Victorious Living - Part One
In 1974, a Japanese soldier was discovered in the jungles of the Philippines—nearly 30 years after World War II had ended. He had survived in hiding, still convinced the war was ongoing. When I first heard that story, it hit me: how many of us live like that spiritually? We keep fighting battles that Jesus already won. We live on constant defense, striving, worrying, and fighting to prove something—when the truth is, the war is over. So what’s our new reality?
The reality of victory is this: Christ has already won, and now we get to live into that victory. You’re already victorious—so act like it. You don’t need to work for victory, because Jesus has already secured it. But this raises a question: if the war is over, what does it mean to live in victory? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says something that sounds almost impossible: “You are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). At first glance, that feels crushing. Perfect? Us? Impossible, right?
That’s because we’ve misunderstood what “perfect” means. We think it’s about flawless performance—like getting 100% on a test. But in Scripture, perfection means wholeness. It’s about living as someone fully loved by God, walking in relationship with Him. Perfection isn’t about never failing; it’s about being restored to what you were created to be. Think of a broken bone that’s healed—it’s not flawless, but it’s whole again. That’s what Jesus came to do: heal what’s broken, make us whole, and teach us to live from the victory He’s already won.
Colossians 2:13–15 tells us that Jesus “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities” and “shamed them publicly by his victory on the cross.” In other words, Jesus didn’t just win—He humiliated the enemy. Every accusation against us was nailed to that same cross. The victory isn’t partial or pending; it’s finished. That’s why 1 John 5 says that “every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” Victory is not a distant reward—it’s a present reality for those who belong to Christ.
Still, victory doesn’t mean a trouble-free life. Jesus Himself said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Victory doesn’t erase struggle—it changes how we face it. It’s not the absence of temptation or weakness; even Paul had a “thorn in the flesh.” Victory is living from a new identity, not a flawless record. When Jesus was baptized, the Father declared, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” That moment came before any miracles, teachings, or tests. Victory starts with identity, not performance.
Knowing who you are in Christ changes how you live. When you understand you’re deeply loved and fully forgiven, you stop living like a spiritual orphan. You gain peace in the middle of chaos and learn to extend grace because you’ve received it yourself. The devil, however, is a sore loser—he wants to drag anyone down with him. As Tony Evans puts it, “If Satan can divert your attention away from the spiritual realm, he can keep you from the only place where your victory is found.” Victory begins when we stop fighting the wrong battles and start standing firm in who we are in Christ.
Scripture gives us incredible examples of victory. Joseph endured betrayal, false accusations, and prison—but God used every step to bring about salvation for many. Deborah led courageously when others hesitated, proving that God empowers both men and women to secure victory for His people. The Israelites at Jericho won not through might, but through obedience and faith. And above all, Jesus achieved ultimate victory through what looked like defeat—the cross. Victory is rarely instant; it’s forged through faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s timing.
So where in your life are you still living like the war isn’t over? Maybe it’s bitterness, fear, shame, or a habit that keeps pulling you back. Name that area and give it to Jesus: “Lord, help me live from the victory you’ve already won.” Then take one “victory move” this week—choose forgiveness, replace a lie with truth, resist temptation by praying first, or show kindness when you want to stay angry. Every step of faith is a reminder that you’re not fighting for victory—you’re living from it. The war is over. Now it’s time to live free.