1.  Introduction ~ every Christian should be victorious 1 John 4:4 

     1.1.  but I think we misunderstand the nature of the Christian life

2.  Context ~ 2 Cor 2:14 the metaphor is of a military parade 2 Cor 2:14 

     2.1.  the meaning of “triumph” (θριαμβεύω) [thrīm būʹ ō] is uncertain

3.  Background ~ for the Corinthian readers this would be familiar

     3.1.  the image blends 2 pictures; the defeated enemy exposed to… 

            3.1.1.  public ridicule & the celebration of victorious soldiers 

     3.2.  Paul references this same imagery in 1 Cor 4:9 

            3.2.1.  this is another picture of the paradox of “strength-in-weakness” 

4.  we find it thru-out the Scripts-1 example 2 Cor 12:9-10 

     4.1.  Victory ~ by God is presupposed Rom 5:10

     4.2.  the battle wages but God decisively wins John 16:33 

5.  God’s gracious reign changes defeat to victory 1 Cor 15:57 

     5.1.  Our Victory ~ is actually brought about through our defeat Eph 2:4-6 

6.  God takes His enemies & makes them His children Gal 4:6-7 

     6.1.  The Cross ~ is what ultimately determines our message 1 Cor 1:22-24

7.  God triumphs, but how does that take place? Gal 2:20 

     7.1.  Our Death ~ is necessary before we can experience victory in Jesus

            7.1.1.  having been crucified w/Christ is not an instant or easy death

8.  yet, as dead people we experience victory Gal 2:20  Gal 5:24 

     8.1.  Christian Victory ~ is actually not our victory @ all, it is Jesus’ alone

            8.1.1.  He calls on us to cooperate w/ His Spirit Titus 2:11-12 

it is a fight to the death w/ eternal stakes Rom 8:13  Gal 5:16 

9.  Application ~ a victorious Christian life is only a myth

     9.1.  it’s a myth if you think that, somehow, you bring it about  

     9.2.  even the faith to respond to our conviction of sin is a gift Eph 2:8-9 

            9.2.1.  the victorious Christian life is His life lived thru you Gal 2:20 

     9.3.  victory in Jesus is Jesus reigning in our lives as King

 

For Contemplation:

Have I yielded my life so that Jesus can be victorious through me?

 

Homiletical Idea:

In Jesus we are victorious, even when we don’t think so.

 

For Prayer:

Father, through Your Spirit, work Your victory in my life!