Over the last couple of weeks, we have been discussing the different principles in the Bible that equip us to live the overcoming life. Knowing and understanding these principles will enable us to live the victorious life that Christ died to give us. Jesus did come to destroy the works of the devil (1Jn 3:8); and that’s exactly what He did (Col 2:15, Mt 28:18, 1Pt 3:22, Eph 1:20-22). Christians, often times, live as though Jesus did nothing; and believe that the big, bad devil has more power and authority than The Almighty God who lives in them (1Cor 3:16). That’s messed up. Satan loves “Woe is me” theology, and likes to devour those that have it (1Pt 5:8). It’s high time the church learned what it means to be a Royal priesthood; King’s kids; A holy nation; More than conquerors; Accepted in the beloved; Heirs of God. We are blessed!

So far we’ve covered: 1. The necessity of knowing God’s power (Phi 3:10) 2. The necessity of receiving God’s power (Act 1:8) 3. The benefits of praying in the Spirit (Jude 20) 4. The necessity of obedience (1Sam 15:22-23). Today we’re going to look at the last two in this series, which are: 5. The necessity of prudence and 6. The necessity of faith.

If you want to be an overcomer, you must be prudent. Prudent means intelligent and wise. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Ps. 111:10). A prudent man deals with knowledge (Prv 13:16); he wants to understand his way (Prv 14:8); he looks well to his going (Prv 14:15); he regards correction (Prv 15:5). A prudent man gets knowledge (Prv 18:15); he foresees evil, and hides himself from it (Prv 22:3). You can’t live the life of a fool, and expect to reap the life of a wise man. If you want to play the fool, then you’ll receive the fool’s reward. If you want to reap the benefits enjoyed by a wise man, then you must sow what a wise man sows.

A Christian who lives a foolish life and does foolish things; shouldn’t be surprised when it comes back to bite them. If you planted corn, would you be shocked if you reaped corn? Of course not. Then why are you shocked when you reap trouble for all the foolishness you’ve planted? For instance, if you want to sow being a drunk; then don’t be shocked when you reap: alcohol related health problems; having a hard time keeping a job; you’re marriage falling apart; your kids not wanting to be around you; and generally making a fool out of yourself. That’s the harvest you get. It isn’t God’s fault, nor is it the devil’s. I should know- I lived that way for a long time, and it was my own choice. But, as the late Waylon Jennings sang, “I got sick and tired of always waking up sick and tired.” Through the power of Jesus Christ, I got delivered from the bondage of alcohol. Hallelujah, thank you Lord Jesus!

Last, but not least, you must have faith to be an overcomer. The victory that overcomes the world is our faith (1Jn 5:4). We must have child-like faith in God’s Word; this is not an option (Mt 18:4, Lk 18:17). You won’t receive from God any other way. Without faith, you will not please Him (Heb 11:6). That’s why Jesus said, “Only believe!” (Mk 5:36), as well as, “Have faith in God!” (Mk 11:22). Faith is important to God. That’s why Jesus said, “When The Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Lk 18:8).

There are two times Jesus marveled in the Gospels. Once for great faith, another for great unbelief (Mt 8:10 & Mk 6:6). I don’t want Jesus to marvel at my unbelief. Overcomers believe. Overcomers have faith. Overcomers exalt God’s Word above the problem. Jesus said it is done unto us, according to our faith. Not His faith- our faith (Mt 9:22, 29, 15:28, Mk 10:52, Lk 7:50, 17:19). We often ask, “God, can you do such and such?”. However, God is more just in asking, “Can you believe me for such and such?”. We shouldn’t be questioning God’s willingness or ability to answer; but rather, our willingness and ability to believe. Only believe!

I pray you have been blessed and challenged by this series, and until next time, rejoice in the Lord! (Phil 4:4)