OKAY, I'M SAVED. NOW WHAT?
Five Simple Steps to Living a Victorious Christian Life
Scriptural Foundation: Romans 8:1–2; Galatians 2:20; John 15:5; Luke 9:23
YOU GAVE YOUR HEART TO JESUS CHRIST. YOU'VE BEEN SAVED. YOUR SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN. BUT NOW COMES THE QUESTION THAT MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS HAVE ASKED: "WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NEXT?"
Do I need to go to Church? Which Church? How often?
Should I pray every day? For how long? What if I don't know what to say?
Do I need to read my Bible from beginning to end? Where should I start? What if I don't understand what I'm reading?
Should I stop doing certain things? Start doing other things? How do I know what God wants from me?
And perhaps the biggest question of all:
"HOW DO I LIVE THIS CHRISTIAN LIFE WITHOUT MESSING EVERYTHING UP?"
My friend, whether you accepted Jesus Christ yesterday, twenty years ago, or fifty years ago, these questions are not unusual.
In fact, some of the most seasoned Christians still struggle with them.
But I want to share something with you today that could change the way you approach your entire Christian walk.
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE LIVED THROUGH YOUR OWN STRENGTH!
Let me explain.
THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS THAT LITTLE WORD: "I"
Have you ever noticed how often we use the word "I" when discussing our relationship with God?
I need to pray more.
I need to read my Bible more.
I need to stop sinning.
I need to become a better Christian.
I need to have more faith.
I need to try harder.
Now, there's nothing wrong with wanting to grow spiritually. In fact, we should desire to become more like Christ every day.
But there's a tremendous difference between allowing Christ to change us and trying to change ourselves without depending on Him.
Isaiah 14:12–15 describes the prideful ambitions of the king of Babylon, including repeated declarations of "I will." Many Christians have also understood this passage as reflecting the pride and rebellion associated with Satan.
The lesson is unmistakable: pride and self-exaltation lead away from submission to God.
Throughout history, pride, selfish ambition, and the belief that human beings can accomplish everything without God have contributed to the destruction of individuals, families, nations, and empires.
And that same attitude can become a stumbling block in the life of a Christian.
Jesus said in John 15:5:
"For without me ye can do nothing."
Notice what Jesus did not say.
He didn't say, "Without Me, you can do a little."
He didn't say, "Without Me, you can manage most things."
He said, "WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING."
That includes living the Christian life the way God intended.
You cannot overcome sin through willpower alone. You cannot produce genuine holiness through religious activity. You cannot manufacture the fruit of the Spirit by trying harder.
You need Jesus Christ!
And here's the wonderful news: The same Jesus who saved you is the One who will help you live for Him!
SALVATION BEGINS AT THE CROSS. VICTORY CONTINUES THROUGH FAITH IN WHAT CHRIST ACCOMPLISHED THERE.
Romans 8:1–2 declares:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus... For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you were saved by grace through faith, not because you earned salvation through good works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
And the same principle of dependence upon Christ applies to your daily Christian walk.
We are not talking about worshipping a wooden cross.
We are talking about what Jesus Christ accomplished upon that Cross through His perfect sacrifice, His shed Blood, His death, and His victorious Resurrection.
At Calvary, Jesus paid the price for our sins and defeated the power of sin over those who believe in Him.
Jesus Christ is the Source of our victory. His finished work at the Cross is the means by which that victory was made possible.
The Holy Spirit works in the life of the Believer as we continue trusting in Christ.
Does that mean Christians will never struggle, stumble, or make mistakes?
Absolutely not!
But it does mean that our hope for victory rests in Jesus Christ, not in our ability to make ourselves righteous.
So, with that foundation established, let's look at five simple steps every Christian should understand.
These aren't five rules for earning God's approval.
They are five practical reminders for living a life of faith, love, obedience, and dependence upon Jesus Christ.
STEP ONE: "I CAN'T, BUT CHRIST CAN!"
