How To Overcome Challenges Of Life

How To Overcome Challenges Of Life - Part Two (2)

Conquerors by Default

The message conveyed in the scripture is that you have triumphed over the evil one by default, and your win is solely based on your position in Christ. God has granted you the power to overcome all the enemy’s forces, irrespective of your age, physical appearance, or any other factor. This victory is not something that you have earned on your own; it is a result of God’s grace. The only thing you need to do is have faith in Christ as your saviour.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14 NKJV).

Let us go into what the scripture has to say:

“that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!”. (Ephesians 2: 5 NLT).

The Bible states that those who commit sin are subject to death as a punishment, as mentioned in Romans 6:23. This means that death is the inevitable outcome for those who engage in sin, as further reinforced by Ezekiel 18:20. However, Christ came to save us from this punishment of sin. He died in our place to set us free from the punishment of death.

To give you a better understanding, let’s consider a scenario where someone borrows a large sum of money from the government for their business. If they are unable to pay it back, they are sentenced to serve time in prison. In this case, the punishment for not being able to repay the loan is imprisonment. Therefore, anyone who fails to repay the loan is at risk of being imprisoned. But then, a kind individual offers to save all those who are at risk of imprisonment. To do so, he must take the place of every individual who he aims to help and go to prison on their behalf.

As long as the wages or the punishment of sin is death, Jesus Christ had to die in our stead so that we would be saved from dying. We were all under the power or control of death because of our sins, but Christ came to die for us, and as he resurrected, we were raised with him. We all came out of the rule of death as Christ rose from the dead. In other words, the price of death was paid in full on our behalf. Therefore, death took its hands of dominion over us, and we are now free.

Mind you, we did not come out of death the same way we went in. Christ resurrected with a glorified nature, and so did we also resurrect with the same life and nature of Christ. So the scripture says in John 3:6, “that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” This is the new birth that has taken place. We are born again as spirit beings into the life and nature of Christ.

“For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2: 6 NLT).

As believers in the Lord Jesus, we are not just living on earth but are also positioned with Christ on his throne in heaven. This means that we are seated at the right hand of God along with Jesus.

“which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 1:20 NKJV).

The Authority

Now let us look at the authority that comes with this heavenly position, which you occupy.

“far above all principality[a] and [b]power and [c]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:21NKJV).

What I meant by “victory by default” is that you have already won based on the position you hold. However, it’s important to note that if you don’t recognize and exercise this authority, your opponent may still cause harm. Thanks to your position in God, you are already victorious by default. So, even when facing challenges, you cannot allow yourself to think of failure because, in God’s eyes, you have already triumphed. This is why the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:37 NLT, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us”.

In the New King James Version (NKJV), Romans 8:37 reads, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

As I advised earlier, it’s important not to let the adversary deceive you. Always say yes to God and strengthen your faith by believing that you are victorious in all things. Keep your heart filled with this belief and face all circumstances with a positive mindset and attitude. Remind yourself daily that you are superior to all the powers of the adversary. This scripture beautifully illustrates this truth:

“ Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority” (Luke 10:19 TPT).

Reflection: