(Genesis 8:22, Revelation 1:8, 11a )

Pastor George Dix Jr. began part 4 of his message "Victory" by encouraging us to want to know God, and know Him in Victory. God's Word is true, for Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6), and we have Victory through Jesus. People may appear victorious in the physical realm, but if Jesus is not present in their lives, there is no true, complete and everlasting Victory.

Pastor George defined Victory as: "The result of walking by faith in the purpose and promises of God."

By standing on God's Word, by faith... "If God said it... I believe it... and that settles it!"

God deals in the spirit realm. Satan also deals in the spirit realm, but he attacks us in the physical realm to distract us so we'll take our attention away from God. Pastor George Dix Jr. reminded us "Don't look at what you see!" If we have Jesus, we have everything we need! The Devil may have us running, but what are we running from? If we have Jesus, we have nothing to fear. You're already delivered! Satan can't hold you down!

As the Apostles have said, "I come in the name of Jesus Christ". In the Old Testament, even David said, "I come in the name of the LIVING God!". The Devil doesn't want you to receive your breakthrough, he doesn't want to see you delivered.

Paul said, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

John said, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)

Believe it and speak it! Defy circumstances when you see them! To walk in Victory, we first need to receive the seed of God's Word and the ground must be fertile. If God's Word is declared, have faith and walk in that!

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - (Romans 10:17)

We are being empowered today by hearing God's Word!

Pastor George concluded this week's message by summarizing the seven criteria for walking in Victory.

Seven Criteria for Walking in Victory

Realize whose battle it is - We need to know that it's God's fight and we need to know who we are in Christ Jesus. Wait on the Lord, for it is written, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Praise God at the outset - When we see the storm coming, we need to praise Him. Make a down payment on your Victory. God inhabits the praise of His people. We need to get the attitude of thanksgiving for what God has already done in our lives. ("Lord, if you don't do anything else for me, you've already done enough!")

Don't be ignorant of Satan's devices - The Devil wants us to go back to our old habits. He reminds us of where we were and tries to trick us into going back there, and he knows exactly how to tempt us. But the Devil is a liar! "I'm NOT going back!"

Put on the whole Armor of God - Satan sees that we're getting closer to what God has for us, so make sure you're protected for battle. (Ephesians 6:11-18)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Prayer and Fasting - We should routinely pray and fast so that we can hear God and receive His instructions. Surprise God by praying and fasting more. Feed your spirit man, and seek God early.

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me" (Proverbs 8:17)

Follow God's instructions - By faith, practice the Word! If it's time to take a turn, take a turn. Those who get serious with God receive supernatural blessings.

Don't attempt to fight God's battle with stolen property - God said "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." "I am number one! Worship no other gods but me!" No one is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent but God. Honor God for who He is in EVERY area of your life.

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." (Proverbs 3:9)

God honors those who honor Him. God blesses us with Time, Resources and Abilities. Be obedient! God is the one who opened the door!

Don't look at life through your natual eye. Satan will trick you. God doesn't need money. It all belongs to God anyway. Remember, we're all on a "fixed income". Give God his 10% off the top and He will take care of you.

In conclusion, Pastor George Dix reminded us that when we come to church, it's so that we can reconnect and refresh our relationship with God. When all is said and done, would you be able to say that you lived for yourself or for God? Would God feel as if he was Number One in your life? God wants a people who will treat Him as #1!

Lucifer was the most powerful angel in Heaven. He was head of the angelic choir, talented, beautiful and influential. But eventually, he thought too much of himself and decided to stop worshipping God and focused the attention back on himself. Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven for his rebellion. We must not let the "Luciferian" spirit rob us of our blessings. Have a "now I know" moment with God as Abraham did, and be blessed beyond belief and know that you have the Victory in Jesus Christ!

Quotes of the sermon:

"Last year I doubted you, but this is the year of VICTORY! "
"Victory is the result of walking... by faith... in the purpose and promises of God." - Pastor George Dix

Scripture References:

Sunday, January 28th, 2007

• Colossians 2:14-15 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Cheryl Green)
• Genesis 8:22 - "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, ... shall not cease."
• Revelation 1:8, 11a - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending..."
• John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
• 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
• 1 John 5:4 - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
• Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
• Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength..."
• Ephesians 6:11-18 - The Armor of God
• Proverbs 8:17 - "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me"
• Proverbs 3:9 - "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."