THOSE WHO OVERCOME

Identifying Christ and His people as those who “overcome,” is a dominant theme in the book of Revelation. It is the Greek word, “nikao,” and is used seventeen times, variously translated in English as “overcome,” “conquer,” “prevail,” etc. though it is the same word in the original. The seven churches in chapters two and three are each given a specific promise related to those who “overcome.” 

For this study, we will identify the characteristics of those who overcome as presented in Revelation 17:14 that reads, “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” In this chapter, the fiendish foes who will rise to oppose Christ are the scarlet woman and the scarlet beast—whom I identify as the False Prophet of a one-world religion and the Antichrist and his global governance. These oppose Christ, the Lamb of God, with the climax of their hate being the battle of Armageddon at Christ’s return, (Rev. 19:11-21). “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings,” (Rev. 17:14a). We will be in that victorious vanguard, “and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful,” (v. 14‬‬b). 

These are THE CALLED, “those who are with [Christ] are called.” They have heard the call of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit has summoned these to follow Christ. It is a work of grace that bids the spiritually dead to rise as Lazarus was called by Christ to come out of the grave.  Those who overcome have heard Christ’s call.

These are also THE CHOSEN, “those who are with [Christ] are…chosen.”  The Gospel call is to extend to all sinners, but is effectual only to those chosen—those who attest to that in their responding by faith to Christ. Our Lord taught, “For many are called, but few are chosen,” (Matt. 22:14). I think of the rich young ruler that our Lord called to follow Him, who sadly walked away. Those who overcome have been chosen and have heeded Christ’s call.

These are furthermore, THE COMMITTED, “those who are with [Christ] are…faithful.”  If you take the word faithful and turn it around it would define this attribute as those full of faith. These have not merely made a profession of faith, but are in possession of faith. The verbal commitment to Christ in their confession is validated by the visual commitment to Christ in their conduct. Judas Iscariot once identified himself as a disciple, but in the end proved his profession to be false.  He was overcome by the world, the flesh, and the devil rather than overcoming these as a true believer will. This is the perseverance of the saints. Those who overcome have been called, chosen, and are committed.

ENDURING TO THE END

We are not saved because we endure, but we endure because we are saved. The grace of God that saves us, secures us, and sustains us. Even though Revelation 14 speaks specifically of those who will come to faith in a future time of tribulation, it also applies generally to saints of all the ages, and their “patience,” that is, their perseverance, (v. 12-13).  Those who are blood-washed and born again belong to Christ and endure to the end.

We note their RIGHTEOUSNESS,  “here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” (v. 12b).  Because we are kept by the grace of God, we are governed by God and keep His commands. As has been said, “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”  Faith in Christ is the root of our salvation, but obedience is the fruit of it.

Further, we find their REST,  “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: ‘ “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” ’  ‘ “Yes,” ‘ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors,’ “ (v. 13a). The righteous who are faithful unto death need not fear death when it comes. If we are “in the Lord,” having a genuine relationship with Him, then we die in the Lord’s arms, as He rocks us to sleep, and carries us home.

Then comes their REWARD, “ ‘and their works follow them,’ ” (v. 13b).  The all-knowing God is documenting every deed done in His name and for His glory. Others may not take notice. We may never get recognition here, but we are assured of reward hereafter!  This reality is echoed in Hebrews 6:10,  “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

So, servant of God—press on!  Do not think about quitting!  So long as God keeps you here, keep true to Him, and He will keep you by His grace to endure to the end!

OVERCOMERS

Revelation 12 presents an overview of the great cosmic conflict between Satan and God’s people. His war against God is futile, as he has not even a sliver of a chance to overthrow the Almighty, so he rages against the people of God. Yet, we are overcomers, and Revelation 12:11 displays how we defeat the Devil. 

We overcome BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB,  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb…”. The word Satan means, “the accuser,” as he is described in the previous verse. He wants us to stand condemned, yet we can stand in confidence, for the redeemed have the righteousness of Christ. Our sins are cleansed by the blood!

We also overcome BY THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY, “And they overcame him…by the word of their testimony…”. Believers can confess the truth that rests in the testimony of the Word of God. That is the Sword of the Spirit. Jesus showed the pattern perfectly in defeating the Devil in the wilderness by speaking the word of God. We may follow His example.

