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Victorious Living

What I Learned in 2024: What Time is it?

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What time is it?

A New Year Begins.

Welcome to 2025!  As is my habit with WordBytes in January, I’d like to share with you my key learnings from 2024.

I am a learner by nature.  I especially LOVE to read and study God’s Word.  Through writing WordBytes and daily journaling, I capture my thoughts and share my emotions with the Lord.  I write, scribble, cut and paste; highlight,  and redline.  I use many symbols to capture what God is revealing to me in our time together.  My journal is my personal creative mess!

As I read my quarterly journals for 2024, there emerged several key themes that I’d like to share in this year’s learning.  All revolved around the idea of “time”.   Not the time we use to calculate intervals of a day (chronos time), but the appointed time in the purpose of God (karios time).

2024 was the “karios time” to receive the message God wanted to share with me, not only for my spiritual growth and development, but also to build my resilience for 21st century living (Esther 4:14).

A Time for examination.

2024 was a time to examine myself and see if I was still in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Was my heart “divided”?  Was I attempting to serve God AND the world?  Who and what dominated my time and my resources?  Was I being conformed to the image of Christ? (Romans 8:29)

In his book, Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in these Turbulent Times, John Eldredge reminded me of this fact.

Maturity is no longer optional, dear ones; wholeheartedness is no longer something we can go without.  Those vulnerabilities in us prove treacherous in this world, like a faulty bridge or a bow that is not properly strung.

With all the distractions and competition for my attention, was I still faithfully following Christ? I needed to daily acknowledge Jesus as Lord of my life and totally commit to follow Him.

A Time to surrender.

Surrender is an unpopular word usually associated with defeat.  But with God, surrender takes on a new meaning.  Surrendering to God, makes possible, what is impossible without Him.

I foolishly believed that my efforts shaped me into the person God created me to be.  It is the Holy Spirit within me that does the work (Philippians 2:13).

In his book, Absolute Surrender, A.W. Tozer, shares this thought about my role in surrendering.

A life of absolute surrender has its difficulties.  I do not deny that.  Yes, it has something far more than difficulties: it is a life that with man is absolutely impossible.  But by the grace of God, by the power of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, it is a life to which we are destined, and a life that is possible for us, praise God!

It is my honor to surrender “everything and everyone” to the Lord.  I have come to the reality that without Jesus, I can do nothing (John 15:5).  God alone knows where I am, where I need to be, and what it will take to get me to where He wants me to be.  It is my job to surrender.

A Time to go deeper into God’s love.

As a child, I was taught the song, “Jesus loves me”.  However, I did not fully understand the depth of that love until I experienced the joy and pain of living in this fallen world.  Through both good and bad times, I have experienced the love of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:16-20)

As I read W. Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I was amazed at the uncanny similarities between the work of the shepherd and Jesus’ work in the life of human sheep.

It is a tragic truth, that many people who really have never come under God’s direction and management claim that “The Lord is my shepherd”.  They hope that by merely admitting that he is their Shepherd, they might somehow enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.

Jesus is my Good Shepherd (John 10:14) who loves me and cares for me even in my disobedience, and my foolishness. Jesus makes me lie down, restores my soul, and leads me. His love for me is extraordinary.

MOMENTS OF MINDFULNESS

Time to reflect on today’s session.  Feel free to share your remarks at https://www.itwministries.org.

What have you learned in 2024?   What things will you leave behind that won’t be helpful in your 2025 journey?  What things has God revealed that will help you achieve a richer life in Christ in 2025? 

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: A Heart to See God

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A Heart to See God

Intentional teaching

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  As a little girl, Matthew 5:8 was one of the first memory verses I was taught.  I can’t explain the reason for the choice of this verse.  Perhaps my mother felt it would help tame my mischievous spirit.  She was very intentional when it came to her children.  Little did I realize that my mother’s guidance would lead to a fuller vision of God and His Kingdom.

Jesus was also intentional in His teachings.  The Beatitudes, both in unity and individually, radically flew in the face of how the world defined happiness, satisfaction, and success: poor in spirit, mourners, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty.

Jesus’ purposefulness is seen in His presentation of each of the beatitudes, especially with the placement of this sixth beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Today’s beatitude is no exception to this teaching pattern.  It redefines purity and the resulting blessedness of “seeing God.”

