FUNDAMENTALS FOR VICTORY

“Do not merely listen to the word” – James 1:22 

Cal Ripken, Jr., who broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive-game record (Gehrig’s [2,130]Ripken’s [2,632] straight games in the line-up), credits his father, Cal Ripken, Sr., for the mentoring, coaching, and example to break the record. Junior remembers that his father had many mottoes and pronouncements. One of his favorite sayings was: “Do two million little things right, and the big things take care of themselves” – here’s his point - take pride in the fundamentals.

All of us face the game of life each day with its tests and temptations. Being a Christian doesn’t guarantee that we will never have problems. But, as Christians, we have biblical guidelines, fundamentals, to help us have victory over our trials.  

Here are eight fundamentals from God’s Word that will help us overcome the test of life.

1.     REJOICE when trials come. They will bring strength to your life (James1:2).

2.     ASK God for wisdom. You won’t receive if you don’t ask, but God is quick   to answer those who seek His wisdom (James 1:5).

3. Be SINGLE-MINDED in serving the Lord. A wishy-washy believer cannot stand when trials come (James 1:6-8).

4. ENDURE with strength and patience those difficult times. Your perseverance will be rewarded with victory (James 1: 12).

5. Realize that TEMPTATIONS don’t come from the Lord. He is there to strengthen and help you (James 1:13).

6. Don’t give IN, give UP, or give OVER to temptation. Defeat can only come if we yield to our own lust (James 1:14-15).

7. CLAIM the power of the Word of God. In it we have the victory (James 1:21).

8. DO the Word of God. Hearing is not enough. We must be doers of the Word (James 1:22).

 Doing the fundamentals of God’s Word will always give us endurance, strength, and victory.

1.  How often do you go over the  basics your spiritual life?

2.  Are you a doer of the Word or only a listener?

3.          What’s holding you back from   being victorious?