Teaching summary
In this message, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize that believers are not just disciples or servants, but sons and daughters of God. They explain the powerful significance of Jesus’ resurrection—not only as proof of His victory, but also as the declaration of our righteousness. The sermon reveals that Jesus conquered the enemy and distributed the spoils of victory—healing, provision, righteousness—to us. The key to living in this reality lies in understanding how deeply we are loved. This teaching liberates listeners from striving and draws them into the rest found in sonship.
Bible verses referenced
John 1:12- "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
Romans 8:29- "For whom he did foreknow, he also predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
Romans 8:16- "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."
Romans 4:25- "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
Romans 5:1- "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 5:21- "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Luke 11:21-22- "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."
Colossians 2:14-15- "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
Romans 8:37- "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Sons, Not Servants
- The Truth About Discipleship and Sonship
- Easter Sunday: More Than the Resurrection
- The Conqueror and the Spoils of Victory
- Declared Righteous: The Power of Romans 4:25
- Jesus Ransacked the Enemy’s Arsenal
- Victory Is a Gift, Not a Reward
- Love Is the Root of Freedom
- Final Encouragement
Introduction: Sons, Not Servants
The message begins with a warm greeting from Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola, speaking from Rock Hill, South Carolina. They express gratitude for the support they’ve received, including prayers, messages, and offerings. Pastor Leonard emphasizes that their goal isn’t to grow their own ministry, but the kingdom of God. And how is the kingdom built? By God's children growing in the awareness of who they truly are—not slaves or servants, but sons and daughters.
The Truth About Discipleship and Sonship
Pastor Leonard raises a question often heard among believers: "Are you a believer or a disciple?" Pastor Lori initially answered “both,” but Leonard explains the deeper truth—Jesus did not come to make us disciples but to bring us into oneness with the Father.
He cites John 1:12-"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
Pastor Leonard emphasizes that Paul never focused on discipleship but on sonship. He explains that we are begotten of the Father just like Jesus and references
Romans 8:29- "For whom he did foreknow, he also predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
He continues with Romans 8:16- "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Believers are born from above, carrying God's nature, DNA, and righteousness.
Easter Sunday: More Than the Resurrection
Pastor Leonard recalls the many “He is Risen” posts on Easter but challenges listeners to grasp the significance. Jesus' resurrection was more than a miracle—it was Heaven’s declaration of our righteousness.
Referencing Romans 4:25-"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
And continuing with Romans 5:1-"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Pastor Lori reminds listeners that “justified” means "just as if I’d never sinned." This truth sets believers free from guilt and fear.
The Conqueror and the Spoils of Victory
They reflect on Jesus’ mission to disarm the enemy and distribute spiritual wealth. In Luke 11:21-22, Jesus illustrates- "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."
Jesus was that stronger one. The arsenal He conquered included death, sickness, poverty, depression, and sin. And He didn’t keep the spoils—He gave them to us: forgiveness, healing, provision, eternal life.
Declared Righteous: The Power of Romans 4:25
Returning to this verse, the pastors reiterate that righteousness isn’t achieved by works, but by faith in the finished work of Christ. The resurrection was God’s proof that the price was fully paid, and we are justified.
Romans 4:25- "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
Jesus Ransacked the Enemy’s Arsenal
The message shifts to Colossians 2:14-15, revealing how Jesus publicly defeated every force of darkness: "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
While others mocked Jesus on the cross, in reality, He had the upper hand. He canceled the law that condemned us and made a spectacle of the demonic realm—openly, victoriously.
Victory Is a Gift, Not a Reward
In Romans 8:37, Paul reveals our status-"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Pastor Leonard explains that we didn’t earn this victory—it was gifted. Jesus, the Conqueror, handed us the spoils. That’s why we are more than conquerors—we reap what He fought for.
Love Is the Root of Freedom
The key to living as conquerors isn’t striving—it’s knowing we are loved. Focusing on effort leads to guilt and shame. But resting in God's love removes fear and reveals the truth of what’s already ours.
Romans 8:37 (repeated)-"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Pastor Lori adds a final encouragement: “Let the resting place of God’s love be the very root and source of your life.”
Final Encouragement
We are not striving servants or disciples under law—we are sons and daughters, already victorious because of Jesus’ finished work. Rest in His love, walk in your identity, and receive all the spoils He’s given.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with someone who needs to know they are loved, victorious, and righteous in Christ. See you again soon!