MORE THAN CONQUERORS

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

Every Roman general who achieved victory in battle was entitled by the Consul and Senators to a celebratory parade called a triumph.  In this gala procession, the combatant general would ride through the city gates on an ornate chariot, followed by lavish displays of the spoils of war and by chained captives of the enemy army. 

The Apostle Paul declared that we (winner-believers) as “more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)  It’s a fascinating assertion which literally begs the question: ‘How is it possible to be MORE than a conqueror in warfare?’  After all, on the battlefield, either you prevail, or you lose.  This is only logical…right?  Well, the Word of faith transcends logic.  Paul’s assertion that winner-believers are MORE than conquerors simply means that we do not have to fight our battles.  Our warfare is decidedly different.  “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal [not natural], but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds.” (II Corinthians 10:4)  The reason why Roman generals were entitled to such festive occasions was the simple fact that they had become conquerors by virtue of emerging triumphant in battle.  We do not fight at all, at least not in our strength and abilities, because GOD fights for us!  In that sense, we winner-believers are MORE than conquerors.

Ultimately, our praise fights for us.  Praise stems from an attitude of faith that fully embraces God’s Word and, thereby, sees beyond present-day barriers and circumstances.  So we are enabled (by faith) to give thanks before and even during the battle.  Why?  According to Paul, we are motivated to give “thanks unto God” because HE “always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” (II Corinthians 2:14)  Although Satan constantly deploys potential blessing-blockers in our path to abort the blessings of God, we are more than blessed and highly favored since we are “rooted and grounded” by faith “in Christ.” (Ephesians 3:16-20 and Romans 8:39)  Therefore, every winner-believer has this sure testimony: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Because we know in advance the outcome of every battle, we do not have to await any formal celebration of triumph at the end of our present struggles.  Every day and in every situation, notwithstanding our sensory perceptions or our emotions, we spiritually perceive and receive victory.  Therefore we “will bless the Lord at all times.”  (Psalm 34:1)  His praises inhabit both our spirits and our mouths; and, HE always inhabits our praises!  No wonder Paul admonished winner-believers to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

While we are in the midst of our battle, we must always remember to ask God for strength and wisdom so that we will be able to “endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ,” and so that we will retain faith-knowledge (throughout the conflict) that the battle is not ours, but indeed it is the Lord’s! (II Timothy 2:3 and II Chronicles 20:15)  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!