Here, Paul borrowed an image from the Roman world, seeing Jesus as the victorious, conquering general in a triumphal parade. A Roman triumphal parade was given to successful generals as they returned from their conquests. Paul celebrates the victory we have in Christ by saying: “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph.”

All the seven churches in the Book of Revelation were called to overcome a hostile environment with dangling rewards. To John, the writer of the book of Revelations, the word “overcome” is synonymous with “victory.”

The victory of Christ is not a mere sign or symbol, nor a slogan, but a reality that is applicable to a daily life. It is not meant to be a signpost hung on the walls of our offices waiting to be lived out. One of the greatest challenges Christians face is the application of the victory of the cross into the daily situations of life.

How do we translate the victory of the cross and the power of Christ’s resurrection to reflect in the daily conditions of our living? We know and believe Jesus has defeated Satan; we believe what the word of God says; but how does this reflect in our daily triumphs in life? There is always a mismatch between the victory of Christ at the cross and what obtains in our lives.

Our victory in Christ should be applied to life’s experiences through perseverance, faith, prayer, by our confessions and by daily application of the word of God over our lives. Perseverance is displaying patience in our sufferings and sorrow until the grace of God helps us overcome our situation. Job is our example of perseverance. James 5:11 says: “Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord — that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful,” (James 5:11 NKJV).

By faith, we accept the victory of the cross as a reality no matter the threats we encounter in life. In faith, we make confessions and declarations of the reality of our victory in Christ Jesus.

By faith many saints prevailed in victory over various situations they faced, thereby honouring God. We also can triumph over the enemy through the potent weapons of prayer and fasting. Praying continually and exercising our authority in the name of Jesus are two potent weapons for walking in victory as the disciples did.

Through his resurrection, Jesus had the ultimate victory. He defeated sin and death once and for all, so that, we might be reconciled to God our Father and experience everlasting life with him. As believers, we share that victory with Jesus. It does not mean that life will be perfect.

Ultimately, living a victorious life boils down to faith and obedience to Christ, and the application of the weapons of our warfare, which include: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, with our feet fitted with the gospel of peace and by praying in the spirit.

In view of Christ’s victory, what should our reactions be before the world? We should display the attitudes of thanksgiving to God, hope, confidence, determination, perseverance, courage, humility and bold declaration of the word of God.
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