Scripture: Philippians 4:13; John 15:5
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." — Philippians 4:13
If there's one statement I wish every Christian would place on their refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or bedroom wall, it would be this:
"LORD, I CANNOT LIVE THIS LIFE WITHOUT YOU. BUT THROUGH YOU, I CAN FACE WHATEVER COMES MY WAY!"
Some Christians spend years trying to become victorious through their own determination.
They make promises.
They establish rules.
They tell themselves, "This time I'm going to get it right!"
And when they fail, they become discouraged, frustrated, and sometimes even question whether they were ever saved.
Friend, your salvation doesn't depend upon your ability to be perfect.
It depends upon the perfect Saviour in whom you have placed your faith.
This doesn't mean we stop making responsible choices or excuse disobedience. It means we stop trusting our own strength as the source of spiritual victory.
Practical application: Begin each morning by acknowledging your dependence upon Christ.
"Lord Jesus, I need You today. Guide my thoughts, my words, my decisions, and my actions. Help me trust You rather than myself."
Start with Christ. Walk with Christ. End your day with Christ.
STEP TWO: "IF I HAVE TIME FOR EVERYTHING ELSE, I HAVE TIME FOR GOD!"
Scripture: Matthew 6:33
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Let's get practical for a moment.
We find time to watch television.
We find time for social media.
We find time for sports, shopping, hobbies, and conversations with friends.
Some of us can spend two hours watching a movie but struggle to spend ten minutes reading the Bible.
Now, I'm not suggesting that Christians cannot enjoy recreation or relaxation.
But I am asking a simple question:
IF JESUS CHRIST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN YOUR LIFE, DOES YOUR DAILY SCHEDULE REFLECT THAT RELATIONSHIP?
Imagine telling your husband, wife, or closest friend that you love them deeply but never making time to speak with them.
What kind of relationship would that become?
Our relationship with Jesus Christ deserves our attention.
Not because God is standing over us with a stopwatch.
Not because spending thirty minutes praying makes us holier than someone who prays for ten.
But because love naturally desires fellowship.
Practical application: Make time for God every day. Begin with what you can manage consistently, even if it's just a few quiet minutes.
Don't make God the leftover portion of your day.
Give Him a place of priority.
STEP THREE: "I NEED A PLAN, NOT ANOTHER RELIGIOUS CHECKLIST!"
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 10:25
Here's where many new Believers become overwhelmed.
Someone tells them they must pray an hour every morning.
Another says they should read ten chapters of the Bible daily.
Someone else insists that attending every Church service is the only way to prove their commitment to Christ.
Before long, the new Believer feels exhausted before they've even begun.
Let me make something perfectly clear:
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES ARE NOT THE PRICE OF SALVATION. THEY ARE PRACTICES THAT HELP US GROW IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SAVIOUR!
So, where do you begin?
1. Read your Bible.
If you're a new Christian, consider starting with the Gospel of John. Learn who Jesus is, what He taught, and why He came.
Then continue into the other Gospels, Acts, and the New Testament letters.
Read a manageable portion every day.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you're reading.
You don't need to understand everything immediately. Spiritual growth takes time.
2. Develop a prayer life.
Prayer is simply communicating with God.
You can pray while sitting at your kitchen table, driving to work, walking through your neighborhood, or kneeling beside your bed.
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6:9–13.
Begin by thanking God, confessing your sins, presenting your needs, praying for others, and listening attentively through His Word.
There is no biblical requirement that every Christian pray a certain number of minutes each day.
First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "Pray without ceasing," encouraging a continuing attitude of prayer and dependence upon God.
3. Find a Bible-believing Church.
Yes, Church attendance matters!
Hebrews 10:25 warns Believers against forsaking the assembling of themselves together.
Look for a congregation that faithfully teaches the Scriptures, proclaims salvation through Jesus Christ, encourages prayer, practices biblical discipleship, and demonstrates genuine Christian love.
Don't choose a Church merely because it has the largest building, the best music, or the most entertaining services.
Choose one where Jesus Christ and the Word of God are central.
Attend faithfully and become involved as circumstances permit. The New Testament does not establish a universal weekly attendance quota, but it does call Christians to meaningful fellowship and mutual encouragement.
4. Spend time with other mature Believers.
You weren't meant to walk this journey alone.
Find Christians who will encourage you, answer questions from Scripture, pray with you, and lovingly help you grow.
And remember, mature Believers are examples to learn from, not replacements for Jesus Christ.
Practical application: Develop a simple daily routine that includes Scripture, prayer, and time to reflect upon what God is teaching you.
Don't turn your relationship with Christ into a race to complete a religious checklist.
STEP FOUR: "LORD, TEACH ME TO YIELD TO YOU!"
Scripture: Romans 8:1–2; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:16
This step is where the Christian life becomes especially practical.
Paul declared in Galatians 2:20:
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..."
What a tremendous statement!
Paul understood that the Christian life was not about making himself the center of everything.
It was about Christ living in him.
So what does yielding to Christ actually look like?
It means allowing God's Word and the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions.
Before responding angrily to someone, ask yourself, "Lord, how would You have me respond?"
Before making an important decision, seek God's wisdom.
Before speaking words that could hurt someone, consider whether those words honor Christ.
Before spending money, making commitments, entering relationships, or planning your future, ask whether your choices agree with biblical principles.
Yielding to Christ doesn't mean abandoning personal responsibility or expecting God to make every decision without our participation.
It means submitting our will to His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us.
And when we fail?
We confess our sins, turn away from them, receive God's forgiveness, and continue trusting Christ (1 John 1:9).
OUR VICTORY IS NOT FOUND IN HOW STRONGLY WE HOLD ONTO OUR OWN ABILITIES, BUT IN THE SAVIOUR UPON WHOM OUR FAITH RESTS.
The Holy Spirit produces His fruit in our lives as we walk in dependence upon Christ (Galatians 5:22–23).
Practical application: Before making decisions, develop the habit of praying:
"Lord, is this pleasing to You? Does it agree with Your Word? Am I following Your leading or simply insisting upon my own way?"
STEP FIVE: "LORD, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE THROUGH ME!"
Scripture: Matthew 5:14–16; Mark 16:15
Jesus said:
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." — Matthew 5:14
Here's something every Christian needs to understand:
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A PREACHER, PASTOR, MISSIONARY, OR BIBLE SCHOLAR TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR JESUS CHRIST!
You can share Christ through the way you treat people.
Through your kindness.
Through your honesty.
Through your willingness to forgive.
Through helping someone who cannot help themselves.
Through praying with a hurting neighbor.
Through sharing your testimony about what Jesus has done in your life.
And yes, through lovingly telling others about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Your workplace is a mission field.
Your neighborhood is a mission field.
Your school is a mission field.
Your family is a mission field.
And wherever God leads you, there are people who need to hear the Gospel.
But remember something important.
WE ARE NOT THE SOURCE OF THE LIGHT. JESUS CHRIST IS!
Our responsibility is to reflect His light so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.
Practical application: Every morning, ask God to place someone in your path whom you can encourage, help, pray for, or share the Gospel with.
You may never know this side of Heaven how one simple act of Christian love changed someone's life.
FIVE REMINDERS WORTH PUTTING ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR
Here they are again, in their simplest form:
1. I CAN'T, BUT CHRIST CAN!
My strength is insufficient, but His grace is sufficient.
2. MAKE TIME FOR JESUS!
If I can make time for everything else, I can make time to fellowship with my Saviour.
3. DEVELOP GODLY HABITS OUT OF LOVE, NOT OBLIGATION!
Read the Bible. Pray. Attend Church. Fellowship with other Believers. Grow in grace.
4. YIELD TO CHRIST EVERY DAY!
Jesus is the Source of my victory. His finished work at the Cross is the foundation of that victory. I depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead and strengthen me.
