The five C’s of the overcoming life
Introduction:
Survival, the subject seems to be popping up everywhere in these uncertain times. Many of you have probably seen the advertisement or have watched shows like Doomsday Preppers, Man Vs Wild, or Colony. The purpose of this message today is two fold: to give basic and practical survival skills and relate those same survival themes to overcome in these challenging times. Is the idea of survival even accurate for the Christian? It suggests scraping by in a miserable plight of want and near starvation. The Christian is called to thrive not survive. Yet if we consider for a moment the etymology of the word survival we see a glimmer of hope. "Sur" comes from a French word meaning "over" or "above". "Vive" or "Viva" come from Latin and means "to live". "Over" "life" "Over-Living" and The Overcoming life. This definitely has a biblical ring to it. It means to live above the threatening circumstances that are endangering you. Thirst, hunger, cold, heat, predators and loss of moral are all dangers that threaten you in a survival situation.
Attitude:
An overcoming attitude is essential in a life threatening situation. A will to live and brutal clinging to hope that I will not be overcome, but surpass these trials and live.
Think for a moment what the antonym or opposite of survival. It is submission, passivity and indifference. It is becoming subordinate to enemies that want to kill you. It is giving up and going to sleep. It is becoming a slave. Discouragement and indifference will lead you to give up the will to fight. The temptation is to escape the reality of pain and suffering and go to sleep. This is the way of the coward. These are the words Rocky Balboa said to his son when he was ready to give up and lead a life of mediocrity:
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! "
Rocky has inspired generations to take the hits and come back and win. Giving up is not an option. Never give up!
Situation Report:
Next to attitude in importance is the situation report or "sitrep". This is a military term which refers to the circumstances of your particular survival situation. A sitrep involves assessing your surrounding and forming a plan. The plan involves prioritizing according to the greatest needs, and dangers. Much of forming a sitrep involves common sense, but common sense and clarity of thought are often times in scarce supply. The temptation to panic must be resisted at all costs. Panic is dangerous. It will either worsen your situation or get you killed. Keep calm, sit down and prioritize. In an arctic climate, fire, shelter and water might top the list. In the desert water and cover are top priority.
The Bible contains situation reports for our benefit. These are warnings that describe the conditions believers would face in the end times. II Tim 3: 1-5 contains a sitrep,
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
The Bible says that in the end times there will be a dramatic increase in self love and love of pleasure. Matthew 24: 11-13, also contains a prophetic sitrep for our benefit,
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
A virtual spiritual ice age is foretold as coming on the end-time generation. Persecution, apostasy and deception would mark the times. Even now the temperature is plummeting. Even now this icy hand is gripping Christian homes. The chill is seen no clearer than the passivity and indifference of believers. The coldness is evident in our preoccupation with worldly amusements and cares to the neglect of eternal matters. Webster defines "passive" as "not active, but acted upon; affected by outside force or agency. Receiving or enduring without resistance or emotional reaction; submissive. In an hour that calls for watchfulness and sobriety, much of the community of believers are intoxicated by the influence of the world.