Then, we overcome BY THE COMMITMENT OF OUR ALL,  “And they overcame him…and they did not love their lives to the death.” What is the worst Satan can do to you? Kill you?  Then you just go to heaven and isn’t that wonderful! There the martyrs are crowned and celebrate the goodness of God. You cannot strike fear into the hearts of those who have such faith!

Martin Luther stated it thus in his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

4 That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever!

FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran preacher in Germany during Hitler’s reign of terror. In his book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” he wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”  By this, he echoed the words of Christ, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” (Matt. 16:24). It is a spiritual principle. Every believer must die to himself and live for Christ. But, it can also be a literal experience.  It was for Bonhoeffer, whom the Nazis imprisoned and executed on April 9, 1945 as a martyr for Christ. 

We are called to be “faithful until death,”  and the Lord promises, “I will give you the crown of life,” (Rev. 2:10). The testimony of many saints through the ages has been sealed with their own blood. It was true in the first century. It is happening in the twenty-first century. Believers are being slaughtered by the Marxists in Asia and Muslims in Africa. 

We have enjoyed a season of peace and protection in the West, but that may end at some point soon. In fact, Revelation 6:9-11 speaks of a future period of intense persecution that is coming to the world.

Note that there are two reasons stated for their martyrdom. 

THEY WILL BE MARTYRS FOR THE TRUTH,”slain for the word of God.”  Satan, the father of lies, hates the Truth. Through the ages and in this future time, those who have courageously preached the truth of Scripture have found themselves attacked and even slain in an attempt to silence them. But, the Word of God is indestructible. Our Lord declared, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” So, may every preacher stand tall and stay true to the Word of God, whatever the cost!

THEY WILL BE MARTYRS FOR THEIR TESTIMONY, “slain…for the testimony which they held.”  These tenaciously hold on to their testimony under the threat of death. The world despises those who give absolute allegiance to Christ as Lord. The testimony of our salvation—that Christ is the Only Way, the Only Truth, and the Only Life—incites the fury of those who hate Jesus and His people. Let all the people of God be unwavering in their witness. Though most will reject it, some will receive it. 

Remember the words of the old hymn, “The way of the cross leads home.”

THE SOLUTION TO SLUGGISHNESS

 

Sluggishness is sinfulness. We are commanded, “do not become sluggish,” (Heb. 6:12), which implies three things. First, there is a temptation that we will settle into sluggishness. None of us are immune. Second, we need not surrender to sluggishness. It is a choice and God gives us the power to overcome. Third, there is a solution to sluggishness and it is given in Hebrews 6:10-12. 

The solution to sluggishness is a consideration of OUR FUTURE, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister,” (v. 10). Satan will whisper, “Your work is in vain. All that effort and what do you have to show for it? Nobody even notices. You need to step back and sit down.”  He is a liar! God is watching and He will reward you for all the weary work and loving labor that you do in ministry to the people of God. Just because you do not receive the recognition you merit or the reward you deserve on earth, does not mean you will not. That is for eternity, so press on!

The solution to sluggishness further calls for a consecration to OUR FAITHFULNESS, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,” (v. 11). Instead of being indolent, we need to be diligent. Our body belongs to God. Paul spoke of that consecration in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Christ purchased us with His precious blood. He gave His all for us and so now demands we give our all to Him. That is service that is “reasonable.”

Then, the solution to sluggishness requires a concentration with OUR FOCUS, “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises,” (v. 12‬‬). When we are weary and worn, it is easy to become distracted. We lose sight of the eternal treasure and slip into playing with earthly trinkets. There are many who do, yet there are a few who have relentlessly focused on finishing the race well. We are to focus on the faithful and follow in their footsteps. Hebrews 11 will set forth such models for us to imitate in faith and patience. Church history is replete with such stories of those who did not succumb to sluggishness, but strove to success.

Nearly half a century ago, I copied the following poem in my Bible to spur me on lest I become sluggish. 

Don’t Quit
by
Edgar Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
And the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than 
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up 
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit.
It's when things seem worst that
You musn't quit.

GOD REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS

In Flickering Lamps, the late Henry Blackaby shared these words:

A truth I have based my ministry upon is this: If you are faithful in a little, God will give you more (Matt. 25:21, 23). God will not hold you accountable for what you do not have. But, He will make you answerable for what you did with what He gave you. What is the best way to have more? Be faithful with the little you already have! The key, of course, is faithfulness. 

