‘OVERCOMERS’
HE IS RISEN! “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 John 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
INTRODUCTION
The previous message illustrated how Satan uses the unbridled consumption, attraction and knowledge of people and their physical and emotional vulnerabilities to tempt them. This message shows the ‘tools of knowledge’ and ‘weapons of warfare’ that we might use to endure and overcome Satan’s schemes of temptation.
1. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO MAN
Brethren, God has not left us hopeless to the deceits of Satan’s temptations. He sent his Son Jesus on the earth (His Spirit), in the “express image of his person,” as human likeness, that we may know how to live with God’s Spirit in flesh; and He gave him up to be tempted, to show us how to overcome the tempters snares. (Hebrew 1:3; Philippians 2:7-8).
“For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Also, since Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin, he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. (Isaiah 53:3-5; Hebrew 1:2-3, 4:15; 2:18; Matthew 26:36-46).
2. OVERCOMERS’ TOOLS AND WEAPONS
Brethren, God has provided us with ‘tools’ and ‘weapons’ to overcome temptations. Since Christ was tempted and suffered for our sins in His flesh, “…[We] no longer should live the rest of [our] time in the flesh to lusts of men, but to the will of God.” So, when we face temptations, we should consider that Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that we should follow. (1 Peter 2: 9-12, 21-24; 4:1-2).
Below are examples of tools and weapons that should help us to avoid, endure, or overcome temptations.
2.1. TOOLS OF KNOWLEDGE
The tools of knowledge are required to fix worldly dispositions toward temptation including pride, correcting others and riches:
(a) RESIST PRIDE
To overcome temptation, one must first resist pride, as it is often the primary fuel behind it. Pride can manifest in many ways —using power to achieve personal goals, having a strong predisposition toward certain desires, being eager to prove a point, becoming defensive, stubborn, self-indulgent, or overly opinionated. All of these are prideful tendencies that can easily lead one into temptation. True power lies in humility and obedience, not pride.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He did not focus on proving His identity as the Son of God. Instead, He overcame Satan’s challenge to validate Himself by turning stones into bread. To do so would have meant submitting to the devil’s enticement rather than obeying the will of God.
(b) MEEKNESS IN CORRECTING OTHERS
Another way one might avoid the enticement into temptation is to demonstrate humility in the way we interact with others especially when we think that they have erred.
Apostle Paul advises that: “…if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted”. Also, those who are strong ought to bear the problems of the weak and we should not seek to please ourselves. (Galatians 6:1;1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 15:1).
(c) SET NOT YOUR HEART ON RICHES
Brethren, the Rich are prone to fall into diverse kinds of lusts and easily fall to temptation. Note that someone who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor will a person who loves abundance be satisfied with increase. Accordingly, it is hard for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15; Mark 10:23-24).
Therefore, to avoid the temptation of the ‘deceitfulness of riches’, “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth”. Also, “… Be not [conceited], nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” Let all conduct themself without covetousness and be content with what you have. (Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:19-21, 13:22; 1 Timothy 6:17; James 5:1-3; Hebrew 13:5)
2.2. SPIRITUAL WEAPONS OF WARFARE
(a) SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT
Brethren, we may overcome temptation by the “discerning of spirits”. This is a special gift of the Holy Spirit, that God gives to people, to help them understand spiritual things and be able to distinguish them from the worldly things. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 12:9-11). We should desire and ask God for the gift of the ‘Spirit of discernment’.
A discerner of spirits can detect Satan’s “seducing spirits,” “doctrines of devils” and the speaks of “lying vanities” – i.e. speaks and thoughts that oppose Gods word. In other words, they can discern whether what they think, hear, see, or speak originate from God or are from the devil. Human sense cannot know these because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Timothy 4:1; Jonah 2:8; 1 John 4:1; 1 Corinthians 2:14).
(b) KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURE
Knowledge and understanding of God’s word is vital to overcome temptations. One should commit to studying the word of God and living it. In this endeavour, one must seek to view all things through the lens of God’s word which is ‘TRUTH.’ (2 Timothy 2:15-16; John 17:3). But be mindful not to seek answers of scripture from human understanding or to compare earthly things with spiritual things.
