Introduction: Scripture Reading- Romans 8:35-39
1. Paul wrote to a congregation that knew, beyond all others, what a conqueror was.
1) They saw the triumphs.
2) They saw the captives.
3) They saw the treasure.
4) They saw foreign kings in chains.
5) They saw generals receiving adoration.
6) In the wake of the army was a broken, subjugated people.
2. To those who knew conquerors he invited to be more than conquerors!
3. How can we be more than conquerors?
DISCUSSION:
I. Breach The Wall of Sin
1. Separated from God by sin, Isa. 59:1-2.
2. Every victorious army that EVER marched is condemned in the end…unless sin is conquered.
3. Our marching orders cover the matter of forgiveness of sins, Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47.
4. When we break through the walls, we need to leave them behind and move on to the heart of the city and secure it.
II. Wield the Best Weapons
1. Mighty weapons, 2 Cor. 10:4 “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”
2. Whole armor, Eph. 6:10-17 “v. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
3. Piercing, Heb. 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Romans 1:16 Paul says it is the power or dunimas (dynamite) of God. (Surgeon with a laser. Target the sin and not the person.)
III. Follow Orders
1. Christ is our Captain, Heb. 2:10 “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
2. The obedient are victorious, Heb. 5:8-9 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
3. We obey because we love Him, John 15:10 “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
a. We serve a Captain who was willing to lead by example, not just simply give orders.
IV. FIGHT!
1. For the richest treasure, Mark 8:36.
2. For the crown of life, Rev. 2:10.
3. Lay hold — Fight, 1 Tim. 6:12.
4. Contend earnestly, Jude 3. “for the faith” = the gospel
V. See the Victory!
1. 1 Cor. 15:51-58.
2. Rev. 21:1-7.
3. In the wake of the Lord’s army is sin and death. Up ahead is TRIUMPH!
4. “You become what you believe, not what you think or what you want.” -Oprah Winfrey
a. YouTube videos about How to Manifest What You Believe.
b. The victory we are referring to is not a blind hope of something that will never come true. This is an action of love and obedience on our part because we truly believe in the victory and rewards or spoils of war that God has promised.
Conclusion:
1. The Bible pictures the Christian life in terms of great intensity, a race, a fight, a battle.
2. Imagine yourself at the end, all in, done all, didn’t retreat.
a. Have you retreated or given in?
b. Will you be MORE than conquerors?
c. It is a continual battle, till we die. Our reward is on Judgement Day, not here and now.