Jesus is has many names that describe His character, but seldom mentioned this one --- OVERCOMER! But Jesus gives us these words about Himself, "In this world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ( John 16:33) We know many things what He overcame from the Gospels. He overcame Satan in the desert. He overcame death over the grave. (1 Corinthians 15:57) He purged out our sins and is sitted on the right hand of God. (Hebrews 1:3) Sitting on God's throne is a sign of victory.
The term "overcomer" means to conquer and prevail, triumph and overcome. It is similar to greek work "nikea" named after a popluar shoe name! In the Bible it is used 28 times and mostly in Revelation (14 times). Often it is used with battles and conflicts, many times in a spiritual context. After becoming a Christian, there are spiritual battles with satan the devil.
Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is with rulers, pwers, darkness and spiritual forces . . " These conflicts come from Satan, and a world that opposes God's Kingdom and also, by a indwelling sin that wants to control our spiritual nature. BUT we have One greater to fight these battles for us! JESUSOUR OVERCOMER!!
Scriptures confirm it --- "But thanks be to God, who has given us the victory in Christ Jesus! (2 Cor. 2:14) "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world." (1 John 5:4) This is the person who has been given new birth through his/her faith in Jesus. Our victory is not automatically given, but requires commitment to live continously to draw closer to God's presence.
The Bible does not promise every Christian has a pure perfect life. Our lives can be a constant battle everday where we need the Overcomer in our life! On the other hand, all believers are not "overcomers." And also, an overcomer is NOT someone who has a special power that makes him/her an overcomer. It is NOT a secret to be an overcomer! The overcomers are not super saints identified by John in Revelation who in the end will get special privileges in heaven.
Truth be told . . . John speaks to the seven churches in Revelation to bring them encoragement in the their persecuted world they live in. In the midst of their trails they must remain faithful thru their faith in Jesus Christ. Their are rewards awaiting for them, briefly, (7 of them!) 1) eating of the tree of life. 2) not suffer the second death. 3) receive the hidden manna. 4) receive the authority over nations. 5) be dressed in white. 6) become pillars in the temple of God. 7) they will sit on His throne with the Lamb of God.
To be an "overcomer" is not just be a survior who beats up his enemy. An OVERCOMER is redeemed by Jesus, washed by the blood of the Lamb. An overcomer is relentless for Jesus, loyal, vigilant, faithful and ready for any action to conquer any thing set before him/her.
CONCLUSION: "Our Heavenly Father.. let this be our prayer. . we believe in you our Overcomer and overcomes for us our troubles and battles we face everyday. For we are more than conquers thru YOU. We are not victims. . . Fill us in our hearts the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can see the victory that lies ahead of us. We are not defeated by the wiles of the devil. My we always glorify your name by living victorious lives for thy Kingdom. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Presented By: Larry L. Vollink, retired chaplain/pastor Cedar Springs, MI (616) 655-4129 lawrenceV@comcast.net
