Articles
Overcoming
Even the most casual observers admit that there is much evil in our world. The evil may be somewhat less than is reported in the news media, but it seems to be extensive, and increasing, nevertheless.
When a Christian becomes the victim of evil, the apostle Paul commands, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all....live peaceably with all....never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God....if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17‑21).
The last verse of this passage tells us that we have the option, and the ability, to avoid being overcome by evil. Even more amazing is the possibility of overcoming evil by doing “what is honorable in the sight of all” toward our enemies....feeding the hungry ones, and giving drink to the thirsty. In this way, we may heap fiery “coals” of shame or remorse on their evil heads. Even if they do not repent, we have the confidence that we have obeyed the will of God.
The Apostle John presents another case of overcoming. He writes, “....everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5). In another section of this same letter, he defines the “world” that needs to be overcome. He writes, “....all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions— is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:16-17).
Faith in Jesus Christ, and all that He represents, is the force to overcome the world, and its evil. That faith, preserved to the end, brings a reward. John published a letter from Jesus, who wrote, “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).
The other side of this subject is recorded by the Apostle Peter. “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first” (2 Peter 2:20).
The Christian can be overcome by the sinful world, but this renewed surrender amounts to a tragic “Paradise Lost.” However, through steadfast faith in Christ, and His teaching, the power to overcome is within our grasp, and the reward is magnificent.
