Lesson 7: Twelve Meditations to Realize a Victorious Life

What is Impossible with Man is Possible with God (Luke 18:27)

Resource: Absolute Surrender: Chapter 5

Man cannot do ANYTHING to gain salvation except trust in the power of God and accept the free gift of grace in obedience and submission.

Fallen man is helpless until he bows down and acknowledges the working of God which is able to transfer him from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light. When we accept our utter helplessness and God's utter helpfulness which He offers through His Beloved Son, we begin our journey of faith.  

We must understand that our Faith is based on the work of God and not the work of man. Our baptism into Christ (Romans 6:3-11; Galatians 3:26-27) which begins our spiritual walk is also not a work of man, but a work of God (Colossians 2:12). So then, why do we think we have any work to accomplished that is not the work of God? Is there anything worthy accomplished without the power of God? Do you know that God is working in you to do His will in His way? (Philippians 2:13)

How do we begin this journey with God?

Let's look at Christ's example in Luke 3:21-22. Jesus was perfect and certainly did not need to be baptized, but He did so to fulfill "all righteousness" as an example for us. His entire life on earth was to give us a path to follow. What do we learn about His example in baptism?

5 events took place. Please note each: 

21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,



22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."


(1) Jesus was baptized
(2) Jesus was praying
(3) Heaven Opened and the Holy Spirit Descended
(4) Heaven claimed Him as "Son"
(5) God was well-pleased.


When we go into baptism (immersion in water), we are to call on the name of the Lord (praying) as commanded in Acts 22:16. What are we praying for?


While we submit to baptism, we call on God, in faith, to give us all spiritual blessings that are found in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3) and to send us the Holy Spirit, (Acts 2:38) who will enlighten us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) and empower us to live Holy unto God (Ephesians 1:13-18). God, then, claims us as his "child". We become "sons" of God (Romans 8:14). God is well pleased with us when we submit to Him in baptism and faith according to His Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:21; Colossians 1:19-23).


It is in baptism that we contact the blood of Christ which has the power to reconcile us to God, IF we continue firmly in the faith without wavering (Colossians 1:22-23) away from the Gospel of our Salvation.


The exact 5 STEPS take place in our baptism as took place in Christ's baptism.


(1) We are buried in water (Romans 6:3-11) as we
(2) call on God (pray) to do His work in baptism (Acts 22:16).
(3) The Holy Spirit descends on us (Acts 2:38).
(4) We become sons of God (Romans 8:16-17, 1 John 3:1-2) and (5) When we are raised up as Christ was raised from the dead (Colossians 3:1-3), God sees the blood of Christ covering (hiding) us and is well pleased.


We have a "new self" (Colossians 3:10) and are transferred out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His Beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). We need only to SUBMIT. We submit in baptism to the blood of the Lamb. We submit in our Christian walk to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7).


God grants us power in the inner man through His Spirit to strengthen us as we walk in Him (Ephesians 3:16). Salvation is wholly a work of God and not a work of man. Growing more and more in our salvation is also a work of God and not a work of man.
Once we have the Holy Spirit as our guide, we have the opportunity to claim the Almightiness of God by giving glory to Him in all things. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path".


12 Mediations to Realize a Victorious Life


(1) My God is not small. I acknowledge His Power & Majesty throughout my day (Isaiah 57:15; Proverbs 3:6).


(2) My Lord is not dead. I accept His Kingdom and Lordship. He reigns (Revelation 19:6)


(3) I am not alone. The Holy Spirit lives in me and in His church (1 Corinthians 6:19).


(4) My life is not mine. Submission, as a slave of Christ, ensures my inheritance (Colossians 3:24).


(5) My mind is dedicated to being renewed daily. The Christian life is one of growth by partaking of the Bread of Life (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23).


(6) My heart is overflowing. Joy, love, mercy, peace are fruits of the Spirit which God has placed in my heart (Philemon 1:7; Galatians 5:22).


(7) The cross of Christ is my Salvation. I deny self and cricify the flesh daily (Matthew 16:24). My battle is against my flesh.


(8) My lips praise Him all through the day. I give witness to His glory among the nations (2 Samuel 22:50).


(9) My hands are not too busy to serve. I reserve quality time to serve the Lord (Exodus 23:19; Numbers 18:13; Revelation 14:4).


(10) My mission is to expand the Kingdom. I am to share the Light with those in darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 5:14; Matthew 5:14). If Christ shines in our hearts, we will reflect that to the world.


(11) I am Holy Clothed (hidden) by the Power of God (Galations 3:27; Revelation 3:5).


(12) I wait on God only (Psalms 25:5; 40:1; 62:5; 69:6; Isaiah 30:18; 64:4; Hosea 12:6; Micah 7:7; Jude 1:21)




If it is God who works and wills in us, what can we do but to wait on Him (1 Corinthians 12:11). He works all things! His is the victory. If we are to have a victorious life, we will need to wait on Him. In the quietness of prayer, wait on God. In the renewing of your mind, wait on God. In the filling of your heart with fruits of the Spirit, wait on God. Give God quality time to express Himself to you.
 
Our relationship with God must include waiting with expectancy. Expect His compassion, mercy, grace, and power. Praise Him in expectancy.
 
Homework:
Write in your journal on the topic: "Wait on God only".
Read - Absolute Surrender: Chapter 6