There is a Biblical mandate to give thanks. Yet, too often we are distracted with the busyness of life or simply choose to focus on the negative.  Over the next few posts we will look at four reasons to give thanks. Of course, these are merely four out of countless reasons for thanksgiving. The first reason … victory in Christ.

---

He gives us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ.

– 1 Corinthains 15:57

---

Who provided the victory?

This seems like a simple question but the answer to this question is crucial for a proper theology. Victory is provided by God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

That means victory is not provided by …

• Our work ethic
• Our success
• Our promotion
• Our bank account
• Our performance evaluation
• Our children’s success
• Our fancy stuff
• NO!

Victory is provided through Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. The spotlight must always remain on Jesus.

Who receives the victory?

You and me. We receive victory through Jesus Christ.   We should never boast. We should never take credit. We should never look down on another. Rather, we should be filled with thanksgiving. Filled with thanksgiving for receiving something we did not earn nor do we deserve. If your willing to receive the victory … it has been provided for you.

Victory from what?

Short answer: sin and death.  Take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:54-56.

The penalty of sin is death. In the Texas court of law, certain crimes are worthy of the death penalty. In the court of God, all sin deserves death.

Here Paul states that the power of sin is the law. What does he mean? Well, the power of the law is that we read it and know of our sin. It becomes obvious. It exposes our brokenness.

Each one of us sins.

Each one of us deserves death.

If we honestly read the Scriptures – we know its true.

Yet, we have been provided victory.

---

Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?

– 1 Corinthians 15:55

---

How did the victory come about?

Through the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our Savior hung on a cross – giving his life for our sin. Upon death, he was pulled from the cross and placed in a tomb. Yet, on the third day he rose from the dead. In his resurrection he defeated sin and death. In his resurrection he provided us victory.

Take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. 

We are next in line of sharing the good news of the resurrection. Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to Peter and the twelve. He then appeared to 500 men and women. He then appeared to James and the apostles. The news of a resurrected Savior began to spread. The news of victory over sin and death began to spread. Our voices are added to that testimony.

This week as you face …

• Stress at work … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Financial difficulty … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Relationship difficulty … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Marital issues … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Anxiety/depression … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Addiction … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Lust … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Loneliness … give thanks for victory in Christ.
• Whatever comes your way … give thanks for victory in Christ.