Sunday Sermon
WE CAN LIVE VICTORIOUSLY
Date: September 23, 2007
Speaker: Pastor Gerry Gregoire
Scriptural Reference: Galatians 2:20
Listen to Audio Sermon

Galatians 2:20 (Amplified Bible)
20I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

DON’T BE FOOLED! THERE IS A LIFE AND DEATH BATTLE RAGING ON THE EARTH EVERY DAY. SATAN’S JOB IS TO BLIND THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH.
SEE 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 —

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (Amplified Bible)
3But even if our Gospel (the glad tidings) also be hidden (obscured and covered up with a veil that hinders the knowledge of God), it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing and obscured [only] to those who are spiritually dying and veiled [only] to those who are lost.
4For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers' minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.

FIRSTLY, SATAN DOES NOT WANT UNBELIEVERS TO KNOW GOD’S PLAN AND WANTS THEM TO BELIEVE THAT IT’S OK TO EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY.

SECONDLY, CHRISTIAN’S WHO KNOW THE TACTICS OF SATAN, HE TRIES TO GET THEM TO BELIEVE AND CONVINCE THEM THAT LIVING FOR GOD IS NO BIG THING. HE DOESN’T WANT THEM TO FOCUS ON SPIRITUAL THINGS.

HE WANTS US TO BELIEVE THAT OUR BATTLE IS WITH HUMAN BEINGS WHEN THE SCRIPTURES DIRECTLY TELL US IN EPHESIANS 6:12 —

Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified Bible)12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural)spher

THERE IS A SOLUTION TO THE HINDRANCES TO PEOPLE RECEIVING GOD’S REAL PLAN FOR MAN. IT LIES IN PRAYER AND DECLARATION OF THE WORD OF GOD.

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS OF RELATING WHAT GOD DOES IN THE WORLD, TO NONBELIEIVER, OR PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER GO TO CHURCH, IS BY TELLING THEM HOW GOD HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND GIVING THEM YOUR TESTIMONY.

IT BECOME MORE REAL TO THEM WHEN THEY MEET SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE HAND AND WORK OF GOD IN THEIR LIVES.

UNTIL IT BECOMES REAL TO THEM THEY CANNOT PREPARE TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL IN THEIR LIVES. LOOK AT EPHESIANS 6:13 —
Ephesians 6:13 (Amplified Bible)
13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
THESE PEOPLE CANNOT PUT ON THIS ARMOR UNTIL THEY UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS AN ENEMY WHO WANTS TO STEEL, KILL AND DESTROY THEM.

GOD’S PLAN IS FOR EVERYONE TO PUT ON THIS ARMOR WHILE THE HOLY SPIRIT SANCTIFIES US HOLY. SEE 1 THES 5:23 —

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (Amplified Bible)
23And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

THE DEVIL’S WORKPLACE IS YOUR MIND, SO IT IS NECESSARY FOR US TO HAVE OUR MINDS RENEWED BY GOD’S WORD. LOOK AT PHIL 2:5 –

Philippians 2:5 (Amplified Bible)
5Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

WE ARE TO BRING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST AS STATED IN 2 CO 10:5 —

2 Corinthians 10:5 (Amplified Bible)
5[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
AND EPHESIANS 4:23 –
Ephesians 4:23 (Amplified Bible)
23And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],

WHEN YOU HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST, YOU BEGIN TO SEE YOURSELF AS THE CREATION THAT THE WORD SAYS YOU ARE: 2COR 5:17 —

2 Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified Bible)
17Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

AS THIS NEW CREATION, YOU HAVE EVERYTHING IN YOU THAT IS NECESSARY TO SUCCEED AND BE VICTORIOUS. LOOK AT JOSHUA 1:8 –

Joshua 1:8 (Amplified Bible)
8This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good [a]success.

GOD’S PLAN IS THAT YOU SUCCEED IN EVERYTHING YOU ARE INVOLVED IN, BUT THE DEVIL WANTS TO BLOCK THAT SUCCESS AND THOSE VICTORIES.
THE BIBLE TELLS US IN ROMANS 12:2 —

Romans 12:2 (Amplified Bible)
2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

BUT WHEN YOUR MIND IS RENEWED BY THE WORD OF GOD YOU UNDERSTAND THE ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD AND WITH THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTAIN THAT SUCCESS AND VICTORY.

WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WE ARE SURROUNDED BY THE WORLD AND MUCH WORLDLINESS AND THE NATURAL THING TO DO IS TO BEGIN TO BELIEVE THAT WORLD’S PHILOSOPHY. BUT HAVING YOUR MIND RENEWED WITH GOD’S WORD PREVENTS THIS FROM HAPPENING. JESUS HIMSELF SAID IN JOHN 8:31-32 —

John 8:31-32 (Amplified Bible)
31So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.
32And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

TRUE FREEDOM COMES FROM BEING IN GOD’S WORD AND LETTING IT CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK AND ACT. WE MUST LOVE IT, KEEP IT, AND WALK IN IT.

