The Overcomer

We have all heard the term overcomer. There are songs written “You are an overcomer”. Some teach that through salvation we are overcomers. But what is it, to be an overcomer? I can tell you what it is not.  Salvation in and of itself does not make us overcomers. Salvation is a gift and not by works lest anyone could boast.

The simplest phrase I could say to dive into this subject is, TO OVERCOME, “YOU” MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO OVERCOME. The overcomer described in Revelations is dressed in white raiment. Dressed in white raiment is the righteousness of the saints. Not imputed righteousness from God which He gives that provides access to the heavenly realm. The overcomer has given himself to God, allowing the work of God to be done in him.  Don’t confuse this with outward works. In Christ message to the churches Rev ch2-3. There is a defining difference that Christ emphases. Each message to the churches starts with I KNOW THY WORKS.  To paraphrase; I know all about that, the outward works, the doing. Let’s move on because I have this to say to you.

His message to the churches deals with the personal walk that is characterized by the spiritual qualities of each church “its spirit”. Those who overcome have character qualities as a result of overcoming. The character qualities are – THE CHARACTER QUALITIES OF JESUS. Jesus then details specific rewards or granted access in future reining with Him. To rein with Him in that future picture of glory, we must reign with Him now.

So how do we do that now? I’ll give you a picture in the natural. Growing up here in the Yuba Sutter area, I can say I was blessed.  Hunting and fishing were many times a short walk from home and without hesitation I can say God revealed Himself to me in those young years fishing on the banks of the Yuba or walking a fence line for pheasants in District 10. Many a 5am morning, I would ride my bike through downtown Marysville with my shotgun and gear in hopes of a good hunt. Heading to a magical place where 1000’s of greenheads were more than willing to give me a chance to put them on the dinner table. Haaa the usual scenario was 100’s of coots but that never stopped me from planning the next Saturday’s adventure.

But there were moments when God had my full attention and spoke in a language that a young boy could understand.  When I started high school my good friend and hunting buddy had the dream job. He worked on the D-10 hunting club not far from our homes in east Marysville and sometimes I got to tag along and help with the work, all for the pleasure of being there. In the center of the club were 2 ponds, club houses, a road that winded through everything lined with lush green grass and willow trees with moss hanging, dense enough that the sun never penetrated any one spot for more than an hour and as a young man, that was heaven to me. On those ponds the owner of the club had some European calling Ducks. They were big like northern mallards but being from Europe the internal call to migrate with our ducks here in the states was not in them or at least was subdued. On one of those mornings, cold and rainy I sat and watched the dominate drake. There was a little ice on the edges of the pond, the rain was but a drizzle because of the canopy of trees. There was that duck just as happy as can be. He’d swim and call for others to come and enjoy his piece of heaven. He’d call to all the females – this is a good home; he’d call to everyone – there’s plenty of food here for all. But never did he complain of the cold, the rain, or that no one else was interested in coming to swim with him there. He was a duck meant to live on land and fly, he wasn’t a fish and yet he was perfectly at home, dry, warm and happy. He could rest and sleep in the worst of weather and even though he would call for company of thousands of his cousins. They would come to the property but rarely would swim with him on his piece of heaven. The poetry and beauty that God displays is beautiful beyond description. He truly is the lover of our souls. That is a picture of the overcomer for me. Rain would bead up and fall off his back. The misery of cold never penetrated through his God given coat. Perfectly at peace.

The overcomer’s vision is always on Christ and not on his own life. You will never hear him complain about others, about the devil, or his circumstance.  To the overcomer ALL THINGS ARE FROM GOD. The overcomer has given himself to God, NOT TO DO - BUT TO BE! The overcomer in the revelation has made the effort to be conformed to His image. His robe is white, and this takes his cooperation to have. Paul’s perspective was that it is a race, and he intended to win. Peter would tell you to rejoice in tribulation, for the trying of your faith is more precious than gold. John would say, make sure that the Spirit of God ABIDES in you, and you shall overcome. James would say count it all joy when you fall into divers’ temptation, knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Jesus came, died and rose from the dead, so that you and I might be overcomers. Not all of us will be. There is plenty of room in heaven for all. Some in by the blood alone, and some are in it too win. I have seen saints all to many times waist years fighting life. They blame past experiences, other Christians or the devil, when the real enemy is your old nature. Our father will let you kick and fuss, rebuke the devil, poor me me me and when your done God wants to get real with you. Face it head on! Confess who you are. Go through it and by the grace of God you can overcome. Changed from glory to glory into His likeness.

God Bless

Bro Brian