Obtaining Victory Over Sin - NetBibleStudy.com

Victory Over Sin 73temptations, He offers all of us hope. Today He is at the right hand of God the Father,making intercession for us. His presence reminds the Father that we have been broughtat high cost. When we sin, He takes up our case and assumes all the legal aspects of ourrelationship with God (1 John 2:1).An example of His power of intercession is seen in the life of Peter. After theLord’s Supper was instituted, Christ said to him, “Simon, Simon, behold Satan hasdemanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may notfail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).Peter retorted, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” (verse33). Christ was not impressed; He knew Peter. Moments later, this rugged fishermanwould deny Christ – and curse as well. His courage would turn to cowardice in amatter of minutes.Was Christ’s prayer answered? Yes! Peter did deny Christ, but the story doesn’tend there. It says, “He went outside and wept bitterly” (verse 62). After his repentance, hewas able to comfort and strengthen others. His ministry, as recorded in the Book ofActs, and his letters to the young and suffering church (1 st and 2 nd Peter), are proof thatChrist’s prayer was answered.Satan sifted Peter and discovered that he was part chaff and part wheat. Butbecause of the intercession of Christ, the chaff was blown away and the wheat becamenourishment for others in need.Today God gives Satan permission to do the same to us. Temptation, struggles,and failures are all part of the process, Most of us, like Peter, are a mixture of chaff andwheat, as our track record shows. But near to uphold us, keep us, and come to our aidis our Lord Jesus Christ, who is qualified to keep us from stumbling irrevocably. “Forsince He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid ofthose who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).What an encouragement! As we think about that sin in our life that we can’tseem to conquer --- we can’t help but be reminded that the outcome of its struggle isintensely important to God. It’s a contest between Christ and Satan, and are the trophy!But Christ is not the only one who intercedes for us. He invites all believers toparticipate in this rewarding ministry. Remember Christ’s intercession in Gethsemane?He was struggling with the prospect of the Cross and asked His disciples to watch withHim. Three times He asked them to participate in His agony. They failed because theywere too weary, but the invitation was there. Christ gives us the same opportunity. Wecan intercede with Him on behalf of other believers. We’re invited to join Him in aministry of intercession.