Monday, April 11, 2016
Acts 5:20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."
THE SPOILS OF VICTORY -- PREACHING
We have a saying in our culture that states, "To the victor go the spoils." This phrase indicates that the one who wins a battle or struggle receives the rewards of victory, the "spoils." Oftentimes this saying has a somewhat crass connotation, since the idea of spoils involves things that are indulgent and lavish in nature. However, this phrase fits to a certain extent with Christ's victory over death, sin, and Satan through His resurrection.
To those who believe in Christ, the blessings of His victory become theirs. But the victory of the Resurrection does not mean we have license to over-indulge or to follow any fleeting treasure that we desire. The resurrection victory spoils are much different.
One such result of Christ's victory over death is the right and ability to tell of the resurrection to others; that they too may be one with Christ. Shortly after Pentecost some of the disciples were imprisoned for their witness of Jesus. That evening, an angel came and broke them out and gave them this command.They were to "speak all the words of this life." Obviously, the angel was not talking about preaching for this temporary world; rather he was talking about the Christian life, won through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
This is a spoil of victory that we continue to share to this day. It is a privilege and honor to speak of the life that Jesus claimed for us.
