Thursday, October 11, 2012

Overcoming the World…..


But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong.

This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.”  Isa. 54:17 AMP

Lord, I am reminded that Your Word has much to say about overcoming!

It is one thing to be a Christian it is another thing to be an overcoming Christian.  To be an overcomer is vitally important since Jesus mentions the need to overcome in each letter to the Asian churches. (Rev. 2-3)

To be an overcomer means I have been in conflict.  It is a military term.  In fact, the word overcomer is translated, “him who is victorious” in the New English Bible and the Amplified Bible.  It is applied to the Christian who has emerged from battle heat and stress undiscouraged in his faith and undeterred in his determination to live obediently to God.

Jesus is the first great Overcomer. “In the world you have tribulation; but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

To overcome the world means to refuse to be seduced by its popularity and to refuse to feed on its charm and flattery as well as refuse to be intimidated by its threats.

The world always follows the same pattern, first cajoling and then, if that does not work, crucifying.   The world’s desire is always to “squeeze [me] into its own mold.” (Rom. 12:2 Phil.)

The world’s will and God’s will are direct opposites.   If I insist on following Jesus, then I must follow Him to battle against the world’s passionate desire to thwart my path to “live………godly in the present age.”  (Titus 2:12)

Lord, the Bible reminds me of many who went into the battle for You and did not overcome----Lot, Saul, Gehazi, Demas, Diotrephes, and others.  That is enough to make me realize that victory is not guaranteed---unless I cling to Him who wonderfully overcame for my sake.

Then the Lord Himself will fight for me “as when he fought in the day of battle.”  Zech. 14:3 KJV

“Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God…” Eph. 6:13-14 AMP

 

 

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