Be An Overcomer, Or You’ll Be Overcome

Back in the early days of Pentecost, when saints would gather together in church, they didn’t ask, “How are you doing?” They didn’t ask, “What’s new?” Their greeting was, “Ha’im yesh lekha et hanitzachon? Or Have you got the victory?” And the answer was, “ Hallelu-Yah, bevadai sheken! Or Praise the Lord, I sure do!”

But somewhere along the line, we lost that greeting. Maybe we lost it because people started answering differently. Maybe too many saints didn’t feel victorious anymore.

But let me tell you something this morning: It is God’s will for you to be an overcomer!

It’s God’s will for your family to be an overcoming family. It’s God’s will for this church to be an overcoming church!

Here’s the choice: Be an overcomer, or you’ll be overcome!

I’m your pastor, a husband, a father, a Marine. I’ve worked on the farm. I’ve fixed machines with busted knuckles in the midnight hours. And I’ll tell you this: life is a battlefield. But the good news is — in Christ, victory is possible.

Jesus Himself said: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” ( Matthew 24:13 )

So, Church, you’ve got a choice this morning. Your family has a choice. This nation has a choice. You can be overcome — or you can be an overcomer!

What Causes People to Be Overcome?

1. Unforgiveness and Bitterness

You want to know what tears churches apart? Families apart? Nations apart? It’s not always politics or money. It is unforgiveness!

Peter asked Jesus, how many times do I have to forgive my brother? Seven times? That sounds reasonable, right? But Jesus flipped it: “…I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” ( Matthew 18:22 )

And then Jesus gave that parable about the servant who was forgiven of a massive debt, but turned right around and choked a fellow servant who owed him pocket change. The king heard about it and said: “Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” ( Matthew 18:33 )

Bitterness is poison. The writer of Hebrews warns:

“…lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” ( Hebrews 12:15 )

That’s what bitterness does — it doesn’t just affect you, it spreads.

And Paul wrote: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” ( Romans 12:18 )

Church, listen to me — we’ve got Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals, old timers and young ones all sitting in the same pew tonight. And if we’re not careful, politics will do what the devil loves best — divide the people of God. But the Word says: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ( Romans 12:21 )

Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s strength.

2. Bondage to Evil Habits

Let me speak plain. Some folks aren’t overcome by politics, but by addictions. Drugs, alcohol, lust, gambling — the list goes on.

Peter said: “…for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” ( 2 Peter 2:19 )

The devil promises freedom but delivers chains. But the Word says:

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” ( Hebrews 12:1 )

And Paul reminds us: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” ( Romans 6:14 )

The blood of Jesus breaks chains! The Spirit of God empowers you to walk free!

3. Losing Faith Through Disobedience

Another way folks get overcome is when they just plain stop believing. Not with their mouth, but with their life.

John wrote: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” ( 1 John 5:4 )

Faith isn’t just what you say on Sunday. Faith is how you live on Monday. James said: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” ( James 2:14 )

Church, obedience matters. Faith that doesn’t obey is faith that dies.

But listen — there’s hope. Jesus said to the persecuted church: “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” ( Revelation 2:10 )

Is There a Way Out If You’ve Been Overcome?

YES, thank God there is!

How do you move from being overcome to being an overcomer? Three things:

1. The Power of the Blood — The blood of Jesus still washes, still forgives, still sets free!

2. The Power of the Spirit — The Spirit gives you strength to live differently, to stand tall, to love when hate is easier.