JOHN 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I HAVE OVERCOME the world.”
JESUS HAS OVERCOME
Jesus words bring peace & good cheer! Tribulation and trouble is inevitable! The GOOD NEWS – Jesus has overcome!
BECAUSE JESUS OVERCAME, SO CAN WE!
JOHN 14:19 – Because I live, you will live also…
Jesus overcame the world, flesh, and the devil… So can we…!
I PETER 1:21 – …Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: …
WE ARE OVERCOMERS!
I John 5:4-5 – For whatever is born of God OVERCOMES the world. And this is the victory that has OVERCOME the world—our faith. 5 – Who is he who OVERCOMES the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Special note: When we are born again, we have been given power to overcome by faith in Jesus!
JESUS OVERCAME SATAN
At The Cross
Satan was also defeated by Jesus at the cross. Shortly before His death, Jesus said: … the ruler of this world has been judged (John 16:11).
THE RESURRECTION
Through HIs Resurrection, Satan was defeated! Not only did Jesus give His life for the sins of the world, He rose from the dead-breaking Satan’s power over fallen humanity.
HEBREWS 2:14-15 – … For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:55-57 – Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? ” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 JOHN 3:8 – …the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
THE Second Coming
When Christ comes again, He will have Satan bound and placed into the pit.
REVELATION 20:1,2 – And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years
The Lake Of Fire – The Ultimate Judgment. Eventually, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, marking the final end to his inglorious career.
REVELATION 20:10 – And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and sulfur, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Lives Of Believers
Jesus has defeated Satan through the lives of those who have believed in Him.
COLOSSIANS 1:13 – Who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
JESUS IS VICTORIOUS
Jesus won the Victory! He is forever VICTORIOUS!
REVELATION 1:18 – I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Special note: Jesus has keys of victory He gives to His overcoming church (Matthew 16:18-19).
JESUS CONQUERED DEATH
No human power can conquer death but praise God JESUS overcame it. You can be VICTORIOUS because He is alive & he dwells in us! That means his divine power & his ability dwells within us, giving us power to overcome also!
JESUS HAS ALREADY WON AGAINST SATAN
Since He has already won the battle – WITH HIS HELP WE CAN ALSO WIN…
The battle is on us! Our adversary is Satan! We are empowered to be winners because of the finished work of the cross!
THE DEVIL IS OUR ENEMY
REVELATION 12:12 – Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.
The Devil is coming at us with fury (intense anger; rage). Fury is any action carried out in great anger for punishment or vengeance.
A strong desire to pursue violence. That’s his plan — that’s what he wants to do to our lives – to kill us…
JOHN 10:10 – A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter (kill), and destroy. But I (Jesus said) have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!
THE DEVIL TRIES TO DESTROY, KILL, SLAUGHTER US
HOW? In so many ways… He tries to deceive us with wrong, erroneous doctrine; He tries to poison our mind with wrong thoughts; etc..
Our mind is the battlefield. He tries to poison our emotions with bitterness, un-forgiveness, pride, & bad attitudes.
GOD IS WILLING TO HELP US IN OUR WEAKNESS
ISAIAH 40:29 – He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
ROMANS 8:28 – (He will work all things together for good in our lives when we love Him).
WE CAN PUT THE DEVIL ON THE RUN…
James 4:7 – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you...
1 John 3:8: “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.”
Hebrews 2:14: “Christ took on human nature that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil.
WE SHOULD LOVE JESUS MORE THAN LUST OR SIN
DON’T LOVE WORLDLY THINGS
I John 2:15-17 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
John 14:15 – (Jesus said) If you love Me, keep My commandments.
JESUS EMPOWERS US TO OVERCOME PRIDE
Proverbs 18:12 – Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Proverbs 16:18– Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
WE CAN OVERCOME FEAR
Psalm 46:1-2 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
WE CAN OVERCOME ANGER
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
WE CAN OVERCOME WORRY AND ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
Philiippians 4:6-7 – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
John 14:1 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me.
WE WIN THROUGH FAITH
1 JOHN 5:4-5: For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
REMEMBER THAT GOD IS FOR US
Romans 8:31-32 – If GOD IS FOR US, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
WE CAN WIN BY SPEAKING THE WORDS OF GOD
Proverbs 18:21-The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Speak words of faith, love, & life!
KNOWING WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST.
You are a child of God.
You are loved.
You are blessed with all spiritual blessings.
You are redeemed by the blood of the lamp.
You are forgiven.
You are the victorious through Christ.
You are wonderfully made…
MORE THAN CONQUERORS
Romans 8:35,37– (even in sever afflictions)…in all these things we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS…
JESUS IS TRIUMPHANT — WE HAVE VICTORY & TRIUMPH THROUGH HIM
Colossians 2:15 – Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, TRIUMPHING over them in it.
2 CORINTHIANS 2:14 …thanks be to God who always leads us in (causes to) TRIUMPH in Christ…
I JOHN 4:4 – You are of God, little children, and have OVERCOME them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
REVELATION 17:14 – These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will OVERCOME them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
OVERCOMING BY THE BLOOD & OUR TESTIMONY
Revelation 12:11 …they OVERCAME him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
POWER OVER THE ENEMY
Luke 10:19 – “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Jesus)
PSALM 44:5 – Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.
WAR A GOOD WARFARE
I Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good FIGHT OF FAITH, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
MIGHTY SPIRITUAL WEAPONS
2 Corinthians 10:4 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but MIGHTY IN GOD for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…
THERE ARE INVISIBLE ENEMIES
Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
CONSECRATION & COMMITMENT ARE NEEDED
2 Timothy 2:4 – No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
BE SERIOUS – THIS IS NO LIGHT MATTER
I Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Special note: This is no joke! It is a life & death battle — lives are at stake…
RESIST THE DEVIL
James 4:7 – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he (the devil & everything that is from & of the devil) will flee from you.