In the parable of the talents, the master gave one servant five talents, another three talents, and a third servant one talent. The servants with five and three talents immediately invested what they had been given. Investing is risky; it involves uncertainty. Yet those two servants knew their master well. They understood that he despised timidity and expected growth. They invested aggressively and doubled their funds. When they showed their master what they had accomplished with the resources given to them, he declared, “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!” (Matt. 25:21). 

The servant who received one talent, however, took the opposite approach. He feared he might lose the only talent he had. What if something unexpected happened? Better to play it safe by burying the talent and doing nothing. His focus was on his fear of loss, rather than on hope of gain. Ironically, in trying to save what he had, he lost it. The master declared: “You evil, lazy slave!” (Matt. 25:26). The little he had was removed from him. The master then declared, “Throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30). 

Every church has at least one talent. The Head of the Church has entrusted something to every congregation. The onus is on us to invest our resources in what matters to the master. At the day of accounting, there will be no rewards for having merely preserved what we have. Instead, the heroes will be those who took what their master gave them and invested it so they could earn the greatest possible return for their King. 

You will never make disciples of all nations if you only attempt what you think you can afford. This doesn’t mean you recklessly invest in every church growth fad that comes along. It does mean you let God set the agenda for your church and then you confidently obey His commands, understanding that God can well-afford to accomplish whatever He leads you to do. The crucial thing is not to attempt what you can afford, but what God can afford. What will Christ find when He returns to your church? (pp. 109-111, Kindle Edition)

THE WAY, WHAT, AND WHY WE HEAR THE WORD

The parables of Jesus recorded in Mark 4 are about preaching and teaching the Word of God, and how that supernatural act brings spiritual life and growth to those who hear and heed it. As we come to the Lord’s Day and the gathering of the saints, let us do so with confidence that God’s intended results will come from that life-giving Book. We are likely familiar with the parable of the sower found in Mark 4:1-20. It deals with the condition of the soil—that is, the human heart. Only the soil that produces a crop (in varying measure) is good soil—one out of four hearers in this illustration. The Lord does not change the thrust of his sermon, as He proceeds further with four other parables, that we will group under three headings.

First, consider THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD IN SHINING LIGHT, (v. 21-23). 

Sin is for the shadows. This is the dark depravity of the human heart. The preacher is meant to take the Word of God as a Gospel light to summon men and women from the darkness to Christ who is the Light of the World. Pastors need to speak plainly. The light is not meant to be stuck under a basket of confusion or under the bed of comfort. The first type of teaching leaves the hearer scratching his head and the second style, rubbing his or her eyes. The preacher is not there to impress the people with his profundity or confound them with his obscurity. They need the light of truth plainly and simply communicated.  The congregation needs to come with preparation—ears to hear.  The best sermon will not help someone who is absent or absent-minded.  This has to do with the way we hear.

Second, note THE RECEPTIVITY OF THE WORD IN SHARING TRUTH, (v. 24-25). 

The church member has a responsibility to be selective in what they hear. They must make sure there is an alignment of the preacher’s sermon with the truth of Scripture. Obviously, the church needs caution to determine if the instruction is doctrinally sound or theologically deviant. If you attend a church or are part of a denomination that has departed from the Word, then you need to depart from that congregation. Saturate the place with your absence!  However, preaching can be so basic for so long as to end up giving people a bottle full of milk, sermon after sermon, and never nourish them with a plateful of meat!  Again, we do not start with fundamental matters and move on from them, for there will always be those in the fellowship who need the simple Gospel for they are lost, with others who are babes in Christ needing to be spoon fed. Yet, the preacher must give more than that for others are eager to grow, being receptive to the truth. Expository preaching produces a well-balanced diet for all stages of spiritual development. It will sort out the receptive hearers from the carnal crowd.  Some will ravenously consume it as they know it is feeding their soul. Others will spit it out and move on searching for a sugary sermonette that puts them in a spiritual slumber. This relates to what we hear.

Third, observe THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE WORD IN SOWING SEED, (v. 26-‭32‬‬)

In both these parables, there is similarity in presenting the productivity of God’s Word when it is faithfully sown.  The preacher is not responsible for fruitfulness. He is accountable for his faithfulness. We do the sowing and God does the saving. It is not a product of human ability, but heavenly activity. The preacher must make certain to cultivate the soil, sow good seed in abundance, and prayerfully prepare in faith for a harvest. He must be capable of gathering and conserving.  Do not be disheartened if there seems small progress. God can grow a church into a large work, not only in terms of numbers, but in Kingdom impact. Preacher, trust God and press on!  This speaks to why we hear.

