EXPOSITION OF THE WORD FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2023
Word for the month: VICTORY
Text: Isaiah 60:1, 1 John 4:4, Romans 8:37
The Lord has given us a word as our anchor for July, and it is pertinent to understand the vision behind the word given to ensure that the mind of God is properly conveyed to every one of us. Last month, the word the Lord gave us was Newness and this month, the Lord gave us the word Victory during PENIEL which held virtually on Thursday, 6th July 2023.
The word, “victory” means to overcome an enemy or antagonist. It also means achievement or mastery of success in a struggle or endeavour against odds or difficulties. It is synonymous with words such as triumph, overcome, and vanquish among others.
This month, to properly convey the mind of God regarding victory, we would be addressing some important matters we need to understand to walk in victory. Do well to follow with your whole heart to the end.
1. UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ARE IN CONSTANT WARFARE:
To an average believer, it is sad that many do not know that we are in a constant war. Though we belong to the kingdom of light, darkness has never stopped since the creation of the world trying to overcome light. The victory brought about by the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ has to be constantly maintained by believers. But, sadly, many people think of this world as natural/sensual. It would be a lack of spiritual intelligence to think everything that exists or happens around us is normal/natural. The Bible made it clear in Hebrews 11:3 that: ‘through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear’. We have to gird up our loins and stand on the victory of Christ! Demons are not joking! The devil is not at rest! But woe to him that is at ease in Zion.
2. A CALL TO ARISE:
Before victory can be spoken of, there must have been a war or some form of challenge either physical, spiritual or other means that must have faced the victor. However, if the individual does not come to the point of facing the challenge head-on, it would be impossible to obtain victory. The first thing the Lord is calling us into is to arise just as the amplified version puts Isaiah 60:1: Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life]…
Depression in this case implies anything that keeps you down or hinders you from shining the light of God or showing the radiance and brilliance of the life of God within you. It could be sickness, lack, intimidation, fear or any oppression of any kind.
To arise would require that you find out who you are in Christ Jesus.
3. A CALL INTO INTIMACY:
To enforce the victory of Christ in whatever situation we may find ourselves in, there is a need to be in a close relationship with God. Trying to confess out of intimacy is mere recitation as it would have no effect. Before a declaration would have an effect, it has to be as it is in heaven, and we cannot know how it should be if we are not in constant communion with the one who knows how it should be. Bob Sorge in his book, “The Power of the Blood” said: ‘The purpose of intimacy is that we participate with God in making decisions that determine the destiny of the world we live in’.
4. WE ARE FIGHTING FROM VICTORY AND NOT FOR VICTORY:
Christ won the victory on the cross, everything was finished. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him. He did not die a sudden death, but rather a slow and painful one so that the scripture might be fulfilled as written in Isaiah 53:4-5. Hence, it is important as a foundational truth for the believer to understand that believers are not attempting to be victorious, but rather are enforcing the victory they already have (Colossians 2:15). For instance, when your parents punish you, they are not trying to be your parents by punishing you, but rather they are punishing you because they are your parents. So also, our victory is assured in Christ but we need to enforce it in the place of prayers. Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:32 said: ‘If after the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus…’ It is important to note here that as a Roman citizen, it was illegal for him to be a gladiator. Hence, the beasts he was referring to here were spiritual ones, that is, the principalities and powers. Hence, it was to the end that he enforces the victory in Christ over them.
Above all brethren, to be victorious in July, it is important that we put on the whole armour of God according to Ephesians 6: 13 – 18. It has to be complete lest the enemy finds a weak spot to capitalize on.
You need the helmet of salvation, the breast place of righteousness, the sword of the spirit, the shield of Faith, the belt of truth and having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
One more thing remains which is your fighting skills which is stated clearly in verse 18 of Ephesians chapter 6, and that is praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching. In other words, to enforce victory, you need to watch and pray constantly.
Shalom!