7 Steps to Becoming a Christian Who Walks in Victory, Power and Freedom

Many Christians desire to live in victory, walk in spiritual power, and experience true freedom. Yet too often, the Christian life can feel like a struggle between failure and fleeting moments of joy. Watchman Nee, in his classic book The Normal Christian Life, explains that God never intended for His people to live in spiritual defeat. Instead, He designed us to live as overcomers. Here are 7 essential steps – rooted in Scripture and Nee’s teachings – that can help any believer walk in the fullness of Christ.

1. Recognize the Finished Work of the Cross

The victorious Christian life begins with the understanding that Jesus’ death on the cross was not just for forgiveness – but also for freedom from sin’s power. Romans 6:6 says, “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with.” Nee teaches that we were not only saved by Christ’s death but included in it. The old you was crucified with Christ. Victory starts here.

2. Accept Your Death with Christ

It’s not enough to know – we must accept and live out the truth that we have died with Christ. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” This isn’t a feeling – it’s a fact to be believed. Nee emphasizes that victory comes when we stop trying to live for God and allow Christ to live through us.

3. Present Yourself to God

Romans 6:13 urges believers to “present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead.” After knowing and accepting our death and resurrection with Christ, we must yield ourselves daily to God. This step is about surrender. Watchman Nee calls this the turning point where the Christian stops striving and starts abiding.

4. Rely on the Holy Spirit

The power to walk in freedom isn’t from human willpower – it’s from the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:2 says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Nee compares this to the law of gravity versus the law of aerodynamics—the Spirit lifts us above sin’s pull.

5. Walk by Faith, Not Feelings

Victory is not based on emotions but on faith in God’s Word. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” Even when we feel weak, we believe we are strong in Christ. Nee warns that trusting our feelings leads to instability, but faith anchors us.

6. Stand in Christ’s Authority

Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I give you authority... over all the power of the enemy.” Many Christians live in defeat because they don’t realize their spiritual authority. Nee teaches that once we see ourselves seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6), we can exercise victory over sin, fear, and darkness.

7. Live Out the New Life Daily

Finally, walking in power and freedom is a daily decision to live out the new life we’ve been given. Romans 6:11 says, “Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” According to Nee, reckoning is faith in action – it means we live as if it's true, because it is.

The victorious Christian life isn’t reserved for a few – it’s God’s design for every believer. By understanding our position in Christ and yielding daily to the Spirit, we can walk in power, freedom, and unshakable joy. As Watchman Nee said, “Victory is not something we win; it is something we receive.” Let us receive it and walk in it.