OVERCOME THE DEVIL
I John 2:14 – …I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have OVERCOME the wicked one.
DESTROY DEVILISH WORKS
I John 3:8(b). -…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
WARNINGS
2 Peter 2:19-20 – …by whom a person is OVERCOME, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and OVERCOME, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.
MORE BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATIONS
OVERCOMING IN BATTLE
I Samuel 7:10 – …the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the LORD thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were OVERCOME before Israel.
2 Kings 6:16-17 (Elisha & his servant) So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
FAITH OVERCOMES
Numbers 13:30 – Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to OVERCOME it.”
OVERCOMING WITH GOOD
Romans 12:21 – Do not be OVERCOME by evil, but OVERCOME EVIL with good.
HOW?
Rejoice when we are persecuted for doing right (Matthew 5:11-12).
Bless those who persecute you, bless and curse not… repay no one evil for evil… (Romans 12:14,17-21).
Be a united family (I Peter 3:8-12)
Sympathize with one another; love each other as brethren of one household; be compassionate; courteous; tenderhearted; humble…
Vs. 9 Never return evil for evil for evil – insult for insult (tongue lashing, scolding, or putting the other person down).
Keep control of your tongue
I Peter 3:10 – “He who would love life and see good days, let him REFRAIN HIS TONGUE from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.”
Diligently go after peace and pursue it.
I Peter 3:11-12 – Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it… the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
TERMITE ILLUSTRATION
Termites are very destructive and damaging to wood, books, furniture, cloth, books, paper… Some even attack and destroy living plants with their nests of dirt mixed with saliva. It is estimated that in some places they cause as much damage as fire. Termites can’t live without water – cutting off the supply of moisture eventually kills them.
OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL TERMITES
What are some of the destructive spiritual enemies that are kind of like termites in our lives? How an we get rid of these things so that they do not bring destruction?
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
Hebrews 12:1 – …let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…
Acts 20:24 – …none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
REMEMBER THAT GOD IS FAITHFUL
Lamentations 3:22-23 – Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your FAITHFULNESS.
I Corinthians 1:9 – God is FAITHFUL, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS
PRAY… Luke 11:4 – (Jesus taught us to pray) …And do not lead us into TEMPTATION, but deliver us from the evil one.”
JESUS EMPOWERS US TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
FACING ADVERSITY
Take it PATIENTLY (I Peter 2:19-22) Ø God can work all things together for good when we love Him (Romans 8:28-30) ØAdversity will not automatically make us a better person..
BECOMING BITTER OR BETTER?
We must choose to become bitter or better as we go through the fires of adversity. It depends on how we respond to the troubles. We must have a desire to overcome, and to grow in ability to respond correctly…
OVERCOMING FEAR
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a SPIRIT OF FEAR, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I John 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
Isaiah 41:10. FEAR NOT, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
OVERCOMING ANGER
Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let all bitterness, WRATH, ANGER, clamor (fighting), and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
OVERCOMING PRIDE
Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Mark 7:21-23 – (Jesus said) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, PRIDE, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
I John 2:16 – …all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the PRIDE OF LIFE—is not of the Father but is of the world.
James 4:6 – “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
OVERCOMING UNFORGIVENESS
Matthew 6:14,15 – (Jesus said) if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Colossians 3:13. -…bearing with one another, and FORGIVING one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Ephesians 4:32 – …be kind to one another, tenderhearted, FORGIVING one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
OVERCOMING WORRY & ANXIETY
I Peter 5:7 – …casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be ANXIOUS for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
OVERCOMING DEPRESSION
Romans 15:13 – Now may the GOD OF HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may ABOUND IN HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5 – Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? HOPE IN GOD, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
Psalm 130:5 – I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And IN HIS WORD I do hope.
OVERCOMING BAD HABITS
I John 2:8 (b) – For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might DESTROY the works of the devil.
Colossians 3:8-10 – But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man WITH HIS DEEDS, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…
Romans 13:12 – The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the WORKS OF DARKNESS, and let us put on the armor of light.
I John 2:15-17 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
OVERCOMING THE DEVIL
James 4:7 – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and HE (the devil & everything that is from & of the devil) WILL FLEE FROM YOU.
USING OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS
THE SPIRIT & WORD OF GOD (overcome like Jesus – “It is written…” – Matthew 4)
…THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD… (Ephesians 6:17)
THE NAME OF JESUS; PRAYER; PRAISE & WORSHIP; THE BLOOD OF JESUS; PROPHECIES; etc…
REWARDS OF THE OVERCOMER
OVERCOMING MESSAGES
JESUS messages to the 7 churches in Revelation 2 & 3 are abundant with exhortations to BE OVERCOMERS!
Revelation 2:7 – …To him who OVERCOMES I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’
Revelation 2:11 – … He who OVERCOMES shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
Revelation 2:17 – …To him who OVERCOMES I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’
Revelation 2:26 – …he who OVERCOMES, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
Revelation 3:5 – He who OVERCOMES shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Revelation 3:21-To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:12– He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
Revelation 2:17 -“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’
Revelation 21:7– He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son
BUILD / EDIFY
A wise person builds their house, but the foolish tears it down (Proverbs 14:1).
Do all things for edification (I Corinthians 14:26; 2 Corinthians 12:19).
JESUS IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH — HELL WILL NOT PREVAIL
Matthew 16:18 – (Jesus said) …I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
Jesus is building His church with OVERCOMERS, like HIM! As OVERCOMERS, let’s build with Him!
Special Acknowledgement: Thanks to Ador Tejada for assisting with some of the preparation of this message and for sharing it at our online service.
