Introduction

Pastor Greg's Notes

Lesson One

What does a life of overcoming look like?

1. Recognizes personal sin and Christ as Savior and Lord.

2. One where there is a desire to live for Christ and like Christ.

3. One that is not dominated by habitual patterns of sin and disobedience.

4. One that is growing in obedience and Christ-likeness.

5. One that is motivated by love for God and others.

6. One that is under the control of the Holy Spirit.

7. One that is growing in intimacy in relationship with Christ in prayer, worship and God’s word.

General Promises for a Life that Overcomes

I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2.14

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8.37

Specific Promise for Overcoming

Overcoming Adversity -- These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16.33

Overcoming Temptation -- No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10.13

Overcoming Evil -- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12.21

Troubles neither surprised Jesus or consumed Jesus. "In the world you will have trouble", said Jesus. Are you living focused upon the troubles or are you living toward a larger perspective of reality?

John 16.33 In the world you will have troubles, but be of good cheer, I have overcome.These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

A Problem - Focused Life

Constrained by the Past

Consumed by the Present

Concerned for the Future

Controlled by Circumstance

Comfortless

The Process-Oriented Perspective of the Christ Life

The problem I’m Facing is sifted through the Hand of God’s providence for the process of making me into person He has destined me to become in Christ.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3.1-3

A Christ-life perspective with Problems

Reaffirm your position identified in Christ.

Recognize that growing in a process of becoming Christlike

Relinquish your troubles unto Christ.

More than Perspective: The Promise of His Presence

Be of Good Cheer…(take heart, take courage, go in peace)

Jesus said, I have overcome.

He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon me.

Isaiah 26.3.