm her. She claimed that all the wild traits of the particular tiger had been eliminated by its constant association with humans.

Then one day the girl cut her finger as she was playing with the animal. The tiger licked the blood from the wound. In a matter of a few seconds this kind, gentle playmate became a ravenous beast. Knocking its master to the ground, it viciously chewed and...

The girl was certain the nature of the tiger had been changed by its association with humans, but she discovered that it still had the nature and heart of a wild animal. This story illustrates the nature of man. Man is born with a basically sinful nature. It is much easier for him to do that which is wrong and sinful than that which is good and right. Education and training may develop some outward signs of good behaviour, but the evil nature inherited from Adam will remain.

The kind father and thoughtful husband can become a raging maniac when he has had a few drinks. Psychologists tell us that these outbreaks are due to hidden and repressed drives that are held in check by self control but show themselves when the self control is temporarily anesthetized.

Christ said that the religious leaders of His day were like “white-washed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27.

In order to be right with God, we need forgiveness for our past sins. More than this, we need the evil nature, which produces these sins, changed.

Note: This text tells us to repent and be converted. The word “converted” means to be changed. We are to have the carnal nature changed into a spiritual nature. Our part is to repent or be sorry for our sins. God’s part is to accomplish the change in us which we call conversion.

How many times have we failed in following the saviour? Many of us have tried so very hard to do right only to fail more miserably than before. Our intentions were good, but we were trying to do good without God’s help. We were still carnal and sinful in nature. We were controlled by passions and habits acquired before we knew God’s plan of redemption.

Without Jesus our hearts cannot be changed. We can never overcome the devil in our own strength. It is only as we put our lives in the hands of Christ that we can gain the victory over past sins. It is only through Him that we can live the victorious Christian life. So many have said, “When I overcome this habit, or gain the victory over that sin, then I will accept the Lord and become a Christian.” This is the sick person saying, “When I get well I will go to the doctor and let him help me.”

The time to come to Christ for help is when you recognize your need. Give Him your heart today and know the joy and peace that comes to you as you become a new creature in Christ. You can do this by dropping to your knees just now and letting Him take control of your life. Perhaps you do not know how to come to Christ. Just repeat these simple words as an expression of your heart’s sincere desire: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I am weak. I have sinned. Please forgive and help me. Come into my heart and change me just now.” Amen.

Conclusion

Christ came to give us the gift of eternal life. Eternal life is all you need, a new heart and a new life. Why not ask Him for this gift of eternal life today, join the winning camp and become a candidate for victory. John 3:16.