Victory in Jesus

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Victory in Jesus

A Sermon based on the Hymn by Eugene M. Bartlett

Introduction:
“Victory in Jesus” is a triumphant anthem of salvation written by Eugene M. Bartlett in 1939. It speaks with confidence and joy about the overcoming power of faith in Jesus Christ. The hymn reminds us that victory is not found in ourselves, in religion alone, or in the world—but only in Jesus. It proclaims the gospel story in simple, stirring words: that Jesus came, died, rose again, and now offers eternal life to those who obey Him. It is a song rooted in 1 Corinthians 15:57—“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Each stanza is a testimony of hearing, believing, obeying, and rejoicing in the fullness of Christ's redeeming love. This hymn doesn't just recount doctrine—it rejoices in the life-changing relationship between the believer and the Savior.

Stanza 1: “I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory…”
The hymn begins with the gospel: the “old, old story” of Jesus’ coming, death, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). This is not fiction—it is the historical and divine act of salvation. The singer hears about Jesus' love and sacrifice, “how He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me.” Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17), and this first stanza recalls that moment when the story of Jesus stirred the heart to believe.

Stanza 2: “I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing…”
This verse emphasizes Jesus’ power—not only to heal physically (Matthew 8:17), but more importantly, to cleanse us from sin (1 John 1:7). The speaker learns of how Jesus made “the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see.” Yet the joy comes not only from hearing of Jesus’ power for others, but in crying out personally: “Come and heal my broken spirit!” Jesus is the Great Physician who binds our wounds (Luke 4:18). The moment we respond in obedient faith, He restores us to spiritual health. As Hebrews 7:25 affirms, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him.”

Stanza 3: “I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory…”
Here the hymn lifts our eyes to the hope of heaven. The promise of Jesus in John 14:2–3 is echoed: “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” The Christian life is not only about forgiveness—it’s about the hope of eternal life. We rejoice with the saints as we sing “the song of victory.” This stanza reminds us that salvation includes both present joy and future glory. Revelation 21:4 promises a place with no sorrow, no crying, and no pain. That is the end of the story for the faithful—eternal victory with Christ.

Chorus: “O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever…”
The chorus is the heart-cry of the redeemed. Jesus is not just “a” Savior—He is my Savior. And not temporarily—He is my Savior forever. The chorus declares that He “sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood.” That language reflects Acts 20:28, which says that the church was purchased with His blood. Jesus didn’t stumble upon us; He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The chorus continues, “He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him.” 1 John 4:19 puts it simply: “We love Him because He first loved us.” The chorus ends by praising Jesus who “plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood”—a beautiful reference to baptism (Romans 6:3–4), where the blood of Christ washes away sins (Acts 22:16). Victory begins at the cross but is personally received when one is united with Christ in faithful obedience.

Victory in Jesus Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1: Hearing the Gospel Story

• The gospel is the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4)

• God’s love is shown in Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:8)

• Faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17)

Stanza 2: Experiencing the Savior’s Power

• Jesus heals physically and spiritually (Matthew 8:17; 1 John 1:7)

• The broken spirit is made whole through Christ (Luke 4:18)

• He saves all who come to Him (Hebrews 7:25)

Stanza 3: Hoping in Heaven’s Promise

• Jesus prepares a place for us (John 14:2–3)

• The faithful rejoice in the hope of glory (Titus 2:13)

• Heaven holds eternal comfort and praise (Revelation 21:4)

Chorus: Rejoicing in the Redeemer

• Jesus is my Savior forever (Hebrews 13:8)

• He sought and bought us with His blood (Acts 20:28)

• Baptism unites us with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4; Acts 22:16)

• We owe Him all our love (1 John 4:19)

Call to Action:
Victory is not found in good works, religious tradition, or human effort—it is found in Jesus alone. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, you are still outside that victory. Will you believe the old, old story of Jesus? Will you repent, confess His name, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins? The blood of Christ still flows to cleanse the penitent and save the lost. Let the message of this hymn echo in your heart—Jesus came for you, He died for you, and He longs to save you. Claim the victory today and live each day in His triumph until He welcomes you home.

Scripture Reference List:
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 – The old, old gospel story
Romans 5:8 – Christ died for sinners
Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing
Matthew 8:17 – Jesus healed all
1 John 1:7 – The blood of Jesus cleanses us
Luke 4:18 – Jesus heals the brokenhearted
Hebrews 7:25 – Jesus saves to the uttermost
John 14:2–3 – A mansion prepared in heaven
Revelation 21:4 – No sorrow in glory
Acts 20:28 – Purchased with His blood
Luke 19:10 – Jesus seeks and saves the lost
Romans 6:3–4 – Baptized into Christ’s death
Acts 22:16 – Wash away your sins in baptism
1 John 4:19 – We love Him because He first loved us
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ the same forever

Song Author Credit:
“Victory in Jesus” was written by Eugene Monroe Bartlett, Sr. in 1939. A beloved gospel music teacher and songwriter, Bartlett penned this hymn later in life while recovering from a stroke. Though partially paralyzed, he poured his heart into this final song—a bold testimony of unshakable faith in the redeeming power of Christ.

Song History:
Since its publication, “Victory in Jesus” has become a cherished standard among churches of Christ and beyond. Its joyful melody and deeply personal lyrics continue to inspire believers to rejoice in the gospel and walk in the confidence of salvation. It remains a favorite in worship services, baptisms, and gospel meetings.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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