- Overcomer Literature Trust
- Swindon
- Wiltshire
STUDY 15 The Victory (1 John 4 v4).
Bible passages to be read: 1Samuel 17, Revelation 12 v7-11, Psalm 110, Acts 2 v34-35, Psalm 2, Acts 4 v23-30, 1Corinthians 15 v35-58.
It is difficult for the human mind to realise the reality, which has already been mentioned in these studies, or a victory about which there never has been, nor can be, the slightest doubt. Yet this is the amazing truth about the Christian life. The Cross of Christ is our title to complete victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. 1John 5 v4 states: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith”. It is looking away from self to the Crucified that gives us peace with God; it is looking away from self to the Risen Christ, Hebrews 12 v1-2, that gives us victory in life.
Our trust is in the One already victorious.
1. Take the Old Testament chapter you have read, 1 Samuel 17, can you see any parallel between the act that the people of Israel were powerless against the Goliath until David had slain the giant, and the way of victory by faith in the Christian life? If so, express this in your own words.
Now turn to revelation 12 v7-11. Satan is here described as “the accuser of the brethren”, and the way of victory over him in this warfare of condemnation is shown.
2. Define the steps which will lead to the enjoyment of this triumph. Can you point to other passages in Scripture which can be used in confirmation of what you have found?
Psalm 110 is one of the Messianic Psalms and foretells the victory of Christ.
3. Compare this Psalm with Acts 2 v34-35 and comment on the use Peter makes of it his sermon. Is it fair to say that Christ's resurrection is the final seal on the victory which is to be fully manifested in the future?
Psalm 2 is another Messianic Psalm.
4. Acts 4 v23-30 shows the assembled Church in prayer at a time of crisis.
An appeal to God is made based on Psalm 2.
5. Comment on the suggestion that here is an example of the truth of 1 John 5 v4 in action. Do you think that we may make the same use of Scripture to-day in our prayers for the manifestation of His victory in any given situation?
Lastly, 1 Corinthians 15 v35-58 follows out in detail the outworking of this victory in five realms. (a) Over the corruption that accompanies sin and death, (b) over the dishonouring stain of sin, (c) over our common weakness and inability, (d) over our natural life received through our first father, Adam, (e) over death itself.
6. Comment in your own words on the completeness and finality of this victory; and show what practical effect this can have on our daily life and witness.