Part 3: Be an Overcomer

God’s primary concern in history is the church. In Titus 2 we learn that God wants to present to Himself “His own special people, zealous for good works” (verse 14). That is where the focus of the Lord begins—not on the nations, not on the politicians, not on the military commanders, but on His church. We are first in the list of His concerns. If you do not take hold of that—and believe it—you will be easily frightened.

Repent

In Revelation, Jesus dictates messages to be delivered to the seven churches. To five of the churches Jesus says, “I know your works.” That is significant. It is not what we say, it is what we do that counts. Also, to five of the seven churches His first commandment was to repent. From what I know of contemporary churches, I would say the ratio would not be any lower.

Remember, repentance is the key to everything else. You can seek and call out for the blessings of God, but they will never really come your way because the first condition is repentance. I suggest that if you are struggling with problems in your Christian experience, ask yourself if you have truly repented. Turn totally from everything displeasing to God and yield yourself to Him in unconditional surrender.

Overcome

The messages to the churches in Revelation contain various main elements—commendation, praise for what is good, correction where things are going wrong, warning of judgment that may follow, and a promise. But notice that the promises are given only to one kind of person: to him who overcomes. I cannot find any promises in the New Testament to those who do not overcome.

In Romans 12:21 Paul says,

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” There are only two options: to overcome or to be overcome. And the only thing powerful enough to overcome evil is good. At the end of the book of Revelation God Himself speaks and says, “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son” (Revelation 21:7).