Overcomer of what?

“Fight the good fi ght 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.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“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 3:5

It is not always easy to be an overcomer, but it is worth it. Often we look at the fight required to be what Jesus Christ calls an “overcomer” instead of looking at the rewards.

But Scripture reminds us many times of a basic truth in life - the victor looks at the finish line, not at the hard work to get there (Ephesians 6:10; 2 Timothy 4:7; Philippians 3:12; Philippians 3:13-14; Romans 8:28;

1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Peter 5:10). Paul often referred to the discipline necessary for one participating in the games, and pointed out that we must also discipline ourselves, considering the higher purpose and the eternal nature of our reward.

Being at present, earth bound, a◊ects our viewpoint more than we would care to admit. We, in essence, become like Peter when, having stepped out of the boat, looked down at the battle instead of keeping his eyes on thegoal, Jesus. We cannot be overcomes if we are only focused on the immediate need. Soldiers on the battlefield win victories when they fight with the goal in mind. We too often enter the spiritual battlefi eld concerned only about keeping ourselves “safe” and that is the active work of Christ Jesus alone.

The victories we seek are not found by focusing on the immediate need, but on the goals our commanderin-chief. When we set our eyes on those goals (clearly laid out in His battle plans, available to us in His Word) then we “see” through the “present moment” to the glorious victory just beyond. Yes the view may be “through a glass darkly” but if we continue to focus beyond the dirty-worldlyglass (as if though the dirt to the glory beyond) then soon the dirt will disappear as our eyes fully “see” the Master of our life, Jesus.

◊◊◊

Editor’s note: Jim Duncan is the pastor of Mountain Bible Church, Mountain, Mo. He may be contacted at P.O. Box 146, Pea Ridge, AR 72751; or by telephone at 417-341-8504; by e-mail at james. [email protected]. His web site is www.jamesduncan-writer.net.

Church, Pages 2 on 10/30/2013