If the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed then there will be results. God has promised this supernatural impact. Everybody who sits under the Word will leave changed by it. It is to the welfare of those who receive it, “For whoever has, to him more will be given,” (v.25a). But, sadly, it is to the worsening of those who reject it, “but whoever does not have even what he has will be taken away from him,” (v.25b).

PATIENCE, PAIN, PERSEVERANCE, AND PRODUCTIVITY

 

The earth has warmed and it is time to put in the garden. We labor as we till the soil, stoop to sow, with weeding to come.  Sore muscles and an aching back may attend our efforts, and for what?  Nothing, then a little shoot—and more work. It is not a process that can be hastened. Yet, when in the fall, should God bless with the proper amount of sun and showers, the harvest can be gathered.

James stresses this as he speaks of the harvest and the hope we have of the final gathering of the saints in God’s granary in glory at the end of the age.  Note the words, “patient,” “waits,” “waiting patiently,” “be patient,” “Establish your hearts,” “endure,” “perseverance.”

Stephen Olford made this observation:

Was it not Hudson Taylor who told a young candidate for the mission field that there were three very important lessons to learn in God's work? The first was patience; the second was patience; and the third was patience. 

Paul says that tribulation works patience. This was undoubtedly true in Job's case. He certainly suffered affliction! And so did many prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 

Lord, if I should have to pass by way of tribulation, I do pray that I may learn the lesson of patience.  (According to Your Word, p.221). 

As we do Gospel work, we must be cautious not to merely seek “decisions,” though we certainly desire and pray for fruit. We may share the Gospel and there is immediate receptivity. Yet, in many instances, the labor will be long and patience is required. Some fields are more labor intensive and can test our resolve.  Our job is to persevere through the pain of criticism, opposition, defection, disappointment, and so forth. Trust the Holy Spirit to do His work, as we do ours!  God sent the early rain at Pentecost and there have been intermittent showers.  Revelation promises the latter rain and a harvest from every nation—a great blood-washed throng!

A caution that James gives, “Do not grumble against one another.”  One of the issues we find on the mission field is that the difficulties faced breed impatience not only with the results, but fellow missionaries. When we are dealing with disappointment at the lack of visible results—as Satan is fighting us tooth and claw—it is easy to be short tempered and divisive. Many missionaries walk away at this point and never return to the field.

FACING LIONS WITHOUT FEAR

 

Satan is pictured as a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). We may be sure that his offspring—lions and lionesses, often in the church—will lurk, ready to pounce. Paul spoke of such here, and God’s servants will face them. You may hear their roar, smell the stench of their breath, and even feel the pain of their fangs clamping down on you and claws leaving you bleeding. Yet, Paul tells us that we can face these lions without fear.

We can STAND for the Lord stands with us. Get your eyes off the lion and look to the Lord.  Ravenous beasts are no match for Jesus Christ!  He is the Creator and Conqueror and since He is with us, we don’t have to flee in fear. He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Nehemiah was threatened and answered, “Should such a man as I flee?”  Stand your ground.

We are STRONG for our strength is from the Omnipotent. The power of the Spirit indwells us.  While in myself, I am weak—in His strength I am more than sufficient to overcome my adversaries.  They whimper and slink into the shadows when the Lion of Judah, King of the jungle of this world roars!

We are SECURE since none can truly harm us.  What is the worst an enemy might do—kill us?  But, our times are in God’s hands. He numbers our days and when He is through with us, by whatever means He sovereignty selects, He will take us home. Paul was spared from the lion before, but soon would lose his head!  Yet, He was secure in knowing that would only deliver him to glory and the greatest gain of all!  As Luther sang, “the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!”

You can face the lion without fear!

A CHALLENGE TO THE MEMBERS

I commenced this message with a charge to the elders, and now I want to conclude with a challenge to the members.  

First stand faithful with your leaders (v.9-15). 

“Make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works. Watch out for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:9-15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Paul’s words are heartbreaking. There were many who abandoned him and others who abused him. I have been glad to watch people join the church, but I have grieved over those who have deserted the church.  Each is a small cut, and a pastor bleeds a slow torture each time. Other members, like Alexander the coppersmith, do great harm—and oppose the Lord’s word. Don’t be one of those!  

