GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

It is probably not hyperbole to say that the Apostle Paul has given us some of the most beloved passages in Scripture, some of which Pastor Mark touched on this past Sunday as he covered the Scarlet Thread through the epistles. These passages have given many Christians courage and strength when they discovered they had nothing within to hold on to.

Let’s go a little deeper into what a couple of these passages really mean for us as we seek to walk the walk on a daily basis.

Two passages in particular are especially powerful:

Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’

‘Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?’

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There are far too many circumstances when we give more credit to the enemy than he deserves. When we think too much of the enemy’s influence, then we are inherently giving power to him when we could be channeling the power of Jesus’ death on the cross. We imply that it is not strong enough. This applies whether we are engaging in damaging self-condemnation, or if we are in a moment, or even a season of sin. In fact, sometimes our moments become seasons BECAUSE we give the enemy too much credit.

So let us move into this next week with a fresh reminder of exactly what our position is in Christ. Through Christ, we are MORE than conquerors. Let’s give credit where credit is due.