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sermon: He Who Overcomes

Struggle as an Integral Part of Spiritual Growth
John O. Reid
Given 06-Apr-04; Tape #659C; 70 minutes

Description: (show)

John Reid contends that intense struggle is, by design of Almighty God, an integral and necessary part of the overcoming process. Just as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon. These struggles lead us through this life in a way that develops the mind, character, attitudes, and skills we will need to handle our reward in God's Kingdom. We must learn from the excesses or shortcomings of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3: 1) Recapture that first love, 2) have courage under persecution, 3) do not compromise the truth, 4) hold fast to it even though persecution, 5) get busy with godly work, 6) hold fast, do the work, and increase strength in all obedience, and 7) purchase God's truth even through trial. The common denominators in these admonitions are to hold fast and overcome (with the help of our High Priest), resisting the world's temptations.

Topics: (show)

Balaam, Balak, Be defeated, Blah era, Butterfly/cocoon, Child rearing, Church of Ephesus, Christ as High Priest, Compromise, cleansing of the earth, Day of the Lord, Delegate and abdicate, Depths of Satan, Diligence, God's plan, First love for God, Form of Godliness, God's purpose, God's works, Gold tried in the fire, Holding fast, Jezebel, Laodicean, Little strength, Morning star, New Heavens and New Earth, Nicolaitans, Overcoming, Pergamos, Philadelphia, Prophecy speculations, Sardis, Season, Seven churches, Smyrna, Spiritual blindness, Synagogue of Satan, Tessera stone, Thyatira, Unexpected trials

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Several months ago, I was talking with Martin Collins regarding a paper that had been put out, by a man named Steven Collins, regarding a prophecy concerning the end of the world. In that prophecy he said, "You do not have to worry about Europe, because China is going to be the beast". So we have nothing to worry about from Europe, according to him.

Martin and I took a few minutes to talk to each other and exchange different thoughts on end- time prophecy that we had heard over almost forty years. I think we have heard almost all of them and none of them were correct. Even though we could denote the end time season, as John talked about this morning, we could not figure out the exact steps that were going to take place, the exact date of Christ's return, or what it would take to bring the end to come to pass.

It was not that we were saying to forget looking into prophecy, but more of the thought of putting it into perspective with what we are to accomplish. Then Martin described what keeps him on an even keel when these prophecy things begin to overwhelm him. He stated, that whenever he starts to wander, his mind brings him back to Revelation two and three, where we are told seven times "He who overcomes will inherit, or be given?."

The definition for 'overcoming' from The New Testament Word Study Dictionary by Dr. Spiros Zodhaites is as follows: "To be victorious, to prevail, to overcome, to conquer, and to subdue". This word overcoming describes Jesus Christ and His followers as being victorious over the world, evil, and all adversaries of His Kingdom.

The synonyms for overcoming are: To triumph, to have dominion over, to completely overcome. or cause somebody to be defeated, to be powerful, to be strong against, to control.

The antonym has such a discouraging sound to it: To be defeated!

Indeed, these days that we are keeping picture living without sin—to be unleavened—but the act of overcoming is the process we all must go through to achieve becoming unleavened.

This process is not at all strange to us on a physical level. We all understand that in growing up we have to continually overcome the problems of life.

We have all heard the story of the man who saw the butterfly struggling to escape from the cocoon. He felt sorry for the butterfly, and took out his pocket-knife and slit the remainder of the cocoon to make it easier for the butterfly to get out, only to find out that now the butterfly could not fly. The reason being that his wings were not strengthened from the struggle to overcome the cocoon. As he watched he realized that the struggle was all important to the future life of the butterfly.

And, brethren, as simple as that example is, it shows us that struggle is all important to life, and to our life at this time, to prepare us for the future that is awaiting us.

Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Job 12:7-11 But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? Does not the ear test words And the mouth taste its food?

When I read about the invisible things of God from creation, I always picture the beauty and grandeur of all that God created. I think of tropical paradises, our huge forests and sparkling rivers that seem to run forever, with their cascading waterfalls. I think of the huge ocean, the crag covered coast lines, and the thundering breakers. Of the sunsets, the beautiful heavens, and all the green fields, not to mention the marvelous animals and birds.

But I must confess, not once did I stop to consider the lessons in the struggles that all created life must go through to grow and survive.

We are told to go to the ant, and observe his diligence, and to view the ox and his strength, and the lion with his kingly power.

