By Afolabi Olajuwon
Theme: At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest
Topic: “Obtainable Victories for Us!”
Text: Colossians 2:14-15
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025
On April 20, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit as Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu delivered a life-changing sermon titled “Obtainable Victories for Us!” The message, anchored in the theme “At The Cross: Condemnation Turned To Conquest,” explored the transformative power of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
Join me to go through, as I provide a detailed analysis of the sermon, its theological underpinnings, and its practical applications for believers today.
Theological Foundation: The Cross as the Turning Point
Rev. Dr. Idowu began by emphasizing that the cross, which was once a symbol of condemnation, became the ultimate symbol of conquest through Christ’s sacrifice.
The apostle Paul, in Colossians 2:14-15, declares that Christ “wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us… and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” This passage underscores the victory Jesus achieved over sin, death, and the powers of darkness.
The sermon highlighted that Jesus, though condemned by the world, turned the cross into a place of triumph. As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this victory, understanding that our condemnation has been replaced with conquest through faith in Christ.
Four Key Victories Obtained Through Christ:
1. Victory Over Sin (1 John 3:8-9)
Rev. Dr. Idowu explained that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, which include sin and its consequences. Through His death on the cross, Jesus dealt a fatal blow to the power of sin. As 1 John 3:8-9 states, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
The sermon further emphasized that believers are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:16 reminds us, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” Through Christ, we have the ability to live victoriously over sin.
2. Victory Over Curses (Genesis 3; Matthew 27:25)
The fall of humanity in Genesis 3 introduced sin and its attendant curses into the world. However, Rev. Dr. Idowu declared that the cross has the power to break every curse, whether personal or generational. Matthew 27:25 illustrates how generational curses can manifest, but the sermon reminded believers that Jesus bore our curses on the cross.
Rev. Idowu urged the congregation to pray fervently against every lingering cause or curse, citing 1 Samuel 2:30-34 and 1 Kings 2:27 as examples of God’s power to reverse negative patterns in our lives.
3. Victory Over Spiritual Forces (Ephesians 6:12)
The sermon addressed the reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that believers face not just physical challenges but also spiritual forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:12 states, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Rev. Dr. Idowu declared that through the cross, Jesus disarmed these spiritual forces. Colossians 2:15 affirms that Jesus “disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Believers can resist the devil and his schemes because of the finished work of Calvary.
4. Victory Over Death (Hebrews 2:13-14; Psalm 118:17)
The climax of the sermon focused on Christ’s victory over death. Hebrews 2:14 declares, “that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate proof of His conquest over death, and believers share in this victory.
Psalm 118:17 was quoted as a declaration of faith: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Rev. Dr. Idowu reminded the congregation that death has no final say in the life of a believer because Christ has risen, and we too shall rise with Him.
The sermon concluded with practical steps for living in the reality of Christ’s victory:
Faith in the Finished Work of the Cross: Believers must anchor their faith in what Jesus accomplished at Calvary.
Prayer and Spiritual Warfare: Engage in fervent prayer to break generational curses and resist spiritual forces.
Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit: Depend on the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and live a victorious life.
Proclaiming the Resurrection: Share the good news of Christ’s victory over death with others.
Worship and Declaration:
The service ended with powerful worship songs that reinforced the message:
1. “Jesus sets me free, I cannot be bound.”
2. “Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!”
These songs served as declarations of faith, reminding believers of their freedom and victory in Christ.
Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s sermon was a timely reminder that through the cross, condemnation has been turned into conquest. Christ’s victory over sin, curses, spiritual forces, and death is not just a historical event but a present reality for every believer.
As we live in the power of His resurrection, we can confidently declare,
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
May this message inspire believers worldwide to walk in the obtainable victories secured for us at the cross.
*Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Fellow of the Chronicle Business School, Abuja, researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
