MAINTAINING DAILY VICTORY OVER SIN, SATAN AND THE WORLD
Genesis 39:7-12; 2Corinthians 4:3, 4; 1 John 5:4, 5; 4:4
As the programme of this age is quickly running to the end, the influence of sin, Satan and the world are on the increase. The effect of this on sinful youths is more sinfulness and spiritual captivity. Believing youths, on the other hand, are becoming inconsistent, spiritually shallow, cold, lukewarm and sometimes backslidden. Satan is the god of this world and he uses sin as a yoke on people to rule the world with the ultimate goal of sending them to eternal damnation. This is why, like Joseph in our text, a believer must be ready to maintain daily victory over sin which comes from Satan as he uses worldly activities and events to wage war against him. “Ye are of God little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”.
1. SATAN’S ACTIVITIES IN THE WORLD
2 Corinthians 4:3, 4; 1John 5:19; Genesis 39:7, 10–12; 34:1, 2; Romans 3:10-19;1:28-32.
As the god of this world, Satan tries to hinder people from receiving the gospel and be saved. He blinds the minds of people, darkens their heart and makes them commit all kinds of sins. Consequently, the whole world now lies in wickedness. This explains the reason why the world is morally sinful and lost. The Scripture says that Christ gave himself for our sins, “that he might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4).
Joseph, in our text, was faced with the challenge of having to contend with the evil suggestion of his master’s wife. The woman came with a suggestion which is perhaps the greatest sinful activity in the world today – immorality. But Joseph refused the suggestion. You can also do the same. Besides, Satan influences youths to get involved in all forms of unrighteousness, fornication, pride, disobedience, wickedness, cursing, murder, etc.
2. SECRETS OF DAILY VICTORY OVER SIN, SATAN AND THE WORLD
1 John 4:4, 5; 5: 18; Proverbs 1:10-16; Psalm 1:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18
Sinners, whose minds and hearts are already under the control of Satan and the world, do not have the power to overcome the influence and sinful activities of the world. They are still under the dominion of Satan, the god of this world. Therefore, to be free, they must first give their lives to Christ and have Him break off the sinfulness of their lives. After genuine repentance and true justification in Christ, then the grace comes in to have victory over sin, Satan and the world.
What then are the secrets of maintaining daily victory over sin, Satan and the world?
i. Separation from sin and worldly amusements (Romans 6:1, 2; James 4;4).
ii. Having the courage to say “No” (Proverbs 1:10).
iii. Steadfastness in ones godly convictions (Daniel 1:8).
iv. Fear of God (Genesis 39:8, 9).
v. Self discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
vi. Supplication with watchfulness (Ephesians 6:18).
vii. Faith in God’s keeping power (1John 5:4, 5).
3. COMMENDATION FOR VICTORIOUS YOUTHS
Psalm 119:1, 2; 101:6; Malachi 3: 16, 17; Revelation 2: 25-27; 3: 10-12, 21
Heaven waits to commend victors. Youths who triumph over sin, Satan and the world stand to receive God’s commendations. They will be blessed on earth and be rewarded in heaven. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels”. “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne’’ (Revelation 3:5, 21). You have all to gain by maintaining daily victory over sin, Satan and the world.
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Interactive Session Note: Interchange the questions below with the ones from your audience. Motivate them to ask questions please.
QUESTIONS
1. Mention some sinful activities among youths?
2. What are the secrets of daily victory over sin, Satan and the world?
3. Mention some rewards awaiting overcomers.
from dclm apil retreat, by Pastor W.F Kumuyi
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