Overcomers

“ … to him who overcomes.”  (7 times in Revelation 1-3)

Observation

When Jesus Christ spoke to the seven churches as recorded in the book of Revelation, He delivered a different commendation and criticism to each church.  These seven churches were very unique, but they all had one thing in common.  Their members were called to become overcomers.  To each of the individuals in each of the churches He said, “To him who overcomes,” and made a promise of reward for victors.

What must Christ-followers overcome?   Wicked men (2:2), imposters (2:2), hardships (2:3), afflictions (2:9), poverty (2:9), slander (2:9), suffering (2:10), persecution (2:10), martyrdom (2:13), immorality (2:21), lukewarm living (3:16), self-deception (3:16).

What does it take to overcome?  Hard work (2:2), perseverance (2:2,3; 2:19; 2:25), discernment (2:3), endurance (2:3; 3:10), repentance (2:5; 2:15; 2:21; 3:3; 3:19), courage (2:10), faithfulness (2:13), personal awakening (3:2; 3:3), obedience (3:3; 3:8; 3:10), patience (3:10); recognition of condition (3:18)

What awaits overcomers?  All the rewards mentioned by Christ in Revelation 1-3 are to be inherited by victors.  One victor’s prize is reigning and ruling over the nations as His representative (see 2:25-26). (This indicates there will be nations, societies, etc. on this rebuilt planet).

Application

I will have my own afflictions, hardships, challenges and problems.  Mine won’t be exactly like Linda’s, or exactly like anyone else’s for that matter.

I do have one thing in common with every other believer however.  I must persevere and endure life’s negative in order to experience the positive - reigning and ruling over the nations as Christ’s representative.

Prayer

Lord, I want to be a victor by the power of the Spirit so I can reign and rule with you one day soon.