Traits of an Overcomer
The Overcomer • Sermon • Submitted
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Overcoming is the result of endurance.
The Hebrew Christians
The author of Hebrews writes, “You have need of endurance” – Hebrews 10:36
Hebrews was written to older Christians. Not older necessarily in years of age, but older as in they were not new to following Christ.
The author reminds the Hebrew Christians of all they had suffered shortly after committing their lives to Jesus Christ.
They were publicly harassed, persecuted, and their property had been seized.
As brothers and sisters in Christ, they stood together through such tribulation.
Now, after some time had passed, some were in danger of growing weary.
However, the author writing to the Hebrew Christians had confidence in their commitment to the Lord.
Hebrews 10:39
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
Overcoming Defined
Overcoming is the result of enduring conflict while remaining faithful to God through abiding in righteousness.
If conflict causes one to act in an unrighteous way, or even greater, to be unfaithful to God, then the enemy takes the victory!
The bible states that we are the servant of the one to whom we yield.
Romans 6:16
Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?
When our faith comes under fire, we must yield to the Holy Spirit within us.
The Holy Spirit is God with us. He remains with us and never forsakes us.
What Overcoming is Not
Overcoming does not mean things go your way.
Overcoming occurs when God’s purpose is accomplished.
“All things work to good,” (God’s good that is). (Romans 8:28)
Three Traits of an Overcomer
Three Traits of an Overcomer
Sincerity
To be an overcomer one must be sincere in their faith.
Consider an encounter a young ruler had with Jesus.
Mark 10:17
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Commitment
However, Sincerity alone is not enough. One must be willing to commit themselves to following Christ regardless of the cost.
Mark 10:21-22
Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
This young man had a sincere heart. However, he did not have a willing heart.
An overcomer possesses more than mere sincerity towards their faith.
The overcomer is committed to faithfulness to God.
Faithfulness
James 1:12
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
The need of first century Christians is much needed for the Christians living today.
We are in need of endurance.
Endurance > constancy under suffering in faith and duty
The author of Hebrews reminds us…
Hebrews 10:38 (The) RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.
The Requirement of Endurance
John shares with us the requirement of endurance is faith.
1 John 5:3-4
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
John shares with us the requirement of endurance is faith.
We must fully rely upon Christ. We must trust Him enough to obey Him and we must love Him enough to obey Him.