All around me I see deteriorating conditions. In the world, my community, my Church, my home and my own heart. Today I am preaching to the coldness of my own soul. Today I am preaching to the indifference of my own heart. My desire is to overcome and help others overcome. I want to kindle a fire in my own life and one here today. I want to equip you by any means possible to climb above these treacherous times and fulfill your purpose in the Kingdom. We are in the fight for our very spiritual lives. If your here today that’s a good sign that you take that fight seriously. Today we have tremendous hope. The Bible has much to say about overcoming dark and dangerous times. John 16:33 says, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world." In the book of Revelation, the call to overcome and the promises to this who do are repeated 7 times. I John 5:4 says,
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
The word overcome is NIKEO in the Greek and it means to subdue, conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. It’s used approx. 22x’s in the NT
As believers we have an overcoming principle living and abiding within us. Matthew Henry comments,
He that is born of God is born for God, and consequently for another world. He has a temper and disposition that tend to a higher and better world; and he is furnished with such arms, and such a weapon, whereby he can repel and conquer this; as our text says, And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith, v. 4. Faith is the cause of victory, the means, the instrument, the spiritual armour and artillery by which we overcome; for, (1.) In and by faith we cleave to Christ, in contempt of, and opposition to, the world. (2.) Faith works in and by love to God and Christ, and so withdraws us from the love of the world. (3.) Faith sanctifies the heart, and purifies it from those sensual lusts by which the world obtains such sway and dominion over souls. (4.) It receives and derives strength from the object of it, the Son of God, for conquering the frowns and flatteries of the world. (5.) It obtains by gospel promise a right to the indwelling Spirit of grace, that is greater than he who dwells in the world. (6.) It sees an invisible world at hand, with which this world is not worthy to be compared, and into which it tells the soul in which it resides it must be continually prepared to enter; and thereupon,
The idea here is simple, WE WIN! Hang on, surrender to the overcomingness of Christ with in you, persevere and you win! There is nothing that Christ left out when he said …"Take heart I have overcome the world." Read ABC’S of the Overcoming Life on last page.
The five C’s of survival are: cutting tool, combustion, cordage, cover and container.
Cutting Tool:
A fixed blade knife is an indispensable survival tool. If all other tools are lost, one can make each one with a knife. It is the all around versatile tool used in hundreds of ways: making weapons, tools and implements, preparing food, etc. This is symbolic of the Word of God in the Christians life. It’s uses and value are unending in our daily walk. It shapes our thoughts and actions, guides our steps, warns us, comforts us, and encourages us. A knife is only useful if it has an edge. This is also true of the Christian. An edge speaks of the word that has pierced our hearts as a conviction. We have not just heard the word, we have let it search us and become a part of us through obedience. We own it. When we have allowed the word to cut us deeply, we then in turn have a powerful tool to cut with. When we encourage, comfort is felt. When we rebuke, a wound that bring life is felt. There is a transaction. It is dangerous in our hands. Daily sharpening in the word is vital in the overcomers life. It is here our minds are renewed lest the world press us into it’s mold. Sharpening is also produced between brothers…like iron sharpening iron. The sharpening stone of fellowship is essential. It is here we are challenged, encouraged, corrected and used likewise used in their lives. The dull blade can have none of this. It is like the ‘good for nothing salt’. It speaks of neglect in spiritual matters. A mindset that is content with earthly busyness instead of a heavenly gaze.
1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God Col 3:1-3
Combustion:
A way to produce fire is another important tool in a survival situation. In extreme cold conditions, it the difference between life and death in many situations. Fire can be produced in many different ways: matches, lighter, magnesium bar, steel wool and battery. There are also friction style primitive tools such as a bow/drill, hand drill, fire plough. Fire has many benefits. It produces light, heat, builds morale, purges, purifies, cooks food, scares predators makes tools etc.
In the Old Testament, fire was symbolic of God’s presence and acceptance. Mt Sinai was like a tottering deck of card as the consuming fire descended upon it. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. Fire fell on Elijiah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel. A pillar of fire was present with the Israelites in the wilderness.
In the New Testament fire is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Tongues of fire fell upon the 120 in the upper room. I Thess 5:19 says , Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.
Fire is the life of God at work in the believers life. It can be understood as synonymous with life. No fire, no life.
I believe our present time is similar to an extreme cold survival situation. The lukewarm era is quickly becoming the icy era. Where is our hunger for God. Where is the concern for souls. What has happened to our heated prayer.
Cordage: Another critical tool in overcoming a survival situation is cordage. The ideal cord should of a twisted three strand. This can be used for as many applications as your imagination and improvisation can dream up. Cordage is used for building shelters, tools, traps and snares, fire starting, medical applications, sewing, fishing and much more. Cordage is difficult to produce in the wild, labor intensive and time consuming. Having a stash of cordage is the best way to have winning edge in a survival situation. It’s most basic function is to tie, bind or lash.
