Those words were used by FDR in his famous “infamy speech” December 8, 1941. He used them to exhort and encourage the American people that would be the outcome of the war they were about to wage against Japan because of the ruthless, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor—in the midst of “peace” negotiations. One nation’s plans to destroy another. Men, driven by Satan, to overtake and enslave other nations—even the world.
After the successful massacre of thousands of Americans and destruction of most of the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, some Americans cried out for God. They wondered why He would allow evil to win. In Europe, people had been wondering the same thing for years as Hitler, another agent of Satan, was raining down hell on nation after nation. His end was to conquer the world and establish what he called The Third Reich. Again evil was winning. The “good guys” were being defeated on every front.
All of that was new to the people living through those hellish times, but it was not new at all. Throughout biblical history, people have wondered – even cried out to God at times – why the bad guys win and evil prevails in our world. What kind of God would allow this? He must be weak or uncaring or both. Following are two great examples from strong men of God.
After great victories over evil by the power of God, the prophet Elijah ran for his life.
“Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life.”” 1 Kings 19: 9-10
Consider the words of King David—the only one in the Bible ever called by God, “a man after My own heart.”
“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? … How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” Psalm 13: 1,2
“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my help are the words of my groaning. My God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer…” Psalm 22: 1-2
This week’s message was written to encourage and remind you, though we will engage evil in battles of spiritual warfare until Christ returns or takes us Home, at the appointed time (the rapture of Christians or return of Christ) … God wins. And so do we. Today we examine how Christians can experience absolute victory – now and then.
Victory over Life
What do I mean by that? Since Genesis 3, life was defeated by sin. God became so fed up with the ongoing sin of men and women, He made the most drastic decision He could: destroy mankind and start over. We read that account in Genesis 6.
“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. So the LORD was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Then the LORD said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land … For I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” Genesis 6: 5-8
Noah was a type of Christ or Messiah (Savior). God spared the race of man through him. But soon after man repopulated the earth, sin again prevailed. Recall in Genesis 3, God promised a seed of Eve would save the world from sin—the ultimate Victor.
The rest of the Old Testament covers the cyclical lives of God’s people—obedience and blessing; disobedience and punishment. It is God’s love story of how He redeemed His people when they repented and returned to Him. Blood sacrifices were required. Israel never experienced true victory over life because of their adultery, idolatry, and disobedience. Israel was destroyed by her enemies. Only a faithful remnant remained who awaited the long-promised Messiah.
The Victor Arrived. Jesus came first to conquer sin and, in so doing, gave us absolute victory over life—living sinful lives that result in eternal punishment – hell.
“just as You gave Him authority over all mankind, so that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17: 2-3
“For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5: 17
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:1-2
“And they overcame him (satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” Revelation 12: 11
Victories In Life
Living (breathing, walking, surviving, and thriving) by the only Power Christians need —the Third Person of the Holy Trinity the Holy Spirit of God Who is Himself God.
Victory in the face of death, slavery, and imprisonment. Joseph
“But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:19-21
Victory over and deliverance from stronger enemies. Moses and Israel.
“Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song unto the LORD saying, I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” Exodus 15:1
“…the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ Deuteronomy 20: 2-4
How do we fight our battles and win victories over our sins of the flesh and spiritual enemies?
We will answer that question and complete this story next week.
For Christ’ sake,