Stand faithful and stay focused on your Lord (v.16-18). 

“At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The ultimate focus of Paul was not the men who deserted him, but the Lord who stood with him.  He lived for another world—a pilgrim on a journey to the heavenly kingdom. His focus was on the glory of God.  Look up!

Then, seek fellowship in Christian love (v.19-22). 

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:19-22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Having a focus on Christ does not negate having fellowship with Christians. The church is His body. That fellowship is essential! There is urgency, the Apostle expresses, “come before winter.”  He wanted his cloak and his Scriptures (4:13)—the cloak to warm his skin and Word to warm his soul!  

What are you doing as a member of the fellowship to show love to your pastors and the people?  Are you connected to a fellowship now, where you can receive ministry from the Body?

COMMITMENT TO THE END

The Apostle’s commitment will be to the end, sealed in his own blood.  Here is his swan song—Paul’s last will and testament.

There are reflections on the past (v.7). 3 times, he reflects, “I have.”  Paul speaks as the soldier when he says, “I have fought the good fight.”  The old Gospel general has taken many a wound in his war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  He has faithfully worn the whole armor of God and wielded the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Now, he will lay his armor aside and head for home.  The battle is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a sportsman when he claims, “I have finished the race.”  It has been a marathon—a grueling race of endurance with many hurdles to clear, but now the finish line is in sight and he is sprinting to the tape.  The race is over and victory has been won!  Paul speaks as a steward when he asserts, “I have kept the faith.”  In his time, a steward was a household slave entrusted with his master’s possessions.  He was to manage them and invest them wisely, caring for the household. Paul had been entrusted with the faith—the body of Christian truth (ref. 2 Tim.1:11-14). The work is over and the reward has been won!  God help us to have this testimony in the end.  

Also, we hear a readiness in the present (v.6). Paul’s mind runs to his Jewish roots for an illustration—the pouring out of a drink offering on the altar as an act of worship.  His entire ministry had been a pouring out of his life for Jesus, the church, and lost humanity. The time for his departure from this world is close and he is not dreading it, but delighted in it!  Departure is a nautical term for boarding the ship, raising the anchor, and setting sail. Paul was boarding the Old Ship of Zion for a voyage to golden shores!

Thus, there was rejoicing in the prospects (v.😎. If we bear the cross, we will gain the crown!  Notice the reward is reserved for “that day”—the appearing of Jesus the second time. You don’t get the reward when you die, or you will get short-changed. Our influence lives on!  Only when time is no more will the final results be in and full reward be given. Not just for Paul, not just for preachers,  but “to all those who have loved his appearing.”  Do you love His appearing?  Are you looking up? Looking for Jesus? Living with expectancy and urgency?  Those who are most heavenly minded do the most earthly good.  Look up!  Live for eternity!

KEEP TRUE

 

This week we celebrate Christmas—the coming of Christ into our world. But, He was not welcome. He entered the world in a stable and was executed with three spikes.  John says, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”(John 1:11). In judging Him unworthy to be their King, Israel brought judgment upon themselves. That is the course our country is following. 

America is in a perilous position. The nation has faced many assaults in the past. Two weeks ago, on December 7, we were reminded of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor that launched us into World War 2. Now, another attack has come again from Asia—an unseen enemy.  

As physically deadly as COVID-19 can be to some, what has happened in our response is to jeopardize, “the land of the free and home of the brave.”  Growing government tyranny and the attack on cherished freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to bear arms, along with the decline of our economy through lockdowns, while embracing the butchering of babies in the womb and parading of perversion in the streets is more frightening.  I don’t take this virus lightly. I could die from it. But, the virus of sin is worse!  Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

How will the church respond to living in a hostile world?  The encouragement is that the church in its infancy grew and flourished in a pagan culture where they were hated and hurt.  So, may we.  Jesus promised that His church would march to victory and the gates of hell would not be able to withstand her. Paul was in bonds, but the Gospel was not bound (2:9). He was leading prison guards and prisoners to faith, and some of those soldiers would wind up as Imperial guards and witness to those of Caesar’s household!  He was penning powerful words that are still changing lives today. May God help us keep true!

BE STRONG IN SUFFERING

 

Paul underscores suffering here (v.9).  At the center of the Christian faith stands a cross. Jesus summons us to come and die.  Yet, the great paradox is that in dying, we live (v.11)!

