We can only be overcomers because Christ lives in us. He is the true overcomer.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 8:
37 Yet even in the midst of all these things (tribulations, distress, persecution, famine, peril, etc.), we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and His demonstrated Love is our glorious victory over everything!
38 So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s Love. I’m convinced that His Love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken His Love.
FATHER made us to be overcomers through Christ, not of ourselves.
Jesus revealed in chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation and spoke extensively about overcomers. The blessings of the future Kingdom are assured to these overcomers.1 Listed are the incredible promises Jesus makes to these overcomers:
– They will be clothed in white (the wedding garment). (Revelation 3:5)
– They will be “pillars” in the Lord’s temple. (Revelation 3:12)
A pillar is symbolic of a steadfast figure of strength and durability.
– They will be granted power over the nations. (Revelation 2:26)
– They will enjoy the tree of Life. (Revelation 2:7)
The tree of Life means being equipped with a “special wisdom and knowledge” to co-reign with Christ in the future Kingdom. It reappears after 6,000 years.
– They will not be subject to spiritual death. (Revelation 2:11)
– Their names will be acknowledged by Christ. (Revelation 3:5)
– They will be fed out of the hidden manna. (Revelation 2:17)
– They will have a white stone with their name on it. (Revelation 2:17)
– Christ will write His own Name upon them. (Revelation 3:12)
– They will sit with Christ on His Throne. (Revelation 3:21)
All of the above promises are Millennial in scope. These blessings clearly reveal that overcomers not only will enter the Kingdom, but also will have positions of significance.
Overcomers are those Christians who, by being partakers of Christ’s eternal Life, are able to conquer, prevail, and subdue the temptations of the world, the desires of the flesh, and the wiles of the devil. They have learned to Love with God’s Love, make faith choices according to His Wisdom, and depend upon His power to accomplish their deeds. The “overcome” will not do these things.
It’s important to note in these two chapters that seven times in these letters to the seven churches, Jesus said, “I know your works.” Jesus was emphasizing works (done by THE SPIRIT) in these letters. In fact, in Revelation 2:26 He said, “He that overcometh and keepeth My works to the very end, I will give power [authority] over the nations.”
Notice that Jesus said “My works”. He was talking about the things that are done by the Holy Spirit through us. He was not referring to the works of the flesh, but to the works of the Spirit.
Laodicea represents the last days church, which is neither “hot nor cold.” The music and worship programs create excitement, but the message is so watered down that it does not stimulate a renewed personal commitment of obedience and faithfulness to the Lord. As this Scripture notes, it is “neither hot nor cold.” It is lukewarm! Today’s deadness in churches comes from following the Truth only with our minds, not with our hearts or our lives. These saints said they were rich and in need of nothing, but in truth and from God’s perspective, they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. He is speaking about nominal and unfaithful Christians who are found to be “naked” because they do not have on the appropriate clean and white wedding garments.
Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 16:
15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments (white and prepared), lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”