If we apply this spiritually we discover a critical element of the overcoming life. I believe this speaks of authentic relationships. It is the binding of ourselves to God and other like minded believers. Proverbs 6:21 and Dueteronmy 6:8 speak of lashing God’s word to our hearts and bodies. Cordage speaks of the inward change God desires over outward formalism. Binding and lashing our hearts together with God as engrafted shoots, Romans 11:17, being born of the Spirit, John 3:3. Cordage speaks of intimacy with God. To be intimate means,
associated in close personal relations: an intimate friend.
characterized by or involving warm friendship or a personally close or familiar association or feeling:
The danger of these times is loss of first love. Jesus exorted the Church in Ephesus, "
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place
He also encourages them to overcome, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." 2:7.
As we are bound to the the Lord we must be bound to one another. Ecclesiates 4:9-12 says,
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
In survival and in combat working together is vital. Isolation is to be avoided at all costs. Together we are a weapon. Together we are a shelter. Together we are an army. Together we are a healing community. There are transactions that only take place in the company of believers. It happens NOWHERE else. The body IS the SpearHead of the purposes of God on this planet. Saints bound together in love, one in purpose is the answer to HOW God advances his Kingdom. Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—
The enemy seeks to divide, isolate and demoralize us. The quickest way to cool a hot coal is to separate it from the bunch.
Cover:
Cover is the next C of survival. Every bug out bag should contain a tarp, heavy duty wool blanket, plastic sheeting, tent or emergency blanket. Shelter protects from extreme elements such as cold, wind, snow, rain and heat. Our core temperature is of primary concern. Too cold and hypothermia can settle in. Too hot and heat stroke is the danger. With a tarp and some cordage a simple shelter can be easily made. Location is also important. Avoid area that can flood like dry river beds. A spot hidden from prevailing winds with natural shelter elements already in place are ideal: fallen trees, large rocks or caves. These can also be used for heat radiation. The spiritual implications are obvious and encouraging.
Cover speaks of God’s protection and Covenant promises. The Word of God is crammed Full of the Father’s loving shelter for his children. If you feel out in the cold, it’s time to come in and get warm. God is the Shelter of Shelters. He is the rock of ages, ex 33:22 when he hid Moses in the cleft of the rock. He was David’s Refuge, his Strength, His Strong Tower he could run into and under whose Wings he found rest. Ps 63:7; 91: 1; 121:5. To Isaac He is a refuge for the needy, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat, who hides you in the shadow of his hand, Is 51:16. He is the pilgrims companion, Gen 28:15 who watches over you wherever you go. He is the sleepless watchman who…"neither sleeps nor slumbers’, Ps 121:4. He is the protective Father, Jn17:11 who keeps us by the power of His name. He is Abraham’s shield and very great reward, Gen 15:1. He is the watchful Father, Luke 15:20, who runs to restore and encourage the straying son. He watches over you with infinite care, Ps 115: 12, Luke 12:7; Ipeter 5:7. He is the sustainer of the weak, Ex 19:4, who carries you on eagles wings, Duet 33:27 and engraves you on the palms of His hands. Is 49:16. Cmon! He is the Way Maker, Is 45:2 who cuts through bars of iron and gates of Bronze. He levels mountains and builds up valleys, Is 49:11.
The greatest shelter of course, was the gift of His Son which covers all our sins and restores fellowship with God.
Are these promises automatic or is there some part we play? Our part is the coming under His Shelter. In a word this is submission. How do we submit? We believe. Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Faith is trust and confidence in God’s character and word. His word says, "we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And web rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2 The veil has been torn from top to bottom. A new and living way has been opened. Heb 10 and we have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Eph 2:13.
If we would escape the icy blast of these end times, we must rediscover the rest of faith under the wings of the Almighty.
