Phase 2: Victorious Christian Living

When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, He becomes not only our Saviour but also our Sovereign Lord and Master. We are under new ownership. We can only enjoy our new life in Christ as we daily seek His will and follow Him in obedience.

When we accept Jesus into our lives, he is not only our Saviour, but Lord and his lordship is supposed to be of everything. Although the prayer of repentance unto salvation may take a few minutes, allowing him to reign and rule in our lives practically is a job of a lifetime. The Christian life is essentially about making sure all of our lives is brought under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

As the Holy Spirit reveals areas of our lives that have not been brought under the Lordship of Jesus, in other words areas of our lives that are not a witness to the master, we will do well to change knowing that our allegiance to him is not only for salvation but to his kingdom, so that he can truly be lord of all.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. I Corinthians 6:19, 20 (KJV)

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:37, 38 (KJV)

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4, 5 (KJV)

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. From the above passages, what do we learn about new ownership, Obedience, Priorities, & Benefit?

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize Psalm 37:4, 5

As you study the Scriptures you will discover the blessing of placing your full trust in God. The following Scriptures speak about the "fear" of the Lord and what will result if we do have a reverential respect for His authority.

As we study the Scriptures, we discover two types of fear; the fear of God and the fear of man. As believers, we are encouraged to have a reverential fear of God. This "fear of the Lord" is an Old Testament phrase which means reverential trust which is to hate evil. It also means "profound awe, intense awareness of God's absolute holiness and hatred of sin, as well as his omniscience and omnipresence, and living in light of the certainty of facing him at his future judgements seat". No wonder Solomon concludes that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

The secret of the LORD is with them, that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:14 (KJV)

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy. Psalm 33:18 (KJV)

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. Psalm 34:7, 9 (KJV)

He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry and will save them. Psalm 145:19 (KJV)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about the neck. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 

Proverbs 1:7 and 9: 10 (KJV)

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

Proverbs 22:4 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about reverential trust in the following passages? Psalm 25:14  Psalms 145:19; Psalm 33: 18  Proverbs 1:7 and 9: 10; Psalm 34:7, 9; Proverbs 22:4

2.                  Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures. 

3.                  Memorize Psalm 34:7, 9.  

By definition, a disciple is a "Learner - a follower of Christ". A true disciple will recognize Christ as Lord daily and be willing to put Him ahead of every pursuit in life.

The word "disciple "is very closely linked to discipline. It is impossible to be a disciple without some measure of discipline and learning. A disciple is thus a learner and learning could take place in various forms. This discipline involves making personal sacrifice, usually on a daily basis.

A disciple is also one who follows in the step of his master. It is thus a clarion call to follow diligently in the steps of our master and this entails doing all that the master has commanded such as evangelising.

When Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and preach, he instructed them to "make disciples". They were to reproduce themselves by going further to make more disciples. This same call has been extended to us today. However, we can teach what we know but can only reproduce who we are.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

For whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 (KJV)

Herein is my father glorifying that ye bear much fruit. John 15:8 (KJV)

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 (KJV)

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. John 8:31 (KJ.V.)

This disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord. Matthew 10:24 (KJV)

STUDYGUIDE

1.   What do we learn about discipleship in the following passages? Luke 14:27, Luke 14:33 John 15:8 John 13:35 John 8:31.

2.   Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize Luke: 14:27

When we become children of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, we become responsible to tell others about Christ. Someone has said that John 3:16 is the gospel in a "nutshell". Memorize the verse and be prepared to share your faith with others.

Have you ever had good news that you found difficult to share? You possibly looked for an excuse to share it with everyone you knew. Sharing the good news about Christ is witnessing. When we become children of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, we become responsible to tell others. This does not need to be a lengthy sermon. Rather it could be as simple as sharing our testimony or using a verse. "John 3:16" is the gospel in a “nutshell”. This verse can be memorized and used as a platform to share your faith with others. After a life changing encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman at the well went into her community to witness by sharing her own story and the whole city got saved.

Apart from verbally witnessing, a life of godliness and joy can serve as a witness especially in the home and workplace and thus provide a platform for further witnessing. We can also invite others to church programs both in formal and informal settings; this would expose them to the love of God shared in Christian communities which may serve as another source of witnessing.