Jesus knows what’s needed.

Jesus has to this point shared with His Disciples key behaviors of those who enjoy the “happiness and satisfaction” of living by kingdom rules.

In reading this beatitude today, one might comment on its simplicity in meaning and presentation.  However, in the context of the 1st century, Jesus’ statement was revolutionary.  Jesus presented it to a nation literally obsessed with purification laws and procedures (Leviticus 11-15).

Imagine the shock of hearing Jesus.  “No one, not even Moses, has ever seen Jehovah God!”    “Purity of heart and nothing else?”   This alone was sufficient reason for the scribes and the Pharisees (who benefited from the current religious system) to desire Jesus’ death.

The heart’s role in purity.

The heart is key in sustaining a faithful walk with God.  Its condition (pure or unpure) affects our thoughts, behaviors, and actions.   In the Old Testament, the Lord described the heart, the seat of man’s affection, as “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).  David understood the importance of purity of heart as he pleaded with God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10).

Who are the “pure in heart”?

  • Those who mourn the impurity of their hearts to the extent that they do what is needed to cleanse and purify it (Matthew 4:17; 1 John 1:9).  When standing in the presence of Holy God, we understand our personal depravity and the need for forgiveness (Romans 3:23).
  • Those who accept God’s lordship in their lives. They place Jesus as the center of their life.  The pure in heart “see” God spiritually.  They operate in His presence, under His authority, and to His honor and glory (Coram Deo).

“Seeing God” in this beatitude allows us to recognize and acknowledge God’s sovereign acts of mercy and grace in this fallen world we live in (Matthew 5:45).  We are able to see “His Hand” both physically (Acts 17:28) and spiritually (Romans 6:6-9).

Our 21st century challenge

Seeing God is a challenge for people living in the 21st century.  Nonbelievers are blinded by Satan who keeps them from seeing the possibilities that Christ offers (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4).    Beatitude living is at enmity with a world that neither recognizes nor accepts the authority of God, the lordship of Christ, or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, we believers aren’t always the best witnesses for Beatitude living.  Satan convinces many of us that purity of the heart is impossible.  Again, a trick by Satan to frustrate and discourage our efforts to live holy. We fail to understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to purity.  God is not seeking perfection but progress:  a sincere effort to grow and love others.

As children of God, we have everything we need to live pure and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:2-3).  Our pursuit of purity can become “second nature”.    How?   By spending more time with God:  reading His Word, meditating, and prayer.  The more we do this, the more we will see God.

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature]

are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character],

for they will see God.” (Amplified)

 

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: In Search of Righteousness

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Living the Beatitude Life: Seeking Righteousness

The search for something better.

In the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a desperate individual endeavoring to save his family from dire circumstances created by his lack of employment and subsequent homelessness.

Chris is given the opportunity for a job on Wall Street by a benevolent mentor who sees in him, not only hidden talent, but a “hunger and thirst” for a better life.

When Jesus spoke of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, He knew the impact “kingdom living” would have on individuals in search of a “better life”.  Jesus saw individuals who were spiritually hungry, starved by the empty promises of this world.  The result was emaciated spirits and dry souls.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6   (NRS)

To be righteous (dikaios), in a broad sense, describes man as God had originally created him to be—one whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God.

As believers, our righteousness is not from us but is the imputed (credited) righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).  The desire to live  righteously before God is only possible by Jesus Christ’s presence within believers through the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to live right and to do right (Ezekiel 36:25-27; Phil. 2:13).

Seek first the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

To “seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness” establishes the right priority for the believer.

With the many enticements and distractions offered by the world, it is easy to understand the lukewarm commitment to the things of God—even within the church.  But God demands our love and our loyalty as we seek to live for the furtherance of the kingdom of God.

The Apostle Peter reminded persecuted believers of their “new priority” as a result of Christ’s sacrificial death.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same thought, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,  so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions but by the will of God.  (1 Peter 4:1-2)

An Invitation.

Jesus’ invitation to righteousness was an opportunity for a new way of living for 1st century believers.  Believers’ lives were no longer marked by hypocrisy and corruption as seen in the lives of the ruling religious leaders.  Instead, Jesus invited those who sought God’s righteousness to simply “Come” (Matt. 11:28-30).  This invitation would resonate with individuals in familiar terms they could easily understand—hunger and thirst.

