11.1 Christ the Victor
Christ, the Triumphant King

The portrayal of Jesus Christ as the true conqueror over the powers of evil is a central biblical truth that provides hope and comfort. Although the devil is described as a tempter, slanderer, and illegitimate ruler of this world, Scripture makes it unmistakably clear that Christ has already achieved the decisive victory.

Especially in times of trouble, it can be challenging to recognize or experience this victory. Yet, the biblical accounts encourage us to trust in God’s sovereign power. The enemy may still be active, but he is already defeated—and we are allowed to share in this victory through Christ (1 Cor 15:57).

This calls us to place our trust not in our own abilities or circumstances but in Jesus Christ, who fought and won for us. Faith in His triumph gives us strength to resist and remain faithful, even when evil seems to prevail around us.

Read John 18:37. What does this tell us about how Christ works to counter the deceptions of the enemy? What does it mean that Jesus is King?

In John 18:37, Jesus says: “For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world—to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to my voice.” This statement makes it clear that Jesus directly opposes the deceptions and lies of the devil through the proclamation of truth. Satan, who is described in the Bible as the “father of lies” (John 8:44), seeks to separate people from God through deception. Yet, Christ reveals the true nature of God and demonstrates that love, justice, and truth are perfectly fulfilled in Him.

What does it mean that Jesus is King?

1. His Kingship is founded on truth – Unlike earthly rulers who often govern through power, violence, or cunning, Jesus is a King whose kingdom is based on truth and justice. He leads His people not through coercion but through the power of truth, which transforms hearts and minds.

2. He has already defeated the enemy – Although Satan is described as the “illegitimate ruler” of this world (John 12:31; 16:11), his influence is temporary. Jesus’ death and resurrection sealed his final downfall. The enemy may still operate, but he is already overcome (Col 2:15).

3. His Kingdom is eternal – While the rule of Satan and all earthly powers is temporary, the kingdom of Christ will last “forever and ever” (Rev 11:15). As King, Jesus not only brings justice but also hope to those who believe in Him.

What does this mean for us?

• We are called to live daily in the truth of Christ and not be influenced by the lies of the enemy.

• Our trust should rest in Jesus, for His victory is our victory (1 Cor 15:57).

• Even when we face trials, we can know: Our King reigns, and His kingdom will last forever!

We know which side wins in the great battle. How do our daily decisions affect which side we ultimately stand on? How can we ensure that we are already on the winning side?

Our Daily Decisions and the Great Battle

Our daily decisions have a direct impact on which side we stand in the great battle. Even though we know that Christ has already triumphed, it is up to us to personally accept that victory or allow ourselves to be influenced by the enemy’s deceptions.

How do our decisions make an impact?

1. Every decision shapes our character

   • Our daily habits, thoughts, and actions determine whether we draw closer to or further from God.

   • Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me” (Matt 12:30). There is no neutrality—every decision counts.

2. Faithfulness in small things leads to faithfulness in big things

   • “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10).

   • Our seemingly small decisions—how we treat others, what we focus our thoughts on, how we live our lives—prepare us to stand on God’s side in critical moments.

3. Spiritual vigilance is essential

   • The enemy works through deception. If we do not consciously live in the truth of Christ, we are susceptible to errors and compromises that can slowly pull us to the wrong side (1 Peter 5:8).

How Can We Ensure That We Are Already on the Winning Side?

1. Daily Connection with Christ

   • Through prayer, Bible study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can recognize and live in the truth (John 8:31-32).

   • Jesus Himself is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)—a close relationship with Him keeps us on the right path.

2. Faith in the Victory of Christ Over Satan

   • Instead of being overwhelmed by fear or doubt, we can trust in God’s promises (Rom 8:37).

   • We do not fight alone—Jesus has already defeated the enemy! (Col 2:15).

3. A Life of Obedience and Dedication

   • It is not merely words but our lifestyle that shows which side we stand on (James 1:22).

   • Our decisions should align with God’s will so that His kingdom becomes visible in our lives even now.