We come by faith and we come by repentance. Repentance is a dirty word in todays trendy and prosperous Church. Jesus and the Apostles were not afraid to use it. Jesus said, "Unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish, Luke 13:5. Peter said, "repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. The word is metanoia and it means a change of mind and by implication a change of heart and direction. Repent means to rethink that plan that offends God and turn around. We must put away those things that we know are keeping us outside. Paul said, "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." IICor 7:1.
Container:
The last item in our list of C’s is container. This should be made of a sturdy metal like stainless steel and have sealing lid. Hydration is the goal here. A container is essential for collecting and boiling water. Water should always be boiled or sterilized if anyway possible. Dehydration is perhaps the greatest threat to survivalists, especially in arctic conditions. Arctic air is very dry. Breathing the dry air, along with the bodies struggle to stay warm quickly leads to dehydration. Having a water tight metal container will go along way in keeping you alive in a survival situation. It is the same in the overcoming life in God.
The Bible says that we are a container. II Cor 4:7, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." He is the water of life. John 7:37, ""If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink…" Also Isaiah 55:1 bids us …"come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…" The water of life is free and freely given. He invites us to come and drink. The price is already been covered. Ask and it shall be given…as a good father gives to his children.
Why does it seem then that so many in the body of Christ are dying of thirst? Jeremiah prophesied, " My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." A cistern was an artificial tank or reservoir dug in the earth or rock to collect rainwater. They needed regular cleaning because they also collected many pollutants and impurities. They were stagnant and nasty compared with what God was offering. Cisterns spoke of the idolatrous substitutes the Jews stubbornly clung to. Cisterns were stagnant. The holy spirit fresh and flowing. Cisterns were contaminated. Living water is pure. Cisterns were a symbol of defiant independence. The humble and dependent soul is filled to overflow. Today we have many substitutes to choose from. Let us turn away from all cheap cisterns and hydrate on the pure and living water.
Conclusion.
In the History of Israel there was a time that parallels just this sort of survival challenge. It was a dark time when worship of Yahweh ebbed low and corruption was all around. Yet there was a glimmer of hope in a returning remnant and a man named Nehemiah. He had heard the situation report of the conditions back in Jerusalem,
They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
Nehemiah wasted no time, but sought God earnestly in fasting and prayer. His humble prayer was the beginnings of combustion and the preparation of a container that would ignite a nation and water a thirsty people. We see the shelter God provides in favor with King Darius, letters of ensure safe travel and authority to rebuild the wall. Next we the cordage of unity in the Israelites binding together under the visionary leadership of Nehemiah to rebuild the wall. This incredible feat was accomplished in just 52 days. We also see the cutting tool of the word in chapter 8 under the preaching of Ezra. We see Nehemiah’s social reforms, purging the fledgling revival of injustice, oppression and sin. All the while the hunger and seeking after God Chapter 9 is igniting fresh fire, revival of the once destroyed people.
What Christ has Overcome from A to Z
John 16:33 says, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world."
1. abortion, addiction, Antichrist
2. bulimia, the beast, bondage
3. cancer, cults, condemnation
4. doubt, discouragement, deception, disease
5. evil, economic crisis
6. fear, foreclosure, false doctrines and false Christ
7. governments, gangs, gambling
8. hurricanes, hurt, hell, homosexual agenda
9. Insecurities, inability’s, impending doom
10. job loss, judgment, and jabs
11. killers, kings and kidnappers
12. loss of loved ones, lies, legalism, liberals
13. memories, mistakes, the mark
14. N.W.O., nuclear weapons, nicotine
15. Obama, opposition, oppression
16. politics, pain, parasites that drain your spiritual life, poverty, pills
17. Al-Quida, quarrels, the quitter in you.
18. ruined lives, rebelliousness, relationships
19. sin, sickness, sorrow
20. tornado’s, terrorists, temptation
21. uncertainty, ungodliness
22. vanity, vulgarity, vicious cycles
23. wandering children, worldliness, worry
24. xenophobia and all the x’s people have tried to cross you out with
25. yesterdays, yearnings, yoga
26. zombies and zealots
