Jesus was an overcomer over Satan. Hebrews 4: 15 says, for we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are- yet he did not sin. As an overcomer, we must survive temptation and trials. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 says, no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Being an overcomer therefore depends on God’s strength through grace.
How can we be overcomers in Jesus?
We must doers and not only hearers of the word. Jesus said in Luke 11: 28, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Paul also repeated in Romans 2: 13, for it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. We cannot do it on our own except by the Holy Spirit through his grace.
Paul wrote in 1Timothy 1: 14, guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. The Holy Spirit is our enabler and teacher in what we cannot do by ourselves to meet God’s will. Jesus said in John 14: 26, but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who the father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. To be an overcomer, we must be taught and guided and reminded by the Holy Spirit in spiritual matters as follows:
Be faithful to God to the end
We are enjoined in Revelation 2: 10, be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Overcomers are those who finish the race rather than those who merely participate. For our example, Hebrews 3: 2 says, he (Jesus) was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in God’s house. Hebrews 3: 6 says, Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. In order to succeed, Romans 6: 13 says, offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. We must first personally accept Jesus, then we can be faithful to him. Are we faithful to Jesus?
Be vigilant and alert always
Jesus cautioned in Mark 13: 33, be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when the time (his second coming) will come. As overcomers, Ephesians 6: 18 says, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Our prayers must not be personal-centered but the entire family of God must always be our concern. We are reminded in 1Peter 5: 8 says, be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Someone needs our prayers around the globe! Are we standing in the gap for others, watchful and alert to keep them standing?
Be crucified with Christ Jesus
Are we truly crucified with Christ Jesus? Romans 6: 6-7 say, for we know that our old self was crucified with him (Jesus) so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin- because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Those crucified with Jesus vacate sin. Paul explained in Galatians 2: 20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. If Jesus lives in us, we will not sin because he had no sin. Paul explained in Galatians 5: 24, those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Overcomers have no passions for sin.
Show love above all things
Overcomers must be slaves to the love of God. Jesus said in John 13: 34, as I have loved you, so you must love one another. This is not a negotiable petition but a command. Paul echoed in Romans 12: 10, be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. God wants sincere commitment, respect and dignity for all persons, from the heart, not a façade (1Peter 1: 22). He continued in Romans 13: 8, let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. In effect, no love is excess so, Hebrews 10: 24 says, let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Are we overcomers in pure love?
Forgive as Christ Jesus forgave
Overcomers always forgive because their deeds are by Christ Jesus who lives in them. Unforgiveness is vengeance which is not of God’s Spirit. Romans 12: 18 says, if it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Accordingly, Colossians 3: 13 says, bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. What God forgave us is in Romans 5: 8, God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Have we also forgiven others in love?
Be at peace with everyone
Jesus said in Matthew 5: 23-24, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Jesus cherishes peace among his people more than an offering. A heart of retribution renders an offering unworthy. His Spirit resides in the person with whom we nurse a grudge. Paul repeated in Romans 12: 18, if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. We will find peace in Christ Jesus when we are overcomers of peace. Are we overcomers of peace as Christ has commanded us?
Pray always without ceasing
Ephesians 6: 12 says, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We can overcome these only by a spiritual weapon, which is prayer. 2 Corinthians 10: 4-6 say for our weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and very high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Effective prayer is based on obedience to God.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, remain our strength in our weakness as we strive to be triumphant and overcome through your blood in the spirit as we offer and dedicate our lives unto you. Be our light in darkness, our faith in the shadow of death, and our song of joy in despair. We pray in your blessed Holy name, Amen!!
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