Overcome Doing God's Will

A few days ago we talked about Christ saying- 'I know thy works...' Also in Revelation along those same lines it says- 'He that overcometh...'


When we talk about overcoming we immediately think of action. How many people overcome things by doing nothing? You might argue that by stopping certain actions people do overcome various obstacles, but to stop an action often takes a lot of effort asked any addict who is trying to overcome an addiction, trying to stop something, trying to NOT do something. Overcoming is an action. So why do people often believe and fight to believe that the Christian life is one of inaction and just belief? Live your life any way you choose as long as you believe you're okay. It's not what the Bible says at all.


1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.


1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.


1Jn 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
1Jn 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1Jn 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.


'He that is begotten of God KEEPETH himself'


'Keep yourselves from idols.'


Do you see the close connection between believing and a reflection of that belief in our lives? Why would the Bible spout faith and believing and in the same breath say- keep yourselves from idols? That's an action. We have to keep our lives in line with God's. We have to follow God's will in all we do. We have to put God before us as we live and hold our lives accountable to God. We accept Him, believe in Him and through faith we do so. It's no good at all to keep from idols if we don't believe in God. People say being good is enough, living a good life, honest and upright, friendly and helpful, but the nicest person in the world will not be saved unless they believe in God and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. God first in all things. Jesus put God's will first in all things. It was God's will not His when He allowed Himself to be crucified.


Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.


It was Christ's will to do His Father's will no matter what it meant. That didn't stop Christ from saying to His Father- 'if thou be willing remove this cup from me'.


He knew God's will and was willing to do God's will, but at the same time if He had His choice He would rather not have to endure what was being asked of Him.


This is an example for our lives too. God asks of us to do His will, we don't have to like it. Too many think we should like it, but it's not always something enjoyable we are being asked to do. Give up ourselves and submit to God, this is hard and yet through Christ it is possible.


By the grace and mercy of our Lord may we seek to serve Him to do His will now and forever.


Amen.