Lesson 96. The Overcomer

Who is an overcomer? And whom does Heaven regard as an overcomer? Jesus uses this word many times to describe those who will receive a particular reward for their achievements in the war.

I always considered myself an overcomer simply because I believe in Christ. After all, 1 John 5:4–5 says: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” It was enough for me that the Bible called me this. I automatically regarded all the promises given to those who overcome as my own without even considering what or whom I was overcoming. But the Lord drew my attention to this concept when, through the power of Jesus, I actually began to gain victories in my heart.

If I bear the Lord’s name but allow the carnal person to lead me into temptation and exert his influence through me, it is very difficult for me to call myself an overcomer in the light of the Bible. Resolving conflicts or problems through the flesh can be very quick and effective. For example, if a relative vexes me with constant faultfinding and insults, I will probably resolve the conflict immediately if I answer him sharply, shout at him, threaten him with physical violence, grab him by the collar, or even strike him. It will not happen again. My relative will lose all desire to trouble me with his complaints and may even begin to respect me. But if I begin to endure his attacks and respond with love, not allowing myself even an angry thought against him, his faultfinding may grow into constant ridicule and abuse directed at me. It may continue for years without any prospect of improvement.

Which path would you choose? Of course, I have painted the picture in darker colors, but unfortunately there are some very strange people who understand the language of harshness well. They can live peacefully under tyranny and dictatorship, going about their usual affairs and challenging no one’s authority. But if they are shown tenderness and love, they turn into monsters who will not rest as long as I am alive and continue to love them. It is a paradox. Yet this is often precisely what happens with those who are not open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. The enemy of human souls knows how to use such people and, through them, make life difficult for God’s children. It is not uncommon for another carnal person, upon seeing an injustice committed against a loving Christian, to intervene and threaten physical violence against those who are ready to harm God’s children. Then everything becomes quiet. I have often heard such experiences in my friends’ stories from their military service.

Nevertheless, none of these examples constitutes a rule for a loving heart. There are situations in life that we may encounter, and then we need to know what to do.

If a mother punishes her child and strikes him with a belt for disobedience, is that good or bad? It is difficult to give an unequivocal answer. There is a great difference between a child who is three years old and one who is thirty-three. But it is also very important to understand the spirit in which the punishment is administered and how wisely it is carried out.

Who, then, is an overcomer in the light of the Bible? An overcomer is one who possesses the mind of an overcomer and conquers every temptation, every enticement, and every form of pride arising from without and within, while being guided by love and obedience to the truth. Only one who knows the Word of God, studies God’s law, and has submitted to its requirements can be an overcomer. An overcomer sees the danger of violating the Lord’s principles and does everything within his power to remain faithful to them. If he lacks wisdom and strength, he asks for them from above and receives them. An overcomer is one who has come to know Christ, has met Him personally, has given Him his life, and remains in constant communion with God, continuing to study His will, to know the character of Jesus more deeply, to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and at the same time to live in love toward God and people.

Being an overcomer is a conscious state of mind that understands the war in which it is participating, the side to which it belongs, the rules and laws governing this war, the identity of its enemy, Satan’s strategy, how to resist the forces of spiritual wickedness in high places, and how to tread on serpents and scorpions without exposing one’s soul to mortal danger.

An overcomer has the mind of an overcomer. He cannot imagine defeat, although he recognizes the possibility of falling. But if he does fall, he immediately begins to seek a way out so that he may rise and move forward toward new victories. In his thoughts and feelings, such a person has become completely united with Jesus. He cannot understand how it is possible to lose.

In essence, Christ is the true Overcomer. I merely enter into His merits and follow Him in His footsteps, growing from glory to glory.

Without Him I can do nothing, for my enemy is stronger than I am and will quickly overcome me. But Jesus Himself, together with His angels, personally wages the war and teaches me to be an overcomer. Without my participation and consent, He will not fight the battles for my soul or credit His victories to me. I must desire this and ask Him for it. Everyone living on Earth benefits from God’s general protection. It is called love and care for creation. Many people wage war unconsciously and overcome certain things by God’s mercy. But they pose no danger to the enemy of souls, so he does not trouble them greatly. When a person consciously takes Christ’s side and becomes God’s warrior, however, Satan unleashes all his fury against him, trying to find a way to separate him from Jesus. The enemy understands that such people will themselves be saved and will then boldly invade his territory and draw their deceived neighbors to Jesus, persuading them to accept Christ as their personal Savior. They will have complete success in this, because Jesus Himself will fight for them and go wherever the saved can labor for the glory of God.

And what does an overcomer’s victory look like? It rests upon faithfulness to God, an understanding of His will, and a constant connection with Him through prayer. My victory begins every morning at the moment when, in prayer, I place my life in God’s hands and ask for His blessing and guidance for the new day. I plead with Him for love, protection, and wisdom to endure every trial. When temptation comes, my mind, trained by practice to identify temptations, recognizes it. Then I must decide what to do. Depending on the situation, I choose love, obedience, faithfulness, humility, purity, or tenderness. God immediately responds to my choice of His weapons and takes His place at my side, granting me His influence. At times the Lord allows me to make the decision and fight the battle myself so that I may see my weak places and learn complete trust in God’s power.

To an observer, my victory may sometimes look like a modest smile, downcast eyes, an apology for causing inconvenience, a declaration of love, an assurance of friendship, an offer of help, prayerful support, kind and affectionate words of approval, a friendly attitude despite undeserved insults, leaving an argument, avoiding a disagreement, and much more depending on the situation. I cannot imagine acting according to the flesh when so much love and so many good opportunities are available to overcome Satan’s evil designs. And God establishes me in this victory.

1. What new things did you learn for yourself from this lesson?

2. What does an overcomer overcome?

3. Can one be an overcomer while being an ordinary church member?

4. Why is it important to be an overcomer in the last days?

5. Do you know anyone among those close to you whom you could call an overcomer?

6. Do you desire to be an overcomer? Do you consider yourself one?

7. Please read Romans 12:21; 2 Peter 2:19; Revelation 21:7; 2 Corinthians 11:19–20; and Hebrews 11:32–34 in the light of our lesson.