VICTORY OVER SELF

 ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For TUESDAY, 30TH MAY, 2023.

TOPIC: VICTORY OVER SELF

MEMORIZE: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Proverbs 16:32.

SCRIPTURE READING: Colossians 3:5-11

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”

EXPOSITION:

One of the most crucial victories is that of victory over self. Overcoming yourself is greater than overcoming a city. When you win the battle over yourself, other battles become easier to face and win.

(A) THE 3 MAJOR ENEMIES ARE…

(a) Death: This is the last enemy everyone must face (1 Corinthians 15:26; Hebrews 9:27). Be happy that Jesus has conquered death for us (1 Cor.15:51-57)

(b) The devil: He goes about seeking whom to devour (1 Pet 5:8),but God's eyes go to and from to show us mercy (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Also Jesus defeated the devil. So all left for you to do is to rebuke him.

(c) Yourself: Self goes with you everywhere.  - self sleeps with you - self wakes with you and is your biggest ally but God is always for you (Rom 8:31)

All forms of other enemies bow at the name of Jesus as you get aligned with Jesus (John 3:16).

EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO COULD NOT CONTROL SELF:

1. Cain: He was a murderer so became a first born vagabond (Genesis 4:1-14)

2. Esau: He couldn't control his stomach and ended up forfeiting his birthright (Gen.25:29-31)

3. Samson: Despite his great anointing, he fell due to lust and ended up a blind prisoner of his enemies (Judges 16:1-end)

 (B) SEVEN REASONS WHY YOU CAN BE VICTORIOUS:

1. Being truly born again (John 1:11-12, 1 Jn. 3:8-9)

2. Jesus overcame so you will also (Hebrews 4:14-16; Philippians 4:13)

3. God always provides escape route for His children in temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13).

4. God's Word is settled, sin shall have no dominion over you (Romans 6:1-14)

5. God's power keeps you (1 Pet 1:5, Ps.121:4-5)

6. Holy Spirit is our helper (Zech 4:6; Romans 8:26)

7. God loves you dearly (John 3:16; Romans 8:37).

(C) WHAT TO DO

1. Rely absolutely on God, arm of flesh will fail.

2. The more you serve God, the more precious you become in His hand

3. Flee from every appearance of evil

4. Live holy and be faithful to the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS: 1. Lord Jesus, as You overcame, let me overcome all temptations that come my way.

2. Father, by Your power: keep me holy and pure till the very end.

3. Holy Spirit, help me to pray victorious prayers and make me more than a conqueror.

4. Lord, You prayed for Peter; please pray for me and please deliver me from all my personal weaknesses in Jesus name. Amen.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Psalms 13-15.