To “hunger and thirst” for God’s righteousness indicates a strong craving that becomes the driving force in our life.  The Psalmist captured this fervent yearning in Psalms 42:1-3:

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?  My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, “Where is your God?”

Hunger and Thirst.

While hunger and thirst are terms typically used to express basic human needs, the hunger and thirst that Jesus describes is different.  This beatitude depicts a “spiritual hunger and thirst” that finds no satisfaction in the physical realm.  And what is the effect of this yearning?  “It is filled!”

The world is at enmity with those seeking the righteousness of God.  In spite of the persecution we may encounter or the rejection we may face, it is imperative that we stand firm and give the world the reason for our hope—a living hope that is realized both now and in eternity future (1 Pet. 3:15).

Our culture continues to seek answers to the moral and social problems of our day using man’s wisdom.   Such efforts are “senseless striving” without first desperately seeking God’s righteousness.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Meekness and Kingdom Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Meekness and Kingdom Living

Counterculture thinking.

The Beatitudes illustrate the behaviors and resulting “blessedness” that belongs to believers living by kingdom rules.  These behaviors were “counterculture”, not only in the first century, but even more so today.

Last week we explored the blessedness in “mourning and comforting”.  Mourning is the “sincere sorrow” we experience when we realize the impact of sin in our life.  Comfort is the result of knowing that Jesus Christ has delivered us not only from the penalty of sin (death) but also provided the means for ongoing cleansing (1 John 1:9).

We continue our exploration into the Beatitudes with the third proclamation by Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount.  “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.”  (Matthew 5:5)

What is meekness?

Meekness (praus) is typically used to describe one whose disposition is gentle or mild. It has also been described as “power under control”.

Jesus described Himself as “gentle and lowly” (Matthew 11:29) yet He was the Creator of the universe.  John Killinger in his classic, Letting God Bless You, describes how Jesus’ life truly depicted “power under control”.

When folks got the idea of starting a movement that would make Him an earthly king, Jesus slipped away to be alone and to pray. While he commended the use of riches to help the poor, he himself never had much in the way of earthly goods-apparently not even a home to call his own or an extra change of raiment.

When he was preparing to leave his closest friends, he took a bowl of water and a towel and got down on his knees to wash their feet, insisting that they learn to live through serving one another, not by sitting in the places of honor. Betrayed by a follower who led the police to his prayer spot in Gethsemane, he kissed the follower and bade his friends not to raise their swords.

Brought before Pilate and Caiaphas, he saw the uselessness of protest and fell into creative silence. Crucified between two criminals, he spoke kindly to the one with an open heart and forgave the soldiers who had followed orders in carrying out his execution. He didn’t have to be this way. He didn’t have to submit to such mistreatment.

Meekness rewarded.

Jesus stated that meekness would result in inheriting the earth.  “A land” was promised to the people of Israel.  What earth or land was to be inherited? Some scholars believe the land refers to the Promised Land originally pledged to the patriarchs of the Old Testament (Genesis 12:7; 24:7; 26:3; 28:13). Others say it is the future Millennial Kingdom described in Revelations 20:1-10.

But acquiring a land signified much more than a possession.  It implied a sense of place, security, and an inheritance from God.  These promises will be realized with the second coming of the Messiah, when there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Revelations 21:1).  The new earth will not be possessed by the powerful despots, the ruthless tyrants, or the manipulative schemers. It will be possessed by the meek.

This promise of a land is also for us believers who are benefiting from the New Covenant.  It will be fulfilled in a far more glorious way than anyone could imagine.  This is our living hope for today (1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:13).

How does one become meek?

Meekness and gentleness and goodness are part of the fruit of the Spirit.  They are produced in the Christian by the Holy Spirit.

To cultivate a spirit of meekness, we are encouraged to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25).  That means we are controlled by the Spirit of God.  This will result in our being conformed to the image of Christ including His meekness.

The Gospel narratives of Jesus’ life shared what meekness in action looks like. Jesus could have called down angels to take his side in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:53). But, for all of this, he was a meek man, a man after the heart of God, a man from the heart of God. Let us follow Jesus’ glorious example. Let us seek meekness.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Comforted Mourners

Beatitude rewards.

