Living a Victorious Life in Christ
What the Bible Teaches About How to Be a Successful Christian
Nov 24, 2008
Living a life pleasing to God is a Christian’s measure of success. “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 Out of love, the Christian strives to do only the things which would bring Christ honour. “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Demonstrating Love For Jesus
So how does a Christian demonstrate his or her love for the Saviour? Jesus said, “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 15:10 In the very next verse, Jesus tells what will be the effect of keeping His commandments. The result of living a life pleasing to God is joy. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Vs. 11
The Perfect Will of God
For Christians then, there needs to be a separation from the kind of worldly lifestyle lived before conversion. Romans 12:2 says “And be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Knowing the will of God and living a life in line with His will is the Christian’s desire. “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Help For Living a Sanctified Life
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit’s help in the process of sanctification. “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8 Working through the conscience, the Holy Spirit also reveals truth. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
The Scriptures also provide counsel that will lead the Christian on to sanctification. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 Though it would be impossible for anyone to do this on his own, the Christian is reminded that Christ is on his side for a victorious life. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phillipians 4:13
All to His Honour and Glory
For a Christian, every thought (see Philippians 4:8), word (see Matthew 12:37), or action (see Matthew 25:40) must be guided by the principle of love for Christ. If it is not to His honour and glory, a Christian must refrain from participating in it.