Conclusion

Every day, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our loyalty—whether through our words, our behavior, or our priorities. When we consciously live with Christ, take His word to heart, and cherish His truth, we are already on the winning side. In the end, the great battle will not be decided by mere intention but by our lived faithfulness to Jesus.

The victory of Christ over evil is not just a theological truth but has direct implications for our everyday lives. Our faith is not merely a theory or a promise for the future—it influences how we live, think, and act today.

1.How does the victory of Christ affect our daily life?

• Hope and comfort in difficulties

  • Amid challenges, we can trust that Jesus has already triumphed. Even if evil is still present, it holds no final power over us (John 16:33). We may live with courage and confidence because our Lord is the true King.

• The battle against the enemy’s deceptions

  • The devil tries to lead us away from God through lies—whether through fear, doubt, or temptation. Jesus confronts these deceptions with the truth (John 8:32). In daily life, this means aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s word to avoid being misled.

• Our daily decision-making

  • Every decision we make shows whether we stand on the side of Christ or succumb to Satan’s deceptions. Whether it concerns honesty, how we treat others, time management, or our priorities—we must always ask ourselves, “Does my decision reflect my faith?”

2.How Can We Ensure That Our Faith Shapes Our Everyday Life?

• Seek a daily connection with Christ

  • Set aside time for prayer and Bible study (John 15:5).

  • Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance before making important decisions.

• Integrate the truth of God into our lives

  • Deliberately read and apply God’s word (James 1:22).

  • Expose lies and false beliefs that aim to separate us from God.

• Practice faithfulness in the small things

  • Practice honesty, love for one’s neighbor, and patience in daily life.

  • Faithfulness in small matters prepares us for greater challenges (Luke 16:10).

• Live a life of dedication

  • Acknowledge Jesus as King in our lives by obeying Him.

  • Use our time, talents, and resources for God’s kingdom.

3.Conclusion: Faith is a Lived Reality

The victory of Christ is not just a future event but a present reality that transforms our daily life. By living in truth, trusting in Christ, and making faithful decisions, we can be sure that we are already on the winning side—not by our own strength, but through the victory of Jesus.

Live today in the truth and in the victory of Christ, for His light dispels all darkness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-what-more-could-i-have-done-11-1-christ-the-victor-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

March 9, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – James Chapter 5

¹ Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

³ Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

⁴ Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

⁵ Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

⁶ Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

⁷ Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

⁸ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

⁹ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

¹⁰ Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

¹¹ Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

¹² But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

¹³ Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

¹⁴ Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

¹⁷ Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

¹⁹ Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

²⁰ Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In James chapter 5, we find a compelling warning and exhortation directed at both the rich and believers. The text begins with a stern admonition to the rich, highlighting their unjust handling of possessions and the resulting judgment of God. At the same time, believers are called to be patient in times of suffering and to draw strength through prayer. It is emphasized that the coming judgment is inevitable and that true fellowship and mutual support in faith are essential. This chapter’s message links the reality of earthly suffering with the hope of God’s mercy and redemption.

Commentary

1.Judgment on the Rich (verses 1–6)

• Warning and Exhortation:

  The rich are urged to weep and mourn over their perishable wealth, which rots away while God prepares the coming judgment.

• Symbolism of Decay:

  Gold, silver, clothing, and treasures are portrayed as fleeting goods that hold no value in the face of divine justice.

• Injustice and Punishment:

  Exploiting workers and ignoring justice lead to an unavoidable judgment in which the rich are held accountable for their actions.

2.Exhortation to Patience (verses 7–12)

• Call to Patience:

  Believers are encouraged to wait patiently for the Lord’s coming, likened to a farmer who depends on the early and late rains.

• Encouraging Examples:

  The patience of the prophets, and particularly Job, is cited as an example of remaining steadfast through suffering.

• Warning Against False Oaths:

  The passage points out that one’s word—“yes” or “no”—should be kept without additional swearing, in order to avoid unfair judgment.

3.Prayer for the Sick (verses 13–18)

• Call to Prayer:

  Anyone who is suffering or sick should pray, sing psalms, and seek support from the elders of the church.

• Healing Power of Prayer:

  The prayer of faith is presented as an effective means not only for healing but also for the forgiveness of sins.