The reward in studying the Beatitudes is not simply in acquiring knowledge that will improve our spiritual or moral character.  It is also an opportunity to gain insight into the nature of God and the extraordinary kingdom God has designed for our lives.

The “blessedness” described in the Beatitudes affirms a quality of life that is already present with more to be fully realized in eternity future.  In exploring the key propositions set forth within the Beatitudes, we discover the blessedness of “kingdom living”.

Blessedness recapped.

“Blessed” literally means “happy”.  As we discovered earlier in this series, this “happiness” is not the same as that offered by the world. Worldly happiness is dependent on circumstances or material possessions.  In contrast, kingdom happiness is authentic joy that accrues to a believer who shares in the salvation of the kingdom of heaven.

Our “happiness” [as believers} transcends the world’s definition.  It is anchored to our belief and trust in God (Hebrews 6:19).  It results in inner satisfaction and sufficiency that is not dependent on outward circumstances. This is the reality that allows us to thrive even while living in this fallen world.

“Blessedness” is not a function of positive psychology nor is it a product of positive thinking.  It is the reality of living in God’s presence, under God’s protection, and appreciating God’s provision.    Today’s beatitude is a prime example of this reality of kingdom living (Matthew 5: 4).

Blessed in mourning?

Mourning is not the usual activity we associate with happiness.  Why did Jesus choose to use mourning as a topic to include in this beatitude?

Mourning is a universal expression of deep sorrow and grief, usually associated with death or loss.    Like “poor in spirit” has nothing to do with finances in Matthew 5:3, “mourning and comforting”, in this beatitude, has nothing to do with death or loss.  This mourning is “mourning over sin”. Once we truly comprehend the impact of sin on our lives and on our relationship with God, there is much reason to mourn.

Paul spoke of this as “godly sorrow”.  This sorrow produces repentance, leading to salvation without regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).  Much too often we are burdened by unconfessed sin in our life.  It results in emotional and spiritual scarring.  Satan then uses guilt and shame to further enslave our lives.

 Where is the blessing in mourning?

Happiness comes in the “comfort” which God provides through His forgiveness and salvation. Mourning our sinful state drives us into the arms of Jesus Christ, Who is the source of our forgiveness and salvation (Isaiah 40:1, 2).

This “happiness” occurs initially when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  It continues daily as we confess new sins that we have committed (Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:9).  There is comfort in knowing that our sins are forgiven, and we are in right relationship with the Lord (Ephesians 2:11-13).

Mourning leads to comfort:  forgiveness, salvation, and restoration. We thank God for the comfort He has provided us through Jesus Christ.

The end result of mourning:  comforting. 

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) gives us an excellent model of “godly sorrow” and “mourning”.  The prodigal mourned his disobedience that led to his “sinful state”: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” (v. 18).

His “godly sorrow” and confession (v. 21) then led to reconciliation and “comfort” from his father: “Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry” (vv. 22, 23).

In 2024, Jesus continues to be the blessed comfort promised to us who mourn over our sins.

 

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Kingdom Rich

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Reality living in God’s Kingdom

If the television industry is to be remembered for anything, it will be the birth of “reality” programming.  Since its entrance into our entertainment schedule, the number of reality shows and spin offs have grown exponentially compared with other television venues.   While these programs are marketed as “reality”, the truth of the matter is that their plots are carefully staged. Their view of reality was no more than “staged possibility”.

However, when Jesus stated that, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God,” (Matthew 5:3), He was presenting to the world a new reality.  A reality that was both available and possible to those who accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.  Upon accepting Christ’s invitation, believers become citizens of His kingdom and usher in a new reality for living.

The Believer’s reality

The promises (the blessedness) of the Beatitudes are available to believers only.  In fact, to unbelievers the propositions put forth in the Beatitudes appear illogical and irrational.  This should not surprise us.  The preaching of Christ (and His teachings) is “to them that are perishing foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:18).  The world’s wisdom is based on the standards of a different king.  His name is Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The believer’s reality is not based on man’s wisdom, but on that which the Holy Ghost teaches.  The natural man (unbeliever) cannot understand these things because they are spiritually discerned.  The privilege of the poor in spirit and the possession of the kingdom of heaven are reserved only for those who believe (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).

