IF ONLY WE ARE JUST AN OVERCOMER!

1. If Only We Are Just An Overcomer!

a) Struggles come in all shapes and sizes - fears, addictions, persecution, and worries can all seem to take over our thoughts. 

b) God tells us that we will face trials, but that we should not lose hope! Be encouraged, God has called us to be overcomers! 

c) An overcomer is a person who overcomes something: one who succeeds in dealing with or gaining control of some problem or difficulty. 

d) What does the Bible has to say about overcoming struggles to lift our spirits and renew our mind:

Ecclesiastes 7:9
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

2 Timothy 2:23-24
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

James 1:19-21
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Proverbs 17:27
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

James 1:20
20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

1 Peter 5:7
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Romans 8:17-18
17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

e) Jesus will fulfill 7 extraordinary promises for those who overcome:

i) You will eat from the tree of life (Revelation 2:7).

ii) You shall not be hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:11).

iii) You will be given hidden manna to eat, a white stone, and a new name (Revelation 2:17).

iv) You will be given power over the nations, a rod of iron, and the morning star (Revelation 2:26-28).

v) You shall be clothed in white garments and your name will not be blotted from the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5).

vi) Jesus will make a pillar in the temple of God for you (Revelation 3:12). You will become part of the temple of God as described in Revelation 21. 

vii) You will be granted to sit with Jesus on his throne (Revelation 3:21) reigning with him.

f) So you see, we have much to gain if only we are just an overcomer in the sight of God!