Sermon Outline Archive

Sermon Outline Oct 26, 2008 Evening Service

Topic: The Believer’s Victory

I. For Jesus, living a holy life brought conflict.

A. So it does for His follower, the Christian, as well (2 Timothy 3:12).

B. Living a holy life also brought Jesus victory, as it will us (1 John 2:13).

II. Jesus draws a parallel between Himself and us in this respect, promising any of us who overcome a right to share His throne (Revelation 3:21).

III. Our question today is, can believers really overcome Satan?

Text

I. Can We Win On Our Own?

A. Jesus has indeed defeated the Devil, but we must remember that:

1. The Devil’s work has been made ineffective but not eliminated.

2. Satan has been bound but he is still a powerful enemy.

B. Though Jesus has defeated the Devil, Christians are warned not to:

1. Seek justification through works of the law (Galatians 5:1-4).

2. Continue in sin that grace may abound (Romans 6:1-14).

3. Continue in sin because we are no longer under law (Romans 6:15-18).

4. Walk according to the flesh (Romans 8:1-17).

II. God’s Provision And Battle Armour.

A. Jesus’ death on the cross has severely weakened the enemy by making all his works ineffectual (Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8).

B. God has placed a limit on Satan’s power and what he is able to do (Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7; 1 John 5:18).

C. Paul exhorts the believer to, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

D. Paul identifies our spiritual enemy (Ephesians 6:12).

E. The believer is given spiritual armor.

F. God’s use of Satan for the believers own good.

III. War, Death, And Glory.

A. All believers are engaged in a spiritual war against, “Principalities, powers, against the rulers of the darkness…” (Ephesians 6:12).

B. In all wars there are casualties; and in the war against the forces of evil we need to be prepared to suffer and even die!

C. The believer who remains faithful is promised a crown of life (Revelation 2:10; Romans 8:18-39).

Conclusion

I. Jesus did indeed win a decisive victory over Satan on the cross.

A. That victory will be consummated at the end of the age.

B. In the mean time Satan, though his works have been destroyed or made ineffectual, still wields great power and influence over mankind.

II. Christians are called upon to put on the gospel armor, to be alert, and to resist the Devil, “and he will flee from you.”

A. This does not mean that Satan will not at times be permitted to, “overcome the saints”.

B. Yes, “All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” and some may be called on to die for His sake.

C. Yet, even in death there is victory because Jesus has promised a crown to all those who endure to the end.