Privilege and possession

The privilege of being poor in spirit comes from understanding the need for salvation AND a Savior.  In recognizing our sinfulness and depravity, our poverty of spirit is exposed.  We cry out like Paul, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”  (Romans 7:24) The reality of our personal brokenness should not drive us to increased darkness.  Instead, it should invite us to the life-giving light of Jesus.  It is there that true forgiveness is possible, and spiritual transformation can begin (Colossians 1:20-22).

The possession of the kingdom of heaven can only be properly understood by knowing the King.  As believers, our reality acknowledges that our Lord and King is Jesus Christ.   In Him, we live, move, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28).  God is transcendent (beyond or above the range of human experience) and omniscient (everywhere all the time).  We live continually in His presence.  While Jesus reigns exalted with God in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20), His rule still extends to us as we physically live in this fallen world.

Why are believers happy?

First, because we know our sins have been forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).  We no longer need to hide in the shame and the fear of our past lives.  Jesus has made it possible for us to become part of the citizenship of heaven (1 Peter 2:9).  This position comes with both privilege and power that exceed any temporary position we might hold on earth.

Second, believers not only enjoy benefits as citizens of God’s kingdom now but look forward to even more blessings in eternity (Ephesians 2:12, 18,19).   It is this reality that incent us to live holy and soberly within His kingdom (Titus 2:12).

Finally, the believer’s position in God’s kingdom can never be withdrawn or loss.  Nothing can separate us from God’s presence.  Our present and future realities are guaranteed.  It has been secured by the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:18)

Living the “beatitude life” makes us kingdom rich. It results in peace that passes all understanding, indescribable joy, and love that covers a multitude of sins.  The Beatitudes witness to the extraordinary gifts that awaits us who live faithfully for Jesus.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

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Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

A Return n to the Familiar.

Last week we shared our thoughts on peacemaking.  We used the Sermon on the Mount, more specifically, The Beatitudes, that are found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:3-12).   Why did we choose them for our teaching?

While the behaviors outlined in the Beatitudes may not conform to the current “worldview”, they are none the less valid and profitable.  The Beatitudes are foundational truths for righteous living that transcend time.

21st century living through the lens of the Beatitudes is a challenge, to say the least.  They are counterculture, counter-intuitive, and just plain hard.  While living the “Beatitude life” may appear difficult, it is worth the effort in the end.

The key to living the Beatitude Life is in our understanding their benefits.   For the next few weeks, we will examine the Beatitudes and the “blessings” available to us right now.

“Nothing new under the sun.”

We believe the teachings contained in the Beatitudes are relevant and desirable for 21st century believers.  The behaviors described in the Beatitudes represent what life “in Christ” looks like in relationship to God and with our fellowman.

In Ecclesiastes 1:9, Solomon stated that “there was nothing new under the sun”.  He was not referring to the normal changes that occur over time in society.  We are continually learning and integrating new technology and innovation into our world.

What has not changed is the heart of man (Jeremiah17:9).  The influence of the world, of sin and the pulling of our flesh continues (1 John 2:16-17).  Time has not lessened the need for God’s plan of salvation.  Justification, regeneration, and sanctification—are needed as much in AD 2024 as they were needed in 1 AD.  The need will continue until Christ returns.

Supernatural power needed.

Once we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we no longer are expected to live by the world’s dictates.  Instead, we are to pursue a righteous lifestyle like that demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

The behaviors chronicled in the Beatitudes, however, are not developed in the flesh.  They are supernaturally enabled.  Some believe the Beatitudes are behaviors we should strive to achieve.  No amount of striving can accomplish each of these controversial behaviors.  They are only possible through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Beatitudes make no sense, especially to the unredeemed world.  It is this third person of the Godhead that is responsible for the transforming work needed to live out the behaviors described in the Beatitudes (Philippians 2:13).

Stormie Omartian clarifies our response to the Holy Spirit’s power.

Know that once we have received Jesus, we can’t continue to live our old sinful lifestyle. Now that we have His Holy Spirit living in us, guiding us, and transforming us, we have no excuse.

Beatitude living is “supernatural living” that flows from a life lived in obedience to and trust in God.  Our behavior is reframed to see God and others with the eyes of Christ.

