Date: April 10, 2022
A Life of Victory
The Point: In Christ, we have victory over anything the world throws at us.
Get Into the Study
Use the following to introduce today’s session.
As the war in Ukraine entered its fourth week, NBC shared a video of a Ukrainian soldier declaring, “Victory will be ours.” But what exactly would be considered a victory for Ukraine? While some might hope for a total defeat of Russia with Putin being removed from power, others wonder if holding the city of Kyiv would be considered a victory. Could Ukraine see a complete withdrawal of Russian troops, including from the separatist eastern provinces? Although we don’t know exactly what a Ukrainian victory would entail, we can continue to pray for an end to the death and suffering.
This session we will study the victory we have in Christ—a victory that has completely overthrown the enemy. The Ukrainian soldier who declared “Victory will be ours,” does not know if Ukraine will have victory over Russia. However, in Christ, we can declare with our Christian brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia, “Victory is ours,” because Christ has already secured the victory for us.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom and writer.
Study the Bible Option (from Adult Leader Guide, p. 72)
Since today’s theme is “A Life of Victory,” invite someone to lead the class in singing “Victory in Jesus.” Stop between each verse and let one person tell just a sentence or two about how he or she experienced victory in some area because of something Jesus has done lately.
Live It Out
Use the following story to conclude your session.
The war in Ukraine is raging on. We’ve all read reports of the horrors taking place—bombings, civilian lives lost, soldier lives lost, and millions displaced throughout the country and as refugees in neighboring countries. It’s overwhelming, to say the least. Darkness seems to be waiting to pounce on us behind every news link, every post, and every article we read. The sadness and helplessness we feel as we mourn for Ukraine and watch the evil powers of this world can steal the joy from our days and pull us into utter despair.
These are the days when we are called to remember, more than ever before, that Jesus has overcome the world. We have victory in Christ—and every tear will be wiped away. While we continue to pray for the war in Ukraine to end, we can take heart in the promise that Jesus holds this world in His hands. He will bring justice to the oppressed and punish the oppressors. God promises us, “Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5). May we never forget the world’s story always ends in Christ victorious over evil and death. What a joyful truth, indeed.
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Chicagoland with her husband and their three little boys.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What does “winning” look like in your everyday life?
- What are some wins you’re looking forward to in life?
- If you knew exactly what would happen tomorrow, how would it change the way you live today?
John 16:19-22
- When have you seen a difficulty turn into something positive in your life?
- In what circumstance in your life could this promise of a future, lasting joy help you endure the sorrow or difficulties you are experiencing?
- What are some obstacles to experiencing joy in the Christian life?
John 16:27-30
- What changes begin to happen inside of us when we truly believe that Jesus is the one who came from God?
- How have you experienced victory through Jesus?
- What do you do to increase your faith and hope in Jesus during troubling times?
John 16:31-33
- In what ways are believers called to show courage because of their faith today?
- When have you felt God’s presence in the midst of a difficult time?
- How can Jesus’ victory give you peace and courage as you face suffering?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
We Need More than a Morale Booster
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – Follow Jesus
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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