• Example of Elijah:

  Elijah is mentioned as an example, whose prayers brought about both drought and rain, underscoring the power of sincere prayer.

4.Responsibility for Those Who Wander (verses 19–20)

• Repentance and Salvation:

  The importance of leading those who stray from the truth to repentance is highlighted.

• Life-Saving Effect:

  Anyone who brings a wanderer back to repentance helps save a soul from spiritual death and covers a multitude of sins.

Summary

James chapter 5 delivers a twofold message: on one hand, a severe warning to the rich whose wealth and unjust actions will deteriorate in light of divine judgment, and on the other hand, an encouraging call for believers to be patient and to find strength in prayer. The text ties the impending judgment to the need to trust in God amid suffering and illness, making use of prayer’s healing power. It also emphasizes the responsibility to guide those who have gone astray back to the truth, thereby strengthening the community of faith. Overall, this chapter shows that true justice and salvation are achieved not through worldly power, but through God’s mercy and the faithfulness of believers.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Spiritual growth in Christ is a central theme of the Christian life. Chapter 8 describes this growth using natural imagery such as birth, plants, and light, to illustrate how a believer matures in relationship with Christ. It makes clear that no one can generate spiritual life or bring themselves to salvation by their own efforts—only through Christ is true growth possible. By remaining in Him, we receive strength, joy, and steadfastness in faith. The invitation to complete surrender to Christ and to trust in His guidance lies at the heart of this chapter.

Commentary

1.Spiritual Growth as God’s Work (Introduction)

• The Bible compares spiritual growth to a birth (1 Peter 2:2) and to the growth of a seed (Ephesians 4:15).

• No one can produce life by their own power—just as spiritual life cannot arise without God’s work (John 3:3).

• Growth in Christ is not the result of human effort but of divine influence.

2.The Necessity of Connection with Christ

• Plants grow through light, water, and nourishment—likewise, the believer needs Christ as the “Sun of Righteousness” (Isaiah 60:19).

• Jesus emphasizes: “Remain in me”—without Him, a person cannot bear fruit (John 15:4–5).

• Many attempt to live righteously by their own strength, yet Christ is the only path to holiness.

3.Daily Surrender to God as the Key to Growth

• Daily prayer and complete surrender to God are essential for growth in faith.

• The relationship with Christ must be consistent and alive—He should not only be present at the beginning and end of our lives, but at every moment (Psalm 16:8).

• Our hope does not lie in ourselves but in Christ, who connects our weakness with His strength.

4.The Danger of Self-Centeredness and Distraction by Satan

• Satan constantly tries to divert the believer’s gaze from Christ—whether through worries, fears, or worldly temptations.

• The only security lies in complete dependence on Christ—not in self-reflection or self-doubt (Galatians 2:20).

• True spiritual growth occurs through trust, obedience, and continual connection with Christ.

5.The Examples of the First Disciples and Their Deep Fellowship with Christ

• The disciples grew through daily fellowship with Christ and were changed by the Holy Spirit.

• John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was transformed by closeness to Christ from an ambitious and fiery man into a symbol of love.

• This deep spiritual fellowship with Christ is still available to every believer today.

6.The Ongoing Presence of Christ in Our Lives

• After His ascension, Jesus remained united with His disciples through the Holy Spirit—He remains in the hearts of believers today in the same way.

• Life in Christ means not only following Him, but fully uniting oneself with Him.

• Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Ephesians 4:15)—in Him lies our entire hope for growth and perfection.

Summary

Chapter 8 underscores the importance of spiritual growth in Christ. It shows that this growth is not achieved through human effort but solely through connection with Christ. Just as plants need light, water, and nourishment to thrive, the believer needs Christ as the source of life. Walking daily with Christ, engaging in consistent prayer, and surrendering fully to Him lead to spiritual maturity. The disciples of Jesus are an example of how close fellowship with Christ can completely transform a person’s nature. The invitation is: “Remain in me”—whoever remains in Christ grows in faith, bears fruit, and is transformed into His image.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/9-03-2025-james-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/