Finding Victory in Faith: A Reflection on ‘Winning in Rome’
As we have journeyed together through the epistles of Peter, I have been struck anew by the power and relevance of these ancient letters. Last week, as Nate masterfully reminded us, even in persecution, God still wins. This week, as we turned our attention to the second letter of Peter, I felt the weight of a truth we must all grapple with: our faith in Christ is central to everything.
Before diving into the scriptural depths of Second Peter, I felt compelled to share with our congregation the story of Mrs. Fuller, a beloved member of our community. She is in her final days, losing her battle with cancer. In the face of this profound sadness, I am inspired by her and her family’s faith. In their sorrow, they are singing and praising God for her life. It’s a reminder for us all: when we think about life and its trials, there is nothing like preparing to meet Jesus.
Second Peter is a rich and challenging text. It’s structured around profound themes: the qualities needed to pursue spiritual perfection, the consequences of our commitment to Christ, and the magnitude of living in the present moment with an eye on eternity. As I prepared this sermon, I found myself continually returning to a central question: When we say we have faith in Christ, what does that mean to us?
This isn’t a rhetorical question. Our faith in Christ should be the assurance that, when our earthly life ends, we will be raised with Christ into eternal life. It’s a faith that is relationally driven and absolutely necessary for our pursuit of a life that mirrors Christ’s perfection. If you’re sitting in doubt, unsure of Christ’s role in your life, I urge you: consider placing your faith in Jesus, the King of all kings.
But our faith does more than secure our future; it shapes our present. It’s this faith that brings us grace and peace in our daily lives. Our faith grants us divine power for living godly lives, here and now. It’s not about waiting for the sweet by and by; it’s about living in the light of God’s truth today.
“Winning in Rome” isn’t about a triumphalist Christian life devoid of suffering. It’s about finding victory through our faith in Christ amidst the trials we face. It’s a call for us to lean more deeply into our faith, to pursue godliness with the divine power that God has granted us, and to live in the grace and peace that knowing Christ brings. In a world that can often feel like a relentless storm, this message is a timely reminder that our anchor holds firm in Christ.
So, what are our next steps? We can deepen our faith through prayer and Bible study. We can extend grace to others and foster peace in our communities. We can align our lives more closely with God’s character. And we can encourage those who do not yet know Christ to explore His love.
In closing, I’m reminded that this isn’t just theology; it’s life. It’s the life Christ is calling us to live, deeply rooted in Him.