Note: This sermon has been graciously shortened—with permission—to magazine length while preserving its depth and scriptural richness. To read Elevate to the Next Level: “Living Victoriously” in its entirety click HERE. If you prefer to Watch on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY4R0o2vZq4
Today we’re taking a different approach to the subject of living victoriously. Rather than focusing only on our victory over Satan and the world, we’re looking at how believers throughout history have lived victoriously in the midst of trials—and now stand in the presence of God because of how they lived their lives on earth.
In sports, people say a good offense begins with a good defense. But spiritually, the opposite is true. No matter how strong a defense is, if no points are scored, the team loses. Likewise, if we are not seeing souls saved and the gates of hell pushed back, we are losing ground. Defensive praying alone never brings victory. That’s why today’s message is not “Living Offensively,” but “Living Victoriously.”
Our victory is rooted in Jesus Christ—His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His triumph over the world. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Because He overcame, we can live victoriously now and for eternity.
The most important eternal value we invest in is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Without this, there is no victory.
A Testimony of Victory
A Ugandan bishop once described the 1973 execution of three men from his diocese. He wrote, “As they turned to look at us, what a sight! Their faces were all light with an unmistakable glow and radiance.”
One man said, “The day I was arrested… I asked the Lord Jesus to come into my heart. He came in and forgave me all my sins! Heaven is now open, and there is nothing between me and my God!”
Their testimony stunned the soldiers. The men waved to the crowd, and moments later they were with Jesus. Their deaths sparked revival throughout the region. This is living victoriously—overcoming even death through faith in Christ.
Victory in Jesus
People often get excited about Revelation’s judgments, symbols, and end‑time events. But we should be just as excited about the scenes around God’s throne, because they reveal our final victory. The old gospel song “Victory in Jesus” captures this beautifully: “He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming blood… He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.”
Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:17) Hebrews says Jesus became flesh so that “by dying He could break the power of the Devil.” (Hebrews 2:14)
Revelation 12 shows Satan’s defeat and announces how believers overcome him: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11)
These are offensive weapons—victory‑producing weapons.
1. The Blood of the Lamb
Scripture teaches that life is in the blood and that God gave blood as the means of atonement. “It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11) The scarlet thread of blood sacrifice runs from Abel’s offering to the Passover lamb, to Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering Servant, and finally to Jesus Christ—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
On the cross Jesus cried, “It is finished,” completing the atonement for humanity. Hebrews says He entered the heavenly Holy of Holies “by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12)
Through His blood, Satan was defeated. Jesus now holds the keys of death and hell. His resurrection made a public spectacle of the enemy.
As one man said while standing on Calvary, “I was here nearly two thousand years ago.” We were all there spiritually when Jesus took our place. Whoever trusts in Him receives forgiveness and eternal life.
2. The Word of Our Testimony
Our testimony is a weapon of victory. Abel’s blood cried out for justice, but Jesus’s blood “speaks of better things”—forgiveness (Hebrews 12:24). We proclaim what His blood has done for us.
John wrote, “This is the disciple who testifies of these things… and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24) Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 1:16)
People don’t need theological dissertations—they need our story of what Jesus has done in our lives.
3. Our Commitment to Jesus
Revelation says believers “did not love their lives to the death.” This is what makes testimony undefeatable. The Greek word for “witness” is the root of our word “martyr.”
Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily.” (Luke 9:23) Carrying a cross meant walking toward death—dead men walking.
Paul wrote, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice.” (Romans 12:1)
The world promotes self‑fulfillment, but Jesus teaches self‑denial. “He who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
When we are willing to die for Christ, we finally learn how to live.
Conclusion
We live victoriously when we fight with three offensive weapons:
- The blood of Jesus Christ
- The word of our testimony
- Our total commitment to Him—even unto death
These weapons brought victory to the three Ugandan believers and ignited revival in a darkened nation. And with them, we too can declare with heaven’s voices: “Now has come our salvation, power, and the kingdom of our God.”
When we are willing to die for Christ, we finally learn how to live.
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