We all understand the survival of the fittest, an evolutionist type thing. But we understand that those that have to develop skills to hunt, and those that have to develop the abilities God gave them to watch and be able to flee. When we stop to view the creation, we marvel at the beauty, but do not often see the every day struggle that goes just beneath the surface.

For mankind, in general, it is the same. For men and women to grow and get ahead requires diligence, planning, education, and work. Even in doing most things correctly, unexpected trials come to the front that must be overcome (personality differences, political changes, natural disasters, health situations, market conditions, job problems, etc.). Life is not smooth, and it is not an easy road.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 (N.E.B) A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot. A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to pull down, and a time to build up; A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time for mourning, and a time for dancing; A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to seek and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away; A time to tear, and a time to mend; A time for silence, and a time for speech; A time for love, and a time for hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.

Here, we see that the works of men are subject in their results to God's will. Mankind feels that he has a free hand, or a free will, in all that he does. In all that man struggles with, there is a season, an appropriate time which God appoints for it to be done.

The word "season" means a fitting time to every purpose under heaven.

Solomon concludes this by saying: "What profit does one who works get from all his labor? I have seen the business that God has given to men to keep them busy. He has made everything to suit its time; moreover He has given men a sense of time past and future, but no comprehension of God's work from beginning to end."

This is something that God has given us. Jesus Christ in John 15 told us "you are my friends therefore I have told you what I am doing." We, of all the people on this earth, have had the veil lifted from our face and we have an idea of what God is doing, and we see God's plan.

God has seen fit that all men and women, unless their life has been cut short, experience all these happenings that they might be exercised by them; put through a routine with the things that come upon them.

Rich or poor, young or old, weak or strong, handsome or plain, all share in the above situations, and this is just a part of being a human being on the face of the earth.

I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

What is being stated here, is that mankind has to go through many trials, that we, to one degree or another, have to share. Just as the fighting to escape the cocoon causes the butterfly to be strengthened, our calling requires an effort on our part over and above what the world has to go through, to become free of Satan's cocoon that encompasses this whole world by its system.

We, who are called by God, have to understand that God has a responsibility toward us. He has brought us into an understanding of who He is, what He is about, the purpose of our lives, and the future He wants for us. Because of this, the Father and Son have the responsibility to see that we learn what is needed.

Philippians 1:1-6 Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in my every prayer for you making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever; forsake not the works of Thine own hands.

We should all be able to relate to this verse from the life around us. In the animal kingdom, adults train their young. In sports we understand it is the coach's job to train those he coaches to be the best competitor they can possibly be. As parents, we should understand the duty and need to raise our children to have good work ethics, to be honest, to develop character, to show respect, to be diligent in their studies, to develop their talents, and to have good morals. As parents, we know this does not just happen because we wish it to happen. Our children do not normally hang up their clothes, make their beds, have good table manners, do household chores, do their best in school, have proper morals without instruction, and follow-up on those instructions to see that good performance is there.

In the business world, supervisors are reminded that there are two words that sound alike, delegate, and abdicate. A good leader, who delegates will follow up to see that his instructions are carried out. The leader who abdicates will issue an order and just assume it will be done.

God the Father and Jesus Christ, delegate what we individually need to accomplish in our calling, and They will always follow up to make sure it is completed.

We, as parents, are not perfect in the raising of our children. We cannot see their future, and we cannot see the depth of their hearts. We have a difficult time relating to, and fighting, the perverseness of this generation and the peer pressure it presents to our children.

God the Father and Jesus Christ, on the other hand, know us intimately. They know our strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and the future they wish for us and what they expect us to accomplish. They know the pressures that are on us. With thoughtful care, they lead us through this life in a way that will develop in us the mind, character, love, faithfulness, and skills we will need to have for the future offices we will hold.

It is extremely important that we realize that God sees everything we do and that He knows our every thought and that nothing escapes Him.

Psalm 139:1-10 To the chief musician: A Psalm of David. O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.

This is what we have going for us.

Psalm 139:11-14, 23 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me," even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee, but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee. For Thou hast possessed my inmost parts. Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

God just has not called us and left us, He knows every single thing about us. He knows the good and the bad things, and He is going to work to help us.

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.

We all heard this on Passover night. This is the plan of God. In Revelation 20:6 we are told we going to rule with Jesus Christ for a thousand years, and if you do not think He is planning for that rule right now, you are thinking incorrectly. He knows who you are, all about you and He is developing the necessary skills in you so that you can rule with Him.

Our minds are so limited that we cannot begin to see the great offices God has in store for us. He has called a variety of personalities and abilities, and He will cause us to grow in the areas that are needed to fulfill the goals He has in store for us.

