Monday Dec. 5, Overcoming Through Faith {Revelation 3}
In chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation, Jesus gives messages to the seven churches located in what is now the country of Turkey. In each case, the teaching of the Lord is clear; Repent, Believe, and Endure. A teaching Jesus means for each of us as well
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but He who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 4-5) The Greek word most often translated “overcomer” comes from the word nike which according to Strong’s Concordance, means “to carry off the victory”. As believers we are indeed in a battle. Everyday the enemy engages us in warfare and will stop at nothing to try and defeat us. But we can overcome anything he throws our way, through the strength of the Holy Spirit, and by holding fast to our faith in Jesus. And in return, here are some of the blessings God promises.
Rev. 2:7, “To Him whom overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in The Paradise of God.” Because of the sin committed by Adam and Eve, they were banished from the garden of Eden never to return and made mortal. But to those who endure, God will give access once again to the fruits of paradise and the gift of eternal life.
Rev. 2:11, “He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.” We will all die once in the flesh. Made from dust, our bodies will return to dust. The spiritual definition of death is to be separated from God. Here God promises that believers will never again be apart from Him. We will receive glorified bodies and will dwell with Him eternally.
Rev. 2:17, “To Him who overcomes, to Him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone, which no one knows but he who receives it” It used to be in the time of Jesus that at the end of a trial, the jury foreman would give the verdict by dropping either a black stone for guilty, or a white one for innocent. Through the blood of Christ, God declares us innocent and forgiven. He will provide for us eternally and give us a new name known only by Him.
Rev. 2:26, “He who overcomes, and He who keeps My deeds until the end, to Him I will give him authority over the nations.” As believers and faithful followers of Jesus, we are promised that we will participate with Him in the ruling of the earth and all of its inhabitants.
Rev. 3:5, “He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Until the return of the Lord, our job is to confess the name of Jesus to an unbelieving world. But there will come a time when Jesus will confess us to God and His angels, claiming us as His very own.
Rev. 3:12, “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God.” Jesus is the cornerstone and foundation, but we too will play an important part. We will be like pillars; strong, stable, and unmovable supports of God’s holy temple.
Rev. 3:21, “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne.” Right now, Jesus sits as the right hand of the Father, but one day He will be seated on His throne of David in Jerusalem ruling every corner of the earth. And just like He did with God, we too will sit with Him at His right hand.
“You will be hated by them because of My name, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13) We are living in dark times in a world ruled by Satan. And Jesus warns that loving and following Him wont be easy. But He also promises that because we belong to Him, the trials and tribulations we endure will pale in comparison to the glorious promises of God to those who overcome in faith to the end!