We’re not home yet.

The Beatitudes remind us that this world is not our final place of residency.   The kingdom of heaven is the reward that Jesus wants us to focus on.  In an age of instant gratification, rewards that come later are not usually sought after.

Knowing that we are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world, we must turn our attention to things that have eternal value (Colossians 3:1-2).  Therefore, we live in this world with different expectations on how life is to be lived.  Unfortunately, many believers, like unbelievers, focus on “life in this time” rather than “eternity with God”.

The Beatitudes are “rules of engagement” for followers of Christ. They are intimidating and antagonistic to accepted practices and beliefs of the world. True satisfaction and peace are only possible through Jesus Christ.  It is through Christ’s “blessedness” that true satisfaction and peace can be experienced—both now and through eternity.

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: Living Victoriously

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Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: Living Victoriously Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (NKJ)

What does it look like?

At the beginning of this series, we put forth the proposition that spiritual blessings, outlined in Ephesians 1:3-14, will result in victorious living by believers.

As we conclude this series, it is a great time to share exactly how spiritual blessings accomplish that.  What exactly does victorious living look like?  There is much written on “how” to live victoriously.  It often includes a recommended list of spiritual disciplines accompanied with a list of “do’s and don’ts”.  Yet, more than often,  the specifics on victorious living are unclear.

Clarity in the Scriptures

For me, there are several biblical truths that contribute to understanding what victorious living looks like.  The most important being how “we look” in Christ.

In Christ, we are “new creatures” (2 Cor. 5:17) and are continually being  “transformed by the renewing of their mind” (Rom. 12:2).  It is God’s expectation that we “be holy as He who called [them] is holy” (1 Pet. 1:15-16) with the ultimate objective to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

As we are conformed to Christ’s image,  we live out our purpose or  “good works, which God has ordained” for us to do (Eph. 2:10).

This process of spiritual transformation is ongoing in us who confidentially trusts God and understands that “He that began a good work is able to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6)—until Christ’s Second Return or the believer’s returns to Christ.

Victory in God

Victorious living finds its genesis in the Triune God.  Chosen by God.  Redeemed by Christ.  Sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Victorious living is achieved by our walking in the reality of the spiritual blessings “gifted” to us by God resulting in our new identity and capability.  All these blessing are to the praise of God’s glory—lavish and abundant blessings on which to live victoriously.

I once believed that living victoriously was dependent on me.  I am so glad that God provided the “true secret to victorious living”.   For it in In Him “we live, and move, and have our meaning” (Acts 17:28).

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  (Titus 3:4-7)

In your quiet time, read Ephesians 1:3-14.  Feel free to read it several times using a different translation or paraphrase; then journal how this scripture can help you live more victoriously.

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessing for Victorious Living: A Foretaste of Glory

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In whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13a-14 (NKJV)

God’s Work of Salvation

To this point in our study of Ephesians 1, Paul has focused on the work of Triune God in fulfilling the work of salvation. 

Jesus Christ the Son, offered Himself for the redemption and forgiveness of sin for those who accept Him by faith.  Through His blood, Christ paid the righteous demand for sin for without the shedding of blood there can be no redemption (Heb. 9:21-22).     

As we approach the conclusion of our series, Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living, Paul describes the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit as He fulfills His role in the work of salvation.

The Spirit of Promise

The Holy Spirit would seal those in Christ “until the redemption of the purchased possession” in eternity future. A seal, in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security or indicate ownership.

Ancient seals were often made of wax, embedded with the personalized imprint of their guarantor.  In both the Old and New Testament the significance of the act of sealing was dependent on the authority of the one doing the sealing.  

It would authenticate the guarantor’s ability to “make good” on that which was promised within the sealed document; in this case the promise of the believer’s salvation and future inheritance. 

The Holy Spirit of Promise not only endows the believer with power to accomplish the purposes of God (Phil. 1:6; 4:13) but He also gives assurances that God will do and can do all that He has pledged—promises and blessings for today and an inheritance in the future. The Holy Spirit seals those who trust in Christ (Eph1:12, 13) and His presence is God’s guarantee that believers are owned by Him and secure in Him.

