Overcomer Techniques - Volume 2
See part one for the (necessary) prerequisites for this labor.
In the New Testament the term Overcome(s) (νικάω; nikon) is used in connection with the Christian’s victory over sin, Satan, the world, and the End (eschaton).
The term ‘overcome’ defines itself, as it describes the successful conquering of obstacles that face a thing. So if sin is the problem, one lives in the crucifixion of the only hinge sin can work on, the body’s flesh (corrupt spiritual component to the physical nature). If Satan, one resists and applies the techniques which Christ and the Apostles prescribed to conquer his kingdom. If the world, one remembers the world is crucified to me and I to the world. And as for the end, there is a beast, his perverse name, damnable number, and his wicked image which is said by those saints who enter the world that surrounds the throne to have conquered each of those components of this ultimate human adversary. That and perseverance built up over a lifetime of struggle.
What then do you do?
My main focus in the concept of overcoming has been the eschaton, or end time, since Paul states this is already at work in his day (how much more our own) while the other apostles variously described the church age as “the last hour,” “the present form of this world is passing away,” “the end of all things is at hand,” etc. Thus the adversary described in Revelation and 2 Thessalonians is already an opponent needing to receive his destruction. By whom will he receive this? Ordinary saints that live like eternity is the real and only prize and the Lord Jesus’s slaughter of him by a mere word.
In the difficulties facing the saints in the last of days, what is the single most helpful tool, sword, and shield?
Remember in part one I strongly encouraged my readers to live in a way that faith is required each day. This is only the training regimen capable of teaching how to use faith as a muscle, tool, and sword.
Faith is essential in being a true Christian. Without it, your going out and coming in, eating and drinking, sleeping, etc. is sin, for “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
Thus if you are not already using faith in your ordinary daily life, you are not succeeding as a Christian. That coffee you drink daily, do you consider whether you are doing that by faith? Oh you want to scoff at that? You are drinking a cup of sin then. Not my words, the bible’s and God’s.
Moving on, faith described by Jesus is not merely trusting in the righteousness of Christ for forgiveness, justification and sanctification. That is merely one way faith can be used. Faith is an inexhaustible, universe-sized ocean of potential. That so few use it demonstrates that so few know God.
How do you use faith in this way? In total truth if you are asking this question you have not done what I told you above was the prerequisite to doing this. You must daily live in dependence on faith so that you become acquainted with her, so that she doesn’t just help you engage with God but conquer the world’s darkness. You must learn her ways by living as though she is more needful to you than bread and water.
S.D.G.