PART 28 I AM AN OVERCOMER

For When We See Him, We Shall Be Like Him

The way in which one lives is determined by that on which one focuses one’s thoughts.200

Our Christian walk is determined by what we choose to reflect upon in our minds. If we’re habitually dominated by the sinful nature, then our minds are controlled by what our body wants. Likewise, if we’re Spirit-filled, then our minds are sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, i.e., what the Spirit wants. What we allow to occupy our thought processes will have an impact on our spiritual state.

Being controlled by evil nature elevates sinful tendencies and decisions. Being directed by the Spirit is abundant life, joy (a happy life filled with every kind of blessing) and peace (rest and contentment in the circumstances in which we encounter). The choice is ours. As we grow spiritually, we’ll become aware of the weaknesses of our flesh. This provides us with the opportunity to learn God’s perspective and change the former destructive thoughts with uplifting ones.

If you’ve become aware through reading this book that you need to apply God’s medicine, His Word, in certain areas, then do so. And what will happen is that God will show up, i.e., He’ll provide you with Himself, His presence and guidance.

And don’t forget, you’re an overcomer in God’s eyes. If you have a misstep, confess it to Him and get back up by replacing the old ways with the new ways. And as you build yourself up in the Lord on a daily basis, you’ll manifest to others the victory that overcomes the world -- your faith.

I hope you enjoyed this study as much as I have the privilege of writing it. I’ll leave you with some verses that talk about how important our thoughts are. God Bless!

Romans 8:5 For they that are after (live under the influence of the corrupt and sinful desires of201) the flesh (the human nature) do mind (focus their thoughts on) the things of the flesh (of what their body wants); but they that are after the Spirit (who lives after the Holy Spirit) the things of the Spirit (to think only about what the Spirit wants202; those things which the Spirit produces, or which he effects in the mind203).

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded (think only about what your body wants204) is death (misery and condemnation); but to be spiritually minded (make it the object of the mind, the end and aim of the actions; cultivate the graces of the Spirit; submit to his influence205) is life (eternal resurrection life) and peace [repose (state of being at rest) and true bliss206 (supreme happiness; contentment)].

Endnotes

200UBS New Testament Handbook Series.       

201Barnes’ Notes.            

202UBS New Testament Handbook Series.       

203Barnes’ Notes.             

204UBS New Testament Handbook Series.

205Barnes’ Notes. 

206Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown Commentary.