Every Christian can be an overcomer in 2013, if he or she will follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The Apostle John indicates to us in his First Epistle three items that are necessary in order to be a winner in all areas of life.
First of all, the Word of God must be prominent in our profession, as well as our possession, of practical spiritual living. "I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one" (1 John 2:14). The young men (to whom John wrote) became strong because the Word of God was abiding, that is taking root and remaining, in their lives. They were reading and heeding the principles contained in the Scriptures, and those principles were leading them to make right decisions.
Secondly, the Holy Spirit must control our every manner, motive and movement; as we live to honor and glorify our Creator. "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). The inward power of the Spirit of God produces "perfect" (proper and mature) outward performance. The assistance of Holy Spirit guarantees victory over the world, the flesh and the devil, as the believer gives him freedom to guide and govern in the daily affairs of life.
Finally, the gift of Faith given by God must be exercised in order to experience genuine victory. "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (1 John 5:4). If our faith does not excel, our ability to overcome becomes exhausted and extinguished. The flames of faith must increase, as the ashes of the flesh (old nature) diminish and dissipate.
Remember that Jesus utilized the book of Deuteronomy when battling against the devil (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). The Holy Spirit descended upon Him as a dove during His baptism (Mark 1:10). And His perfect faith in His Father prepared Him to pay the price of sin on Calvary's cross for you and for me (Luke 23:46). "He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son" (Revelation 21:7). Do you want to be a winner like Christ?