It has been said that the seven churches exist at this end time. Jesus Christ tells us to hear what He says to the seven churches and we are to apply them to ourselves and grow therein from those instructions. We will spend some time now in Revelation 2 and 3. We will start in Revelation 2:1-7 and we will go through all seven churches.

Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: 'These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works and thy labor and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them that are evil; and how thou hast tried them that say they are apostles and are not, and hast found them liars;

Here Jesus Christ congratulates this group on their labor and perseverance. They had the patience to endure over all the years of waiting for Christ's return. They knew their Bible, and could not bear those who were evil. They recognized those who were pretentious and puffed up, and they were not lead astray by them. They wanted no part of them.

Revelation 2:3 and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast labored and hast not fainted.

What a compliment. Jesus comments on their strong points in that they worked and persevered through an abundance of trials. At this time, we have fought to stay with right teaching despite the break up of the parent church, calendar groups and the many false teachings that are out there today. Through all of this the church continues on.

The thing Christ has against this era is exceedingly important. John mentioned it today.

Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless, I have something against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Jack Bulharowski gave a fine sermonette regarding this subject, and brought out that the church at Ephesus worked so hard technically, and were so diligent to stay faithful to the doctrines over a long period of time, that somehow the love for the brethren waxed cold for each other.

This, of course, reflected the fact that they had lost their love for God the Father and Jesus Christ. I know that when we look back to when we were first called, our love for God was great. We were excited about everything that God said. What food can I eat? We all read labels. "Is that animal fat?" we would ask

Each month we faithfully made out our tithe check making sure we gave God His tithe first, and then we paid the bills. We worked to keep the Sabbath as holy as we could and we asked questions about what we could do on the Sabbath? We asked all of these questions. We loved God, and it was so important to us to carefully please God in all that we did. We had a sermonette today on how children give their parents gifts—they love their parents and they wanted to give them something. We wanted to give God ourselves and to love Him. We were so conscience of God, that we thought of Him in every facet of our life. In the early days the ministry were asked questions like "What kind of car should I buy?" Anything the minister said was supposed to be good, and that was not always the case, but we wanted to please God, and somehow the minister was the answer to all these technical questions.

At that time there was an excitement in our lives over our calling and all that God was doing, and all that He would do to heal this world and bring about the wonderful World Tomorrow. It was an exciting time.

But over the years have we become tired and worn down? Have we become technical, factual, and focused on prophecy? In doing so, lost or diminished, the most important aspect of our calling, our humble, tender love for God? Maybe we have unconsciously let down on the commands of God, that early on in our calling, we so very much wanted to keep.

This is a serious question that each of us has to honestly answer in the privacy of his own thoughts, and this is the season to do it.

Revelation 2:5-7 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the works as at first; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, unless thou repent. But this thou hast: that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.'

Revelations 2:8-11 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'These things saith the First and the Last, who was dead and is alive: I know thy works and tribulation and poverty (but thou art rich), and I know the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death.'

Again, Jesus shows that He closely monitors what is going on in the church. He sees Smyrna's priorities, and faithfulness to their calling. He sees that they are standing firm in the faith, and the poverty that resulted from that, by those religions of the synagogues of Satan. He tells them not to fear, though some will be cast into prison to be tried. They are encouraged to be faithful unto death, and their reward will be a crown of life.

As this applies to us today, we too are to have our priorities straight. For us who have been given the truth, we are to obey it, despite all who come against us. Even though persecution may come upon us we are to stand fast.

It is good to note here, that the attitude and the works that this church possessed caused Jesus not to find any fault with it. It is the only church thus listed among the seven churches.

He concludes by saying, "He that overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death", as they will be a part of the first resurrection.

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated by all men for My name's sake, but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Revelation 2:12-17 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 'Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."

Here, Jesus describes Himself as the one who has a two edged sword, to divide the truth from the lies. The church is infested with men with wrong doctrines and lies, trying to destroy the faith of God's true people.

The good work of this church in Pergamos was that they carried God's name faithfully and proudly in the midst of dwelling in Satan's seat. It was quite a job, where sin and the malice of Satan was prevalent everywhere. They held to God's name even in the face of martyrdom.

He then states, that we should consider the compromise made, and not allow ourselves to follow their example. If we do pull away from Satan's influences, then we will receive the hidden manna or truth that is set aside for the children of God.

