TRUE AND FALSE

Victory

Introduction

Pyrrhus (319-272 B.C.), king of Epirus in northwestern Greece (306-272 B.C.).

A daring general, he was invited by the Greek cities of southern Italy to help them against the growing might of Rome.

Struggle with Rome

Pyrrhus defeated the Romans at Heraclea and Asculum.

Some of his battles, though successful, cost him heavy losses, from which the term “Pyrrhic victory” was coined.

“One more such victory and Pyrrhus is undone. Another such victory and we are ruined.”

Satan has won many a Pyrrhic victory

Satan has the most followers, controls the most land, and has won the most battles. He is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:3-4), the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-2). Indeed, the whole world lies under the sway of the evil one (1 John 5:19).

Yet, despite his apparent success, Satan’s doom is certain. Following his first triumph, his downfall was foreshadowed (Gen. 3:15).

Satan has won many a Pyrrhic victory

Satan’s powerlessness was repeatedly demonstrated during the Lord’s earthly ministry (Matt. 8:28-29; 12:22-29).

Following Satan’s greatest victory, his defeat was sealed (Phil. 2:8-11).

In dying on the cross, and then being resurrected from the grave, Jesus won the victory, not only for Himself, but for all those who trust in Him (Heb. 2:14-15; 10:11-14).

Satan has won many a Pyrrhic victory

Christ must reign until the last enemy, death, shall be subdued (1 Cor. 15:25-28), and then shall come about the victory (1 Cor. 15:51-58).

Christianity will ultimately triumph. Victory will soon be realized (Rom. 16:20; 1 John 5:4).

Accordingly, we must overcome (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21).

We, too, may achieve false triumphs.

Man may temporarily achieve his various desires, but all such triumphs are fleeting: “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15-17). Lust of the Flesh (2 Sam. 11:1-5; 12:7-12) Lust of the Eyes (Luke 12:15-21; Ps. 39:4-6 ) Pride of Life (Eccl. 1:11; 2:16; 8:10; 9:5)

Let us, therefore, realize the madness of spending our energies in the pursuit of such pyrrhic victories (Eccl. 2:1-11; Matt. 16:24-27).

Conclusion

According to all external measures, Christians appear to be on the losing side. The cause of truth is never popular. The faithful are always few. The righteous ever remain a remnant. Yet, this is an unchanging reality (Matt. 7:13-14; Luke 12:32).

In the days of Gideon, God delivered His people from Midianite oppression, not by 30,000 but by 300, lest Israel become boastful and say, “My own power has delivered me” (Judg. 7:2). Salvation belongs to the Lord (Ps. 3:8; 33:13-22; Prov. 21:31).

Courage

Our hope of deliverance lies, not in horses and chariots, but in the Lord God (Ps. 33:13-22; Prov. 21:31).

Like Moses, let us stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (Exod. 14:10-31).

Like Elisha, let us take comfort in the fact that “they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:8-23).

Challenge

Safety lies with God (John 10:28-29). He possesses superior power (1 John 4:4). Victory belongs to those who trust in God (2 Cor. 4:8-18).

Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). Through obedient faith, we can also overcome (1 John 5:4-5).