GOD ALWAYS LEADS US IN TRIUMPH IN CHRIST

Text: 2 Corinthians 1-2
4 March 2012

(I) THE FACT OF GOD LEADING US IN VICTORY

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” 2 Corinthians 2:14

1. He always leads us

2. He leads us in triumph in Christ

a) Triumphant procession for a victorious general

b) Christ is the triumphant general (Cf. Psalm 24 )

3. He wants us to focus on the Lord Jesus

(II) THE PRINCIPLES THAT ENABLED JESUS TO BE VICTORIOUS IN LIFE

1. Evidenced in the Lord’s life

a. The principle of hiding the word of God in His heart ( Matthew 4 )

b. The principle of the filling of the Spirit of God ( Matthew 12:20 )

c. The principle of a deep prayer life ( Matthew 26:36-43 )

2. Evidenced in His teachings

a. Abiding in the Lord’s words ( John 8:31, 15:7 )

b. The filling of the Holy Spirit ( John 14-16 )

c. Watching and praying ( Luke 21:36 )

(III) THE RESULTS OF APPLYING THESE PRINCIPLES IN LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. Overcoming the world

a) Being an overcomer

“But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

b) Being part of a triumphant army

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5

2. Diffusing the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14)

a) Graciousness in what we do

b) Seen as people of prayer

c) Obvious display of being spirit filled

(III) THE APPLICATION TOWARDS GOD’S LEADING IN CHRIST

1. Following Christ-centred principles

a) Follow Christ’s principles seen His example and teachings

b) Seeing God’s leading through these principles

2. Having a triumphant spirit in Christ

3. Appreciation and Gratitude to God

“Now thanks be to God…” 2 Corinthians 2:14