I Believe in the Victory of Jesus
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I Believe in the Victory of Jesus
Happy Easter, everybody! It’s a privilege to welcome you as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We’re celebrating a victory—better than any sports win. Think back on your own victories—maybe on a field, court, or racecourse. Rosie Ruiz thought she had a victory at the 1980 Boston Marathon, finishing in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 56 seconds, the third-fastest female time globally then. But she took the train for most of it, jumping out a mile from the finish. Her medal was stripped, turning her “victory” into a loss.
On Good Friday, it looked like Jesus faced defeat, but Easter Sunday reveals His victory. Let’s declare together: I believe in the victory of Jesus. This launches our new series, "I Believe: How Belief Behaves." I hope you grabbed a journal to take notes—available for all, including online viewers. We’re examining what we believe as a church and why, starting with Jesus’ victory and what it means for us.
1. Jesus Was Up Against Sin
The first truth is that Jesus was up against sin. Sin is a big deal, though we often downplay it, calling our own sins “oversights,” “slip-ups,” or “spiritual boo-boos.” But sin is rebellion, alienating us from God, disrupting the fellowship He desires. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God wants fellowship, not alienation, and out of love, He sent Jesus to the cross and resurrection.
This victory required Jesus to shed His blood on the cross—not just dying, but offering a sacrifice for forgiveness. Unlike Old Testament animal sacrifices, which were burdensome and limited, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” His blood poured out so we could live. Can you say, I believe?
Jesus Is Our Representative and Substitute
The next point is that Jesus is our representative and substitute. Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Jesus took what we deserved. As our representative, He became fully human to atone for humanity’s sins. Hebrews 2:17 explains, “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”
Diminishing sin diminishes Jesus’ work. If sin isn’t a big deal, neither is His sacrifice—but it was. Jesus faced excruciating pain and separation from the Father to pay for our sin. We must recognize its gravity to appreciate His victory.
Jesus Is the Perfect and All-Sufficient Sacrifice
Following naturally, Jesus is the perfect and all-sufficient sacrifice. “Perfect” means complete; “all-sufficient” means nothing more is needed. Unlike Old Testament sacrifices repeated endlessly, Jesus’ sacrifice was one and done. 1 Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” When Jesus cried, “It is finished,” He meant the payment for sin was complete—no more was needed. He faced incomprehensible odds, taking sin to the grave so it no longer overwhelms us.
2. Jesus Rose to Give Life
The second thing we’re talking about is that Jesus rose to give life. Without the resurrection, doubts would be logical. 1 Corinthians 15:17 says, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” But verse 20 confirms, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” Can I hear an I believe? This victory gives hope. 1 Peter 1:3 declares, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” We need not fear the future—Jesus’ resurrection transforms everything.
3. So what?
Go and Sin No More
Belief must shape behavior. The first response is to go and sin no more. Romans 6:5-7 says, “If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his… that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Sin was defeated on the cross. You’re not a slave to it anymore—the Holy Spirit empowers you to overcome. What sin are you stuck in? Claim Christ’s victory and walk away from it today.
Put Your Trust in Jesus
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states, “Christ died for our sins… was buried… raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” Verse 2 adds, “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.” Jesus died and rose so we might have hope and life, offering assurance of eternity. You don’t need to earn God’s love—He already loves you. Simply trust in Jesus, surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior, and find the confidence Easter brings.
Closing: A Prayer of Trust
Bow your heads. If you want to confirm this assurance of eternal life through Jesus’ work, pray quietly: Dear God, thank you for all that Jesus has accomplished for me, taking my sin away. Thank you for His death and glorious resurrection. I recognize the power available to me because of what You have done. Today, I surrender myself and put my hope and trust in You, no longer in me, no longer trying to earn my way, but my trust completely in You. I accept You now as my Lord and Savior.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: I Believe
Sermon Title: I Believe in the Victory of Jesus
Date: Apr 20, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
1 Thessalonians 5:9
Ephesians 1:7
Isaiah 53:5
Hebrews 2:17
1 Peter 3:18
1 Corinthians 15:17
1 Corinthians 15:20
1 Peter 1:3-4
Romans 6:5-7
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
1 Corinthians 15:2
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