We Shall Overcome

By Pastor John Mateos Ong

Romans 8:31-34 says, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” These verses tell us that there is no one who can condemn us. Nowadays, little things can make others judge your whole person. No one in this world can defend you. Only Jesus is your defender.

Romans 8:35-37 says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Jeuss died for you so all you debts, past, present and fiture, are already paid by Him. No matter what comes your way, you are meant to win.

Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Winners are only good until the next season. It might last a year or so. But our victory lasts until eternity. Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ.

Why is it that many Christians live defeated lives? They equate victory to a worldly victory. They think once they receive Jesus, they also receive a problem free life. That is not true. And when these things happen, they begin to doubt God’s word and later on, they even doubt God’s existence.

The word overcomer in Greek is “hypernikao,” which means more than a conqueror, gaining not only a victory but a landslide victory. Whatever is the outcome of the challenge you are facing, you k ow that you have victory in Christ. The Bible does not say that you will not suffer. In fact, even Jesus suffered in this world. Luke 23:41 says, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.””

What made you think life would be easy?

Jesus suffered. While on the cross, one of the criminals says, we are ounished justly for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” This is in Luke 23:41. Jesus lived His life sinless, blameless and according to the will of God. Still, He bore the pain and was killed.

Jesus’ disciples suffered. In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas, imprisoned in Philippi, sang hymns and prayed despite their suffering. Their joy led to a miraculous prison escape and the conversion of their jailer.

In Acts 5:41, after being flogged by the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus, the apostles left rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name.

We will suffer too. John 16:33 says,

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” This is a warning. Is Jesus suffered and the apostles suffered, then you should know that you will suffer too.

Disclaimer: 1 Peter 2:20 says, “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” If you get persecuted for the good things you did, you will get rewarded. You do not get rewarded if you are persecuted for the wrong things you did.

How do you become an overcomer?

1. Expect the trials and persecution. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Challenges are not unique. Everybody faces it. Consider the worst options. Be ready for a plan B or even C. Give your best.

2. Seek the purpose. Malchi 3:3 says, “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,” There is always a purpose for doing something. Trials also have a purpose. Some can make you stronger. Some can humble you. They can also make you return to God. Trials are not random.

3. Be grounded in the word. Psalm 1:2-3 says, “but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” You need to enjoy reading the Bible. It is not a chore. How can you be dry if you are right beside the stream? Even when there are storms in life, dedicate time to read the word so you will get nourished. If it’s been a while since you last delighted in the word, it will show. What have you been consuming? Psalms 92:13-14 says “planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” The word is your fertilizer. Just like a plant that has been planted, if you do not put fertilizer, you will not grow well. Don’t forget that the seed is important but so is the soil.

4. Stay rooted with a family of believers. Hebrews 10:24-35 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Jesus is coming back soon. We want to be busy doing God’s will. God is using other believers to support and uplift you during times of challenges. Give each other truths. Stay rooted.

The sequoia tree is more than 400 feet high. But their root is only 6-12 feet long. Although this is so, their roots interlock with the roots of nearby trees making them stronger to withhold storms and other calamities. That is how Christians should be. Even if you are not so deep, if there is someone who can hold you up, then you will stand.

There are times when you think you are already defeated. But don’t forget that the king still has the last move. We are meant to be overcomers. He made you to overcome. God’s plans for you doesn’t end in defeat. His plan is for you to end victorious.