1. Victories in Conversion Revelation 15:2

2. Victory or Defeat? Who likes to loose a contest, a game? We would rather win. We are in a constant struggle with the Devil. Who is winning? Are you winning? “Victory” is a NT theme: Jn.16:13; Rom.8:37-38; 1 Cor.15:55-57; 2 Cor.10:3-5; Eph.6:10-12; 1 Jn.2:13; Rev.15:2

3. Victories in Conversion HEARING – a victory over ignorance, prejudice, superstition and tradition. Hearing God’s word gives us the truth to be right with God. We should have a strong desire to hear God’s word (1 Sam.3:9; Ac.17:11; Heb.12:25).

4. Victories in Conversion Satan wins if he can get you to not listen (Ac.7:57). Some “hear” but don’t really “hear” because their hearts do not want to receive the message (Mt.13:14-15; Jn.8:43,47; Rev.2:7; etc.). Why is it so important to preach and hear God’s word? Hearing leads to salvation (Ac.10:22,33; 11:14; 15:7). From the standpoint of preaching, you help Satan to win when you don’t preach the gospel to your neighbor (Mt.28:19-20; Mk.16:15-16; Ac.18:8; Rom.10:14,17).

5. Victories in Conversion FAITH or BELIEF – a victory over doubt, skepticism, mocking and unbelief. Faith is the solid conviction that something or someone is true (2 Tim.1:12). Faith takes a stand on what is true! Faith is a work of God (Jn.6:29).

6. Victories in Conversion Satan wins if he can get you to remain in unbelief after you hear the gospel message (Jn.7:5; 12:37; 2 Cor.4:3-4), or if he can get you to remain ignorant (1 Tim.1:13). Why is it so important to believe in God and His word? Belief leads to salvation (Jn.8:24; Rom.1:16; Ac.16:31).

7. Victories in Conversion REPENTANCE – a victory over pride, rebellion, stubbornness, indifference and indecision. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action (life) (Mt.21:28-32; Lk.15:7,10,17-20).

8. Victories in Conversion Satan wins if he can get you to feel comfortable with your life and do nothing. Satan wins he can get you to refuse to admit wrong (Isa.1:4-5; Amos 4:11; 6:6; Mt.3:7-9; Lk.13:3,5). Why is it so important to repent? Repentance leads to salvation (Ac.2:38; 17:30-31; 19:18-20; 1 Cor.6:9-11; 2 Cor.7:9ff; 2 Pet.3:9).

9. Victories in Conversion CONFESSION – a victory over cowardice, timidity, fear, shame and tolerance. Confession is “speaking with” the truth of Jesus (Mt.10:32-33; 16:16; cf. 26:69-75); confessing a conviction; not a bragging, haughty, arrogant, self-centered statement.

10. Victories in Conversion Satan wins if he can get you to keep quiet and not show your conviction (Jn.9:18-23; 12:42-43; Rev.21:8). He says, “What will your friends or family think if you say so and so?” Why is it so important to confess? Confession leads to salvation (Rom.10:9-10; 1 Tim.6:12-13; 2 Tim.1:8; 1 Pet.4:16).

11. Victories in Conversion BAPTISM – a victory over human wisdom and false doctrines. Baptism is immersion in water for the remission of sins (Ac.2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet.3:21).

12. Victories in Conversion Satan wins if he can get you to think “I don’t need to be baptized” (cf. 2 K.5:10-14; Lk.7:29-30). Satan also wins if he can get you to change something about baptism: a) the mode; b) the candidate; or, c) the purpose. In baptism, you are victorious of over sin and Satan (Col.1:13; Eph.5:8).

13. Victories in Conversion FAITHFUL LIVING – a victory over obstacles, hindrances, and pitfalls. Faithful living is required of every Christian. Baptism is not the end of your spiritual journey, but the beginning. The “wilderness wandering” comes after the “Red Sea crossing.”

14. Victories in Conversion Satan tries to keep you out of the church. If he cannot do this, then he tries to get you back into the world. If he cannot do this, then he tries to make you ineffective in the church. Faithful living is a victory over … common sins (1 Cor.10:1-13), false doctrine (1 Cor.15:58), the flesh (Gal.6:8-9), immaturity (Heb.5:11 - 6:12), and persecution (Heb.10:32-39; Rev.2:10).

15. Victories in Conversion For the unconverted and unfaithful, life is a defeat. Satan wins and you lose! But, for the faithful Christian, life is a victory. Continue being victorious (1 Jn.5:4). Why not begin your life of victory now!