Weigh, the standard of suffering (v.8-9). “Remember Jesus Christ” as the supreme standard of suffering. He never asks us to go where He has not been. Paul was following in His Master’s steps up the Calvary Road. Even as Christ by His death conquered the power of death, Paul’s chains did not bind the Gospel, but liberated it. No grave could confine Christ and no prison can shackle the Gospel!  

So, we are called to the sharing of suffering (v.10-13).  Our vital union with Christ is underscored by the thrice repeated phrase, “with him.”  It is in union with Christ that we have His might to enable us.  So, here is the sequence: first, the cross and then the crown; first, pain and then the prize; first travail and then triumph!  The faithfulness of Christ within you, will keep you faithful.

HOLD ON: BY GRIPPING THE TRUTH

 

Paul is saying to this young preacher boy to get an unbreakable grip on the truth—sound doctrine and systematic theology.  

Greek scholar, Kenneth Wuest said of this, “Particular words are to be retained and used so that the doctrinal statements of the truth may remain accurate and a norm for future teachers and preachers.”  

Do you have a grip on the meaning of words like, “justification, reconciliation, sanctification, glorification,” and what do you believe about the nature of God, the work of Christ, the person of the Spirit, the authority of Scripture, the mission of the church, and so forth?  

Paul names two among many who had broken his heart by failing to grip the truth and departing the faith: “Phygelus and Hermogenes” (v.15). Yet, there was another named who retained his grip on the truth and blessed Paul’s heart, “Onesiphorus” (v.16-18). Nothing so refreshes a preacher as to see those who serve diligently!  To look on the fruit of our labor and see them flourishing is a refreshing reward.  The former is to be condemned and the latter commended.

Will you be one that lets go and slips away or one who holds on and stays true?

HOLD ON!

If you knew that today would be your last day on earth, what would you want to say to those you love?  

What I would say to those who are the church family I have served for the last quarter century is contained in an envelope. I wrote it and had it on my desk since 2014. 

None of us are promised tomorrow. I thought, “If I died suddenly, what would I want Pole Creek Baptist Church to know?”  

Well, I am leaving, but hopefully in my Camry and not a casket. I have resigned effective December 31st. 

So, this series of devotional messages for the month of December is called, “Before I Go: Some Final Instructions.” These will be taken from Paul’s last letter in 2 Timothy. Paul was on death row, and wanted to give his young protege some final instructions for the church.  

His first call is to “Hold on.” (1:13). How can we hold on?  That is what we plan to explore this week.

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 12

Pleasing the Father

“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The concerns of everyday life can leave our zeal for evangelism quenched. Our ever-growing to-do list piles high with no end in sight. Errands are left undone, tasks unfinished and cares of this world begin to choke out our vision for the kingdom we’re really living for. We can so easily lose sight of the fact that, as important as these things are, this world is not our home. May we seek to cultivate our own love for the Lord each day, so that our desire to please Him trumps our busy hearts.

Pray that the motivation of your evangelism to your one is the desire to please the Father and the glory of His name. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

AGAINST THE FLOOD

“And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.’” (I Kings 17:1)

God promised, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (Isa.59:19). Ahab and Jezebel unleashed a flood of evil upon the nation of Israel, and seemed to be washing away the culture in a tsunami of idolatry. Yet, true to His Word, God raised up Elijah as His standard-bearer. The prophet was waiting in the wings and bursts onto the scene dramatically. We know virtually nothing about his background. The strategic point is he was God’s man for the hour, with a message from God and miracles from God to attest to his calling. He serves the Living Lord who created man and not a dead idol whom man created. He serves the God of Israel and not Baal of Canaan. God confirms the call of Elijah by sending a drought, showing He is sovereign over nature, and not the fertility gods of the heathen. Drought was one of the ways God said He would chasten His people when they sinned.  “And your heavens which are over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you shall be iron. The LORD will change the rain of your land to powder and dust; from the heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed.” (‭‭Deut.28:23-24‬). God can bring a nation—no matter how powerful they think they are—to its knees. He is looking for those who will carry the standard of Scripture and stand against the flood of wickedness. Will you be one?

FAITHFUL TO THE CALL

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,” (I Timothy‬ ‭1:12‬‬)

In Gospel ministry, it is easy for the pastor to be focused on fruitfulness. He looks for results—with a twofold temptation. He may be discouraged when the numbers of people professing faith and attending worship are in decline. He is tempted to give up. If, on the other hand, it is a season of growth—more bottoms in the pews and more bucks in the plate, he may be tempted to puff up.