It is interesting to note here, also, that a white stone was given: the tessera stone. This stone had great significance. It might be likened today to a blank cheque, except it was on a stone. It has your name on it, and it had a gift attached to that stone. Some of these stones could be given to align families together, for example the Reid family with the Allen family. We are brothers, and this stone would be handed down from generation to generation. It could be given to sports figures that came out of the arena. The stone was an I.O.U. or a cheque in a sense.

Here, it is stated that such a stone will be given to us, with a new name which no man will know except the one that receives it, and perhaps our office will be on there too.

So we learned here, that we must truly avoid compromising at all costs. We must stay on the right track.

Revelation 2: 18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass:

This is the longest message to the churches. Jesus again starts out by letting the church know by referring to his eyes, like unto a flame of fire, that He completely and fully sees all that is going on in the church as a whole, and each member individually.

Revelation 2:19 I know thy works, and charity and service, and faith and thy patience, and thy works, and the last to be more than the first.

He starts off by mentioning their good works, such as their charity, or love toward others, especially of the household of faith. Their service, mainly of the ministry who ceaselessly worked to serve the brethren. Their faith, which caused the above works to be produced .Their patience and endurance through all the trials, and their growing fruitfulness. Ephesus lost their first love, but it would seem Thyatira was growing in their love. But still there was danger, and God held something against them.

Revelation 2:20-23 Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He that searcheth the souls and hearts; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Those who would seduce them would do so after the pattern of Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess. These seemed to have great civil power and their tactics were to cause some to worship idols, to commit fornication (by stating it was not a serious thing). They claimed to have superiority over the leaders of the church.

The enemies of God built quite a following, and worked to defy the law of God and seduce as many as they could. Evidently, the church could have got rid of this faction, or possibly separated from her, but declined to do so.

Jesus gave her and her following time to repent, but she showed no signs of changing. Her punishment is to be cast into a bed of pain, and her followers into the lake of fire except they repent. Again God tells us that He is the one that searches the minds and hearts and will give everyone according to their works.

For the rest in Thyatira who have not sunk down in the depths of Satan, God will not add any other burden.

Revelation 2:24- 25 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine and who have not known the depths of Satan [as they say] I will put upon you no other burden. But that which ye have already, hold fast till I come.

But the instructions, basically to them and to us, is to hold fast to what we have until Christ comes and do not associate with those who will work to cause you to compromise. Then He lists the tremendous rewards that will be theirs.

They would be given great power and dominion over the world and nations and knowledge and wisdom to rule over much. In short, they would share in the power of Jesus Christ at His return.

His power, and their power with Him, would be invincible. At last, all the changes that those who follow Christ long to make in this tired sick world will be made. The nations with their cruel perverted power will be shattered, and a new era will have dawned.

Jesus will give those who hold fast the morning star, and most commentaries feel this is indeed Jesus Christ who will be with us forever.

Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I know thy works, and that thou hast a name that thou livest, but thou art dead.

That is a terrible description. He again states that He knows their works and that they have a name and that they are alive but that they are really dead.

Hypocrisy and decay were the problem in this church. The outward appearance of the church was probably good, maybe evidently acceptable. There are no listings of sins, or movements to overthrow the ministry or the truth, but in the hearts of the people it is a whole different story.

They had a form of Godliness, but it was just that, a form. Prayers were lax or non- existent, as was service to others, fasting, dedication, and study. Godly works were lacking, and excitement about their calling had disappeared. In short, they were just going through the motions and they were lethargic, and about ready to expire.

He states that those who have let down should remember how they were called and what they were taught. They need to arouse themselves and to strengthen what remains, and repent and hold fast, otherwise He will come as a thief when they expect it not.

Revelation 3:2-5 Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard; and hold fast and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; 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.

Revelations 3: 7-8 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 'These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth:

I know thy works. Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it. For thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My name.

Jesus says these things, that He is holy and true, and He has the key of David, and He that opens and no man shuts, and he that shuts and no man opens.

Because of God's revelation to Mr. Armstrong, we know that the key of David is the identification of Israel. This opens up all of prophecy and helps us to understand who the nations of Israel are today and what is going to happen to them. We need to understand how prophecy relates because of this.

Jesus goes on to tell us that He knows our works, and that He has set before us an open door, which as Mr. Armstrong stated, and I believe that is correct, radio and television were thundered over the entire world. We were talking about the Pirate ships off the British coast. BBC would not allow God's program to be broadcast into England but the pirate ships stayed about 15 miles off whatever the limit was and they broadcast this program into Britain. This was indeed a door that God opened.

He makes the statement that we only have little strength. John Ritenbaugh has mentioned that we at this time, are probably the weakest of all the generations to ever exist. I think we will see



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