How To Win Over The Things You Battle In Your Life

Tonto and the Lone Ranger were riding through a canyon together when all of a sudden both sides were filled with Indian warriors on horses, dressed for battle. The Lone Ranger turned to Tonto and asked, “What are we going to do?” Tonto replied, “What you mean ‘we,’ Whiteman?”

Do you ever feel ambushed in life – feel that you are in the battle by yourself – all alone - no help?

There are some here this morning who are feeling ambushed – you’re in a fight – in a battle with drugs, prescription medication, alcohol, anger, pornography, lust, inappropriate relationship – and the list goes on - and you are being defeated. But when you become a Christian this isn’t how it’s supposed to be! Not supposed to live defeated but victorious! Yet many of us experience the devil’s attack and we allow him to defeat us!

Understand this morning: in Christ you have victory over sin…victory over the devil. What you need to understandis this: you are not fighting FOR victory when you face these battles in your life…you are fighting FROM victory! In other words, these things should no longer have a hold on you – no longer have power over you - no longer defeat you! They did before you came to Christ! But now He has given you victory over the devil and sin and anything that seeks to defeat you!

In Colossians 2:8-15 we learn some important things…read…

Colossians 2:8–15 NASB95

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

This morning I want to highlight 5 glorious truths from this passage. 1st…

1. YOU’RE COMPLETE - IN CHRIST YOU HAVE BEEN MADE COMPLETE. (Vs. 10a)

- The word complete used here means to be made full. The Greek actually says “In Him you are full.”

- When you come to Christ, you receive the fullness of Christ! This refers to the victory and joy you have in Him. This fullness of life that He fills you with!

- This is talking about the abundant life you now have in Christ – and the power you need to live for God every day!

- He’s given you everything you need for salvation and right living. TS – 2nd…

2. YOU’RE PROTECTED - CHRIST IS IN CONTROL. (Vs. 10b)

- He is the head over all principalities and powers! Everything in the universe!

- And therefore over the devil and the evil he seeks to instigate against you!

- Who’s power is greater? God’s!

TS – 3rd…

3. YOU’RE ALIVE - GOD HAS MADE YOU ALIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM. (Vs. 11-13a)

- You were dead in your trespasses and sins! You were condemned to a life of separation from God. But God sent His Son Jesus Christ into this world to die for you – pay the price you owed – and now you are alive in Him!

- Since you are alive in Him, you should be living for Him – every day!

TS – 4th…

4. YOU’RE FORGIVEN – YOU’VE BEEN FORGIVEN FOR ALL YOUR SINS. (Vs. 13b-14)

- All, not just some!

- In fact, He has canceled out the certificate of debt that was written against you – the certificate that had all the stuff (sins) written on it that you’ve ever done (committed) = in fact, He nailed it to the Cross and Jesus took care of it all!

- Does the devil ever throw your sins – your failures – back up to you? Parade them across your mind and say “See how terrible you are – try to make you feel like such a failure when you give in – can’t seem to overcome your battles, struggles?

- Does he ever try to make you think you’re so unworthy?

- Understand this morning: When you ask the Lord to forgive you for your sin – your failures, shortcomings, the times you’ve given in = YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN!

- As Psalm 103:12-14 says…

Psalm 103:12–14 NASB95

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.

TS – 5th…

5. YOU’RE TRIUMPHANT - YOU HAVE TRIUMPHED OVER THE DEVIL.(Vs. 15)

- Christ has triumphed over the devil and his evil cohorts.

- The picture here is of a Roman general parading his defeated captives through the streets of Rome!

- Christ’s victory on Calvary defeated the devil and stripped him of his power.

- Hebrews 2:14 says…

Hebrews 2:14 NASB95

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

- Understand today: THE DEVIL HAS NO POWER OVER YOU ANYMORE! Does he still battle you? Yes, absolutely. Can he defeat you? Only if you let him!

Conclusion

So remember this important truth: you do not fight FOR victory…you fight FROM victory!

You’ve already gained it! Start claiming it. Start living it!

1. You’re complete.

2. You’re protected.

3. You’re alive.

4. You’re forgiven.

5. You’re triumphant!