Blessed Assurance

Since the Holy Spirit’s task is to apply Christ’s work to God’s people, He anoints those in Christ the moment they believe (2 Cor. 1:21-22).  The believer is then secured as a member of God’s family, not in their own power, but because the Spirit is applying the promises made possible by God through our relationship with Christ.  

His sealing comprises the initial down payment or the earnest of the full redemption of God’s possession (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Pet. 1:3-5).  In reading Ephesians 13a-14, the words of the hymn, “Blessed Assurance” echoes within my heart and mind.

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine

Oh what a foretaste of glory divine

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of His Spirit, Lost in His love

Foretaste of Glory

This song captures in totality the work of salvation and the interceding role of each member of the Holy Trinity. 

Blessed Assurance describes in its opening lines the work specifically of the Holy Spirit who gives us a foretaste of the glory that belongs to those who are in Christ. 

“Foretaste” is made up of two Latin words:  ante which means “ahead, before or previously” and gustus meaning “flavor, zeal” (this is where we get our word gusto). 

Foretaste is described as a taste before possession; a limited awareness of something to occur.  This is a good illustration of what the sealing of the Holy Spirit accomplishes—it whets the spiritual appetite for those things which God has reserved for believers until the day we all shall see Jesus for ourselves (1 John 3:2).

This is my story, this is my song.

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: An Irrevocable Inheritance

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Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: An Irrevocable Inheritance

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

Ephesians 1:11-13a (NKJ)

Where’s the Money?

At the death of famous celebrities, there always seems to be some uproar with reference to inheritance.  Emotions overflow into the media as children and siblings fight over monies they feel are rightfully theirs.

Family members are often excluded—fairly or unfairly—while others are left  huge sums of monies for the rest of their life.  And if they don’t spend it up, then they too will leave an inheritance for those left behind.  This week we will discuss another spiritual blessing afforded us who are in Christ—an irrevocable inheritance.

What is the Inheritance?

Legal inheritance refers to actual property or goods received after a family member’s death. While Jewish inheritance customs were linked to family blood lines, Greek and Roman laws also provided for the disposition of family possessions through the adoption of an heir.

The Scriptures transform the concept of inheritance to include the acquisition of spiritual blessings and promises from God.  As part of the plan of salvation, God predestined those in Christ to adoption as sons (Eph. 1:5).

This inheritance was part of the plan of salvation designed at the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).  It was all part of God’s predestined purpose.  A plan written without input from man but according to God’s “perfect will”.

Believer’s inheritance is the possession of salvation; more specifically, the experience of joyful existence with God.

Who are the heirs?

  • Christ.  Jesus Christ is heir in a very unique way because of His eternal relationship with the Father. God has placed all things under His only begotten Son’s feet and given Him all power to both judge and rule (Heb. 1:2b-3), including the future Millennial kingdom.
  •  The Jews.  The nation of Israel also has a special relationship with God as a result of His promises to Abraham. Through these Old Testament promises, the Jews “first trusted” (Ep. 1:12).  They were to be “living testimonies” to the goodness and faithfulness of God .  But like Abraham, they too would need to receive their inheritance by faith (Rom. 4:1-3).
  • Believers.  The Gentiles “also trusted” based on their belief after hearing “the word of truth—the gospel of salvation”.  As the word of faith is preached, access to God’s inheritance is found by mply in confession and belief (Rom. 10:8-13).   As both heirs and joint heirs with Christ, we receive the same things that Christ receives (Rom. 8:17).

An inheritance shared.

In Christ,  the collective “we” (Eph. 1:11),  stand justified at the foot of the Cross (Rom. 5:1-2) “having obtained” (note this is past tense) our inheritance of salvation.

Concurrently,  we “trust” in Christ and receive salvation that delivers us from the penalty and power of sin until the awaited “redemption of the purchased possession” in eternity.  Then believers will be delivered from the presence of sin (1 John 3:2; Rev. 21:4).

Thank God, our heavenly Father has given us an inexhaustible and “incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven” (1 Pet. 1:4).  We do not have to argue over whether we are the “rightful heirs” of this inheritance.  It is a spiritual blessing given to us by the glorious grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Col. 3:24).   There is no need to wait until there is a death to receive it, for it is available now to those who believe.  It is an irrevocable inheritance to each of us who are in Christ.