With the disposition towards Godly truth and living it, one gradually develops spiritual maturity in understanding of God’s word that goes beyond its letters, or worldly views. And like Jesus, would be able to give spiritual answer to Satan’s lustful enticements: that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthrew 4:3; Hebrews 5:14).
(c) WATCH AND PRAY
Jesus teaches us that to “watch and pray” is an invaluable weapon of warfare to combat temptation. He forewarned Peter saying: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not….” To watch and pray is the weapon of our spiritual warfare: We should pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching with all perseverance. (Luke 22:31-32; Ephesians 6:18).
Prayer is key because when we are tempted, our fight is usually not against “flesh and blood”, but against unseen forces: – powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. So, the weapons of our warfare should not be carnal, but should rest in the might of God to pull down strongholds. (Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4).
During his temptation, Jesus kept watch and prayer on the mount of Olives. “[And] being in an agony he prayed more earnestly.” He also asked his disciples to “watch and pray” that they be not overcome by temptation. After Jesus had prayed, “[] there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:39-46; Matthew 6:13).
Brethren, prayer keeps one’s faith intact in temptation, strengthens us to endure trials and helps us overcome our fears. Intense and sustained prayers is needed for heavier trials; and we must encourage our loved ones who are exposed to our affliction to pray that it may not overwhelm them. (Luke 22:31-32; 2 Timothy 4:17).
(d) ‘PUT ON THE ARMOUR OF GOD’
Temptations are not always immediate. They can be prolonged in occurrence and have varied impacts. To withstand it, we should “…put on the whole armour of God” that we may be strong in His, power and might. The “amour of God” is truth, righteousness; peace (of the gospel), faith, salvation, and the Spirit of God (God’s word).
Armed with these, we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. And God will comfort us in our temptation so that we may be able to comfort others which are tempted in the same way we were comforted. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 1:4-5).
(e) JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE THE TIME
Another way to overcome temptation is not to make judgements of people, things, and situations prematurely. We should “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:3-5; Matthew 7:1-5).
Therefore, in a challenging situation, do not be tempted to judge yourself, condemn others or rationalise your situation in a negative way. Addressing his brothers who sold him away, Joseph said: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Brethren, God can use human evil intentions for His own greater purposes. (Genesis 50:20; Ecclesiastes 12:14).
Do not fret because of evil doers. Only “commit [your] way unto the Lord; trust also in him… and he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” And when tempted, cease from anger, forsake wrath, and do no evil! (Psalm 37:1, 6-8).
(f) JOY IN TEMPTATION
Brethren, the Spirit of Joy of the LORD is one’s strength in temptation. Therefore, do not sorrow when you are tempted; but “…count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations,” because your faith is being enhanced. (James 1:2; Nehemiah 8:10).
So, rejoice in the Lord always and be careful for nothing: but in everything remain prayerful and thankful as you present your requests unto God. Be assured that God will be with you through ‘waters’; ‘rivers’ shall not overflow you; ‘fire’ shall not burn you nor its flame torch you. Jesus has afforded believers power to tread over all the power of the enemy. (Isaiah 43:2; Habakkuk 3:17-18; Psalm 23:4; Philippians 4:4,6; Romans 12:12; Luke 10:19).
Christ is resurrected! Rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation; continue instant in prayer; and EXALT THE LORD OF OUR SALVATION. You have overcome Satan and the world. Hallelujah!
The next message will examine temptation and the ‘spiritual fruits’.
PRAYER
Almighty Father, we give thanks and praise for Your word.
Blessed be thee, God of mercies, the saviour Christ, and the Spirit of comfort.
We give praise for your enduring Grace in our temptations: For You have proved us and tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net, laid affliction upon our loins and caused people to ride over our heads. We went through fire, and water: but You have brought us out into a wealthy place.
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make [us] perfect in every good work to do his will, working in [us] that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Psalm 66:10-12; Hebrews 13:20-24)
I make this prayer in JESUS Name.
HAVE A BLESSED EASTER HOLIDAY, loving your neighbours as yourself.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 20/4/2025
Access previous messages at https://childrenofgrace.faith; Email: prisca@childrenofgrace.faith
