Living an overcoming life
The Bible instructs the Spirit-filled believer on how to live an overcoming life. Peter the Apostle wrote to the Church and reminded them they had been given “…all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). The instructions given in the New Testament to the Church are different in expectation to those given in the Old Testament (e.g. the Ten Commandments).
Under the Old Testament, they continually needed to be coming back to seek forgiveness for past failures. But now, in the New Testament era we read: “For the law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never, by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year, make those who come near perfect” (Hebrews 10:1 ISV).
Under the New Testament, to the Spirit-filled believers it is written; “this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts and will write them on their minds” (Hebrews 10:16 ISV)
THE OVERCOMER
We have now a new type of person that comes into view: the Spirit-filled overcomer. In the book of Revelation in the Bible, we read of many trials and troubles for those in the Church. In each case, the promises are aimed at the overcomer. The one who takes God at His Word and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, lives a new and righteous life.
THE NEW LIFE
The new life given to those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit is one where internal and external challenges are met with a desire to be right. Coupled with faith and the power required to make that a reality, it leads to overcoming.
Paul the Apostle encouraged his many converts in the church assemblies, to whom he wrote:
THINK RIGHT
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
ACT RIGHT
… sound doctrine… temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith… reverent… not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good… self-controlled and pure… an example by doing what is good… not to steal… say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and… live self-controlled, upright and godly lives. (Titus 2:1-12 NIV)
BE HOLY
…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord… (Hebrews 12:14)
THE PROMISE TO THE OVERCOMER
Finally, in Revelation 12:11 we are encouraged that; they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV). The overcomer can look forward to the outcome in Matthew 25:21 where we hear those great words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord/” This is the reward for the overcomer, eternity with the Lord.
New to some of these concepts? Why not ask us some questions, find out how you can be filled with the Holy Spirit and be given the capacity to live the overcoming life that God wants us to live.