What does victory in Christ mean for believers today? Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The enemy remains active, but the outcome of the battle is no longer uncertain. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why Christians do not fight to earn victory. Instead, they stand firm in the victory Christ has already secured through His finished work. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Proposition: Because by nature, we are enslaved to Satan, Jesus, our king, came to defeat him and to set us free so that we would be grateful and prepared for spiritual battle. 1. The Debate Over Jesus' Authority (vv. 14-20) 2. The Parable of the Victorious Plunderer (vv. 21-23) 3. The Parable of the Return of the Unclean Spirit (vv. 24-26) Lessons - See the great harm that the devil seeks to do and be prepared - Half-hearted conversion is very dangerous - Praise God for our Mighty Saviour

The sermon emphasizes that spiritual armor is ineffective without the active power of prayer, which serves as the vital force enabling believers to withstand demonic attacks. Drawing from Ephesians 6 and Matthew 6, the text argues that mere knowledge of biblical truths leaves a Christian spiritually lifeless, like an empty suit of plate armor. True strength and endurance in the spiritual battle come only through consistent communion with God, who provides the necessary power for standing firm. The preacher outlines various forms of prayer, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, as essential practices for maintaining this connection. Ultimately, the message calls believers to rely entirely on divine grace rather than their own fortitude to resist the enemy.

The sermon (loosely drawn from Glen Schrivner's article on The Abraham Option) uses the narrative of Genesis 14 to illustrate how believers should navigate a deeply polarized culture without seeking partisan power or material possessions. It contrasts the world's focus on dominance with Abram's faithful stance as an outsider who defends his kin while refusing to align with any single political faction. The preacher emphasizes that Christians are called to contend for the faith when it directly impacts their spiritual family, rather than engaging in broad cultural battles. By rejecting the pursuit of honor from man and giving all glory to God, believers mirror the example of Jesus, who remained distinct from worldly systems while securing ultimate victory through the cross.

Artist: Winston Parrish | Trinity Baptist Church | Asheville, NC Album: "The Battle Within: A Biblical Answer to Anxiety, Panic, and Depression" Copyright: 2026 - Winston Parrish | Trinity Baptist Church | Asheville, NC Copyright URL: https://tbcavl.com

The sermon examines 1 John 2:12-14 to establish three pillars of assurance for believers: forgiveness of sins, knowledge of the eternal Father, and victory over the evil one. It contrasts true Christian doctrine with heretical views that prioritize emotional experience over biblical truth and moral accountability. The preacher emphasizes the gravity of original sin and the necessity of relying solely on Christ's atoning work for salvation rather than human merit. Additionally, the text highlights the ongoing spiritual battle against the world, flesh, and devil, urging believers to persist in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the message encourages Christians to maintain confidence in their genuine faith by recognizing their forgiven status, their relationship with God, and their progressive sanctification.

TEXT: LD 28 Because Christ was victorious in His battle, He gladly calls us to His meal of celebration We have been saved from eternal death We are nourished to eternal life

The Christian life is a difficult spiritual battle. We must rely on God's power rather than our ability to achieve holiness, wisdom and unity. True victory is achieved when we rest in Christ strength.