It isn’t that fruitfulness is unimportant. Jesus said that the Father is glorified when we bear much fruit (John 15:8). The key to such fruitfulness is abiding in Christ—a vital and vibrant connection to His life within us (John 15:1-7). Yet, our ability to discern how fruitful we are is not always easily measured here and must await the judgment of Christ hereafter. A congregation may increase numerically through carnal means—a mile wide and an inch deep—or, the soil may be rocky, shallow, and weed-infested in the main (Matt.13:3-7) with small numbers growing spiritually (v.8) in ways hard to detect—such as in love (John 15:9, 17), obedience (v.10), joy (v.11), devotion to Christ (v.12-15), answered prayer (v.16). The church may not attract a lot of people, but be scorned by the world (v.17-25). The rejection of the world may indicate their connection to Christ!

So, yes, seek to be fruitful in ministry, but focus on being faithful. Our fruitfulness, as God evaluates it, will rest in our faithfulness. A farmer may be faithful in a season of drought and see little fruit. There are some things beyond his control. What is always within his control is faithfulness to the task. Thus, God is looking for faithful men. Paul rejoices in our text that God had “counted me faithful.”

Although we must surrender ourselves in sacrificial service to the Lord, nonetheless this is an indicator of God’s grace at work in us and through us, so that even in this we must give Him glory and not claim it for ourselves. Paul speaks of how God employed him—“putting me into the ministry”—and enabled him—“Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me.”  As the Apostle was grateful for the grace of a call to Gospel ministry, so must we, who have such an assignment, be filled with awe that God would choose us!

So, as a pastor facing another Lord’s Day tomorrow, let us prepare our souls spiritually in seeking the Spirit of God and prepare our sermons dutifully in studying God’s Word. Then, let us be faithful to preach the truth in love, without fear or favor, trusting in God to make us fruitful.

GLORIFYING OUR GREAT GOD

“You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name.” (Deut.10:20)

We respond to the greatness of God by giving Him glory.  As we consider Him, we are to “fear the LORD your God....”  To fear Him is to hold Him in reverence.  The outgrowth of fear should be the fruit of faithfulness.

This brings faithfulness in service, “you shall serve Him….”  He is the Great King and we are to be His loyal subjects.  You don’t disobey or delay when He commands.
 
Then, there will be faithfulness in steadfastness, “to Him you shall hold fast….”  Our life will not be wishy-washy or half-hearted.  His greatness means we do not abandon Him for another, for Who else can compare to Him?

Further, this means faithfulness in speech, “take oaths in His name.”  Because the very nature of our great God is truth—His attribute called immutability—then our word is to be our bond.  Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)  If we have treasured God in our hearts—stored up an awareness of His greatness—then we would want nothing to come from our lips or our lives that would cause men to diminish Him in their eyes.  Certainly, we will not take His name in vain—a fundamental commandment.  His name is too great and sacred.  What we say and our commitment to following through is a reflection of our apprehension and acknowledgment of God’s greatness or it will be a denial of it.

THE COST OF CONVICTION

I wonder if we have considered much the suffering of our forbears who remained faithful to the Lord and His Word under threat, imprisonment, torture, and death?  I am reading, “The Story of the Baptists,” by Richard Cook, and there are many accounts of their persecution.  One I read today was of Pastor John James, who in London was “dragged by force out of his pulpit to prison” October 19, 1661. Witnesses perjured themselves as he was accused of “treasonable language against the king.”  He would be sentenced “to be hanged, drawn and quartered.”  The author states, “His death was a glorious one. ...he was calm, patient and forgiving, and exhorted those around him. His last words were, ‘Father into thy hands I commend my spirit.’”

In far too many places in our world today, we hear of such treatment of our brothers and sisters—India, China, Iran, Syria, Nigeria, and other spots.  Because America’s founding fathers established a country with religious freedom—having fled tyranny to come to here—we have enjoyed protection from such attacks.  The increasing secularism of the nation and pronouncements of courts indicate this may not hold much longer.

What would I do if I faced the challenge which came to John James, and so many other faithful Christians?  Would I stand?  How strong, how real is our faith?  God preserve us, and if it is Your will that we suffer, grant us grace to be faithful.

 “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:12-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