Eternal Victory
Scripture – John 16:6-11: Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There’s a lot of meaning in this passage – far more than I can begin to process in this limited space. The very last line is one that stands out to me. “The prince of this world” (who I take to be Satan) is now condemned. It’s something that has already happened. A condemned building is one deemed uninhabitable and ready to be torn down. So it is with Satan. Christ has already triumphed over him. As He continues moving toward the cross He demonstrates the prince of this world has no power over Him. And as I choose Christ, that prince has no power over me, either.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I still get scared at times. I still fall into the traps this prince sets around me from time to time. I still get caught in my sinful nature and act in ways outside God’s will. But….because of Christ, I have assurance of eternal life regardless. And while I sometimes let the prince of this world influence me, he holds no ultimate power over me. I will live with that assurance and confidence today.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) By your love and grace, Lord, I have ultimate hope. I’m sorry for the times I give into the prince. Remind me often that you are the one I trust. Lift the vision of my heart toward you. Thank you for assurance of the eternal triumph you have already gained.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There’s a lot of meaning in this passage – far more than I can begin to process in this limited space. The very last line is one that stands out to me. “The prince of this world” (who I take to be Satan) is now condemned. It’s something that has already happened. A condemned building is one deemed uninhabitable and ready to be torn down. So it is with Satan. Christ has already triumphed over him. As He continues moving toward the cross He demonstrates the prince of this world has no power over Him. And as I choose Christ, that prince has no power over me, either.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I still get scared at times. I still fall into the traps this prince sets around me from time to time. I still get caught in my sinful nature and act in ways outside God’s will. But….because of Christ, I have assurance of eternal life regardless. And while I sometimes let the prince of this world influence me, he holds no ultimate power over me. I will live with that assurance and confidence today.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) By your love and grace, Lord, I have ultimate hope. I’m sorry for the times I give into the prince. Remind me often that you are the one I trust. Lift the vision of my heart toward you. Thank you for assurance of the eternal triumph you have already gained.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
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