We are all called to witness. It is not something for a selected few. Jesus' commandment is that we should go into all the world and give freely as we have received.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures:

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 (KJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: I Peter 3:15 (KJV)

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. And they said, Believe on the 'Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house. Acts 4:20; 16:31 (KJV)

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witness...Acts 1:8 (KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ... 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1.  What do we learn about our responsibility as ‘a witness’ in the following  passages? Matthew 4:19; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:20; 16:31

2.  Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize 1 Peter 3:15.

God gave us His Word not only to increase our knowledge but to change our lives. It is only as we apply truth to our lives i.e. by obeying the Scripture, that there will be any significant changes made.

Right from an early age, we learn in life the importance of obeying our parents and teachers. This prepares us for later obedience to our bosses and the laws of society. Obedience makes us stop at a red traffic light and hopefully not park wrongfully in a disabled car parking space. Sometimes we simply obey so as to avoid spanking, car park fines or trouble with the authority but as we mature as Christians, God expects our obedience to be because we love him. (John 14:15).

It is this love for God and trust in the love he has for us that should be the motivating factor for our obedience. Following the closing words of a testimony of a young Christian in a D.L. Moody crusade in 1887, John Simms the hymn writer developed the lyrics of the famous hymn "trust and obey" and the evidence of our trust in God is obedience to his instructions. It is God's will that we live in a state of unhindered obedience so that we can reap its numerous benefits (Isaiah 1:19).

Circle the key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46 (KJV)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)

And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, and with all your might. And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart. Deuteronomy 6: 5, 6 (KJV)

He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1John5:3 (KJV)

He that says, I know him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4(KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about obedience in the following verses?

Luke 6:46, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Deuteronomy 6:5,6, John 14:21, 1John 5:3, John 2:4

2. Do a verse study on one of the above scriptures.

3. Memorize Deuteronomy 6:5,6

From the day you received Jesus Christ as Saviour, you entered into a spiritual warfare. Your enemy is the devil and he will do everything in his power to make you a discouraged, doubting, defeated Christian. Be aware of his wiles and trust in the Lord for victory.

From the very time we begin our Christian walk, there is a battle that rages within our souls. Our enemy, the devil tries to lure us from the path of life by bringing temptations, using our own desires (James 1:14). These temptations could be in diverse forms for different people with the aim of making us fall into it and become discouraged, with a sense of defeat and doubt. Temptations by themselves are not sin and no one is exempt from temptation as we see even Jesus being tempted of the devil. The temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) is an eye opener to the three broad categories of temptations; the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). This was also the pattern in the Garden of Eden with Eve (Gen 3:6).

Unlike Adam and Eve who fell because they used their own knowledge, Jesus (second Adam) shows us the pattern for victory over temptation which is knowledge of the Word of God and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit delights to help us but we should also remove ourselves as much as possible from environments that could lead us into temptation. (Give an example of this).

Circle key word or phrases in the following Scriptures.

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil. Luke 4:1, 2a (KJV)

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 (KJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (KJV)

Put on the whole amour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11(KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1.     What do we learn about Satan and temptation in the following verses? Luke 4:1-2; 1 Peter 5:8; Luke 22:31-32; James 4:7; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:11 

2.     Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures? 

3.     Memorize Matthew 26:41.  

As you will learn in the following Scriptures, all believers are subject to temptation. Victory can be yours if you use the resources available.

Have you ever watched a replayed football match which your team won? There is a difference as you watch knowing that no matter how many goals the opponents scored initially, your team eventually won. The tension and anxiety that usually accompany a live match is aborted and that is how God wants us to live.

It is God's desire that we his children walk in victory in all areas of our lives. Although this victory has been won on the Cross by Jesus, we daily have to work it out in our lives cooperating with the Spirit of God. Battles have to be fought for victory to be won, but we can fight from the standpoint of assured victory no matter what we face.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1John 4:4 (K.JV)

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandment: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1John 5:3, 4(KJV)

This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11 (KJV)

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the Saviour of His knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14.

STUDY GUIDE

1.     What do we learn about victory in the following verses? 1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 5:16; 1 John 4:4; Psalm 119:11; 1 John 5:3, 4

2.     Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures? 

3.     Memorize Psalm 119:11