5. LET THE LIGHT OF JESUS SHINE!
Wherever I go, whatever I do, and whoever I meet, may others see Jesus Christ in me.
ONE FINAL THOUGHT: STOP TRYING TO EARN WHAT JESUS HAS ALREADY PROVIDED!
Perhaps you've been a Christian for thirty years, yet you're still struggling with the same questions you had when you first accepted Christ.
Perhaps you feel guilty because you haven't prayed enough, read enough, attended enough services, or accomplished enough for God.
Maybe you've fallen into sin and wonder whether God could possibly still love you.
Listen carefully.
JESUS CHRIST DID NOT SAVE YOU SO THAT YOU COULD SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE TRYING TO SAVE YOURSELF!
He saved you by grace.
He calls you to grow in grace.
And He has provided the Holy Spirit to help you live a life that honors Him.
That doesn't remove the need for obedience, repentance, prayer, Bible study, or Christian fellowship.
It puts those things in their proper place.
WE DON'T OBEY CHRIST TO PURCHASE HIS LOVE. WE OBEY HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US!
First John 4:19 says:
"We love him, because he first loved us."
And Philippians 1:6 reminds us that the One who began a good work in us will continue His work until the day of Jesus Christ.
So, if you're asking, "Okay, I'm saved. Now what?"
Here's my answer:
TRUST JESUS. FOLLOW JESUS. LEARN FROM JESUS. YIELD TO JESUS. AND LET JESUS LIVE HIS LIFE THROUGH YOU!
One day at a time.
One decision at a time.
One prayer at a time.
And when you stumble, don't run away from Him.
Run to Him!
Because the same Cross that made your salvation possible is the foundation of your continuing victory over sin.
LET'S PRAY TOGETHER
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving me enough to send Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die upon the Cross for my sins.
Lord, forgive me for the many times I have tried to live this Christian life through my own strength, wisdom, determination, and abilities.
Teach me to depend upon You.
Help me develop a hunger for Your Word, a desire to pray, a love for Your Church, and a heart that reaches out to others.
When I face temptation, remind me that victory is found in Jesus Christ.
When I stumble, help me repent, receive Your forgiveness, and continue walking in faith.
When I become discouraged, remind me that You have not abandoned me.
Holy Spirit, lead me, teach me, correct me, and strengthen me.
And Father, wherever I go today, let the light of Jesus Christ shine through my words, actions, and attitudes.
May someone come to know Jesus because I was willing to be used by You.
I ask these things in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour.
Amen and Amen!
A PERSONAL WORD FROM PASTOR JAMES LANGSTON
My friend, after more than five decades of walking with Jesus Christ, I can tell you something with absolute certainty:
I STILL NEED HIM JUST AS MUCH TODAY AS I DID THE DAY I FIRST ACCEPTED HIM AS MY LORD AND SAVIOUR!
Age doesn't remove our need for Christ.
Experience doesn't remove our need for Christ.
Ministry doesn't remove our need for Christ.
And knowing the Scriptures doesn't remove our need to depend upon the One whom those Scriptures reveal.
Whether you're a brand-new Believer or have been serving God for many years, never forget this simple truth:
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NOT ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU CAN DO FOR JESUS WITHOUT HIS HELP. IT'S ABOUT WHAT JESUS CAN DO IN AND THROUGH A LIFE FULLY SURRENDERED TO HIM!
So don't become discouraged by everything you haven't accomplished.
Begin today.
Open your Bible.
Talk to your Heavenly Father.
Find a Church that teaches the Word of God.
Love somebody.
Help somebody.
Tell somebody about Jesus.
And through it all, keep your faith firmly anchored in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished for you at Calvary.
You may not know everything about living the Christian life, but you can know the One who will faithfully lead you through it!
With prayers and Christian love,
Pastor James Langston
Founder and Senior Pastor
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries International (POMI)
HELP US HELP THEM—ONE SOUL AT A TIME.
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