Living a Prayerful Life by Murray Andrew

Author:Murray, Andrew [Murray, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2002-11-30T16:00:00+00:00

—Chapter 13 —

The Victorious Life

We viewed chapter 7, ‘‘The More Abundant Life,’’ mainly from the side of our Lord Jesus. We saw that there is to be found in him—the Crucified One, the Risen One, and the Glorified One, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit—all that is needed for a life of abundant grace. Now, in speaking of ‘‘The Victorious Life,’’ we will look from another standpoint. We want to see how a Christian can live as a true victor. We have often said that the prayer life is not something that can be improved upon in and of itself. So intimately is it bound up with the entire spiritual life that only when that whole life (previously marked by a lack of prayer) becomes renewed and sanctified can prayer have its rightful place of power. We must not be satisfied with less than the victorious life to which God calls His children.

Our Lord in the seven letters to the churches in Revelation concludes with a promise to each for those who overcome. The phrase ‘‘he that overcomes’’ is repeated seven times; and with it some glorious promises are given. They were given even to churches like Ephesus that had ‘‘forsaken its first love,’’ to Sardis, that ‘‘[had] a reputation of being alive, but was dead,’’ and Laodicea with her lukewarmness and self-satisfaction—as proof that if they would only repent, they might win the crown of victory. The call comes to every Christian to strive for the crown. If everything is not sacrificed to gain the victory, how is it possible to be a healthy Christian or to preach in the power of the Spirit? It is not; it is impossible.

How do we attain victory, then? The answer is simple. All is in Christ. ‘‘Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ’’ (2 Corinthians 2:14). ‘‘In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us’’ (Romans 8:37). It all depends on our right relationship to Christ, our complete surrender, perfect faith, and unbroken fellowship with Him. But how do you attain to all of this? These simple guidelines show the way by which the full enjoyment of what is prepared for you in Christ may be yours: (1) a new discovery of sin; (2) a new surrender to Christ; (3) a new faith in the power that will make it possible for you to persevere.

1. A new discovery of sin. In Romans 3 we find described the knowledge of sin that is necessary for repentance and forgiveness: ‘‘Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God’’ (v. 19). And so you recognized your sin more or less consciously, confessed it, and obtained mercy. But if you would lead a victorious life, something more is needed. This begins with the recognition that in you, that is, in your flesh, there dwells no good thing (Romans 7:18).

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