Victory over sin and death is a gift we receive through Jesus, not a prize we win.
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV)
What does “Victory” mean in 1 Corinthians 15:57?
Paul breaks into thanks at the end of his great chapter on the resurrection. The word giveth is in the present tense, which suggests that God keeps on giving this victory.
Going deeper
After a long argument about the resurrection, Paul does not finish with a theory. He finishes with thanks: thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The victory is a gift. We did not win it by being good enough or strong enough. Jesus won it by His death and resurrection, and He gives it to those who trust in Him. It is a victory over sin, over the grave, and over the fear of both.
Living in that victory does not mean that we never struggle. It means we struggle from a position of security. The outcome has been settled by Christ. Where do you feel defeated today? It may be a habit, a fear, a loss, or a sense of failure. Speak that place aloud to God, and thank Him for the victory that is already yours in Jesus. Then take one small step as someone who belongs to the winning side.
Reflect
Where do you feel defeated, and what would it mean to face it as someone who shares Christ's victory?
Pray
Thanks be to You, God, for giving me the victory through Jesus. Help me to live from that victory and not from fear. In Jesus' name, amen.
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