NO ONE IS TRULY FREE UNTIL THE POWER OF SIN HAS BEEN RENDERED INOPERATIVE AND THAT IS WHAT THE WORD DOES. AS WE CONSIDER OURSELVES DEAD TO SIN AND ALIVE TO GOD, THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT WE ARE ADOPTED INTO GOD’S FAMILY. LOOK AT ROMANS 8:15 —

Romans 8:15 (Amplified Bible)
15For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

EVERY PERSON LIVING IN SIN IS SUBJECT TO FEAR BECAUSE HE IS GUILTY! HIS CONSCIENCE WILL TROUBLE HIM. BUT A CHRISTIAN, NOW HEAR THIS, DOES NOT HAVE THIS FEAR BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN ADOPTED AS A CHILD IN GOD’S FAMILY. JOHN 1:12, EPHESIANS 1:5, GALATIANS 4:5 —

John 1:12 (Amplified Bible)
12But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name--(A)
Ephesians 1:5 (Amplified Bible)
5For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [[a]because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]--

Galatians 4:5 (Amplified Bible)
5To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to [a]atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons].

IS THERE ANY DOUBT THAT YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD?
SOME CHRISTIANS EXPERIENCE FALSE GUILT, IT FEELS LIKE GUILT BUT IT’S REALLY SHAME. IT IS LEFT OVER NEGATIVE FEELINGS FROM OUR SINFUL PAST. AND THIS IS WHAT THE DEVIL USES TO KEEP MANY PEOPLE IN BONDAGE. YOUR NOT GOOD ENOUGH! GOD WILL NOT ACCEPT YOU! ETC.

NOW, HERE IS WHAT CHRISTIANS WHO ARE LIVING A VICTORIOUS LIFE MANIFEST IN THEIR DAILY LIVES:

A) THEY ARE TRULY HAPPY AND JOYFUL. (THEIR JOY IS NOT BASED ON POSSESSIONS OR PEOPLE) JESUS GAVE THE TRUE FORMULA FOR TRUE HAPPINESS IN MATTHEW 5:3-12 –

Matthew 5:3-12 (Amplified Bible)
3Blessed (happy, [a]to be envied, and [b]spiritually prosperous--[c]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
4Blessed and enviably happy [with a [d]happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!(A)
5Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, [e]spiritually prosperous--[f]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!(B)
6Blessed and fortunate and happy and [g]spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God [h]enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be [i]completely satisfied!(C)
7Blessed (happy, [j]to be envied, and [k]spiritually prosperous--[l]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!
8Blessed (happy, [m]enviably fortunate, and [n]spiritually prosperous--possessing the [o]happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!(D)
9Blessed (enjoying [p]enviable happiness, [q]spiritually prosperous--[r]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and [s]maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
10Blessed and happy and [t]enviably fortunate and [u]spiritually prosperous [v](in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
11Blessed (happy, [w]to be envied, and [x]spiritually prosperous--[y]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.
12Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]

B) THEY HAVE TRUE PEACE WITHOUT FEAR. (NOT WORRIED ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THEIR LIVES BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL) 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 –

2 Timothy 1:7 (Amplified Bible)
7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

C) THEY HAVE FORGIVEN AND FORGIVE ALL WHO HAVE BROUGHT PAIN INTO THEIR LIVES. ( THIS IS SUPERNATURAL BECAUSE GOD LIVES TRULY IN THEM AND THEY KNOW THEY CANNOT DO IT ALONE)

EPHESIANS 4:32 –
32And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.

D) THEY EXPERIENCE THE BLESSINGS OF GOD EVERY DAY. GOD’S FAVOR FOLLOWS THEM EVERYWHERE THEY GO.

Psalm 23:6 (Amplified Bible)
6Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

E) THEY WEAR THEIR SPIRITUAL ARMOR EVERY DAY. PREPARED AGAINST ANY ENEMIES ATTACK. EPHESIANS 6:11 –

Ephesians 6:11 (Amplified Bible)
11Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13-20 (Amplified Bible)
13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(A)
16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
18Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
19And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),
20For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.

EVERYONE OF THE WEAPONS INVOLVES JESUS. ITS REALLY TELLING US TO PUT ON JESUS EVERY DAY

TRUTH - WHO IS THE TRUTH?

RIGHTEOUSNESS - WHO IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS?

WHO IS THE GOSPEL OF PEACE ABOUT?

WHO IS OUR FAITH IN?

WHO PROVIDED OUR SALVATION?

WHO IS THE WORD OF GOD?

THE ANSWER TO ALL THESE QUESTIONS IS JESUS!

PUT ON JESUS!