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Through the years, I have pastored thousands who have been called to God's Way. All struggled
against the pulls of the flesh and the temptations of Satan and his world. Some overcame. Others
did not. So many seem trapped, unable to overcome—to
grow in areas of weakness, fault and sin. Instead of overcoming and defeating their
problems, most are overcome and defeated by their problems. This need not be! You can
overcome. This broadcast reveals how.
The World to Come. The Restored Church of God presents David C. Pack. Author of 80 books
and booklets. Editor-in-chief of The Real Truth magazine. Read by countless and growing
numbers in every nation and territory of the world. In a violent age full of bad news.
Answering life’s greatest questions straight from the Bible, and announcing the wonderful
good news of the World to Come. And now, David C. Pack.
Jesus Christ said, "Enter you in at the strait [or difficult] gate: for wide is the gate,
and broad [or easy] is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go
in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life,
and few there be that find it." Most seek the easy, broad path.
Overcoming is hard—difficult—and a life-long struggle. But it is possible. In fact, true
Christians must overcome! This world is drifting along, completely unaware
of God's great purpose for man, which is to build character in this life. He is preparing
a team who have qualified to help restore His government to Earth at Christ's Return.
The Bible is filled with accounts of God's greatest servants battling sin. In every case,
they had to learn difficult, painful lessons. Examined collectively, Moses, Noah, David,
Samuel, Peter, Paul and others are seen to have fought every problem known to man.
They struggled against sins, weaknesses, faults, attitudes, and temptations of the flesh. David
fought sins and wrong attitudes and overcame them. Moses lacked faith and confidence, and
had a temper he had to overcome. Yet he will hold high office in God's kingdom. Both Job
and Elijah fought discouragement and depression, to the point of wanting to die. But these
men endured—they overcame. They slew their problems, rather than being slain by them!
These men were actively trained by God, and had to overcome the temptations of Satan and
his world, and the pulls of the flesh. A true Christian overcomes his problems, weaknesses,
sins and wrong attitudes, rather than the other way around!
Jesus said, "He that overcomes, and keeps My works unto the end, to him [no one else]
will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron," and added,
"To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame,
and am set down with My Father in His throne." When Christ re-establishes God's government
over all nations of Earth, Christians will receive real power to rule. But first they
must overcome. Christians follow—they copy—Christ (see
I Peter 2 and verse 21). What is the pattern He established for them?
Referencing His own struggle to remain free of sin and perfect in character, Jesus said,
"In the world you shall have tribulation [so very true!]: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world." Christ had overcome both the world and its god—Satan (II Corinthians
4:4) and qualified to rule. Just as He qualified to replace Satan, so must all Christians!
Such enormous power to rule could never be given to people who are unprepared—who have
not qualified to properly use it. God will not hand great authority to people who might
rebel and revert to Satan's ways. God's servants must use this life to build His very character,
so necessary for those holding offices of authority.
Understand! You have been yielding to the flesh and Satan's way your entire life. You
have probably become very good at both. Believe me, as you strive to overcome and resist the
pulls at work within you, you will find that wrong patterns of conduct are "second nature"
to you—more than you know! Left unchecked, human nature consists of vanity, jealousy,
***, greed, envy, resentment, hatred, anger, pride, rebellion, foolishness, deceit and
hostility toward God. This is what you have been practicing—possibly for decades.
Overcoming will not be easy or happen overnight. It is a lifelong struggle against well-established
attitudes and a former way of life the Christian has now rejected and turned from. The one
who is walking God's path is striving to curb and withhold himself wherever God's Word instructs.
He strives to exercise himself in all matters where God says to do so. When God gives instruction
to do something, he strives to do it! When God instructs not to do something, he strives
not to do it! Learning this takes a lifetime. But remember:
Building character is why you were born. Your job is to put off the fleshly pulls of human
nature, and to put on the character of God and Christ. Though not easy, the reward is
great. God looks on intent. It is your overall desire
and motivation that is important to Him. He wants to know if, after you sin, you are sorry
for it and are determined to do better. He understands the temptations that beset us
even better than we do. He watches to see if we will be sober and vigilant as we root
sin from our lives. Will we carelessly fall back into old patterns? Will we try to overcome
on human strength alone? A Christian is led by God's Holy Spirit. Acts
2 and verse 38 shows it enters at repentance and baptism. It is this Spirit in a converted
mind that empowers one with the strength to change what human steam alone cannot. Notice:
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound
mind." The Greek for power is dunamis. It means "miraculous
power or force." At conversion, a Christian is given real power! This power establishes
the righteousness of God within one's character. One must draw upon the strength from God's
Spirit to successfully overcome. This strength is unlimited and sufficient to defeat any
sin, problem or attitude—no matter how large and foreboding such may appear!
But make no mistake! Christians do not build their own righteousness. This does not impress
God. He sees it as so many filthy rags. The apostle Paul wrote of his Christian hope to
"be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through
the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."
Exactly what role does faith play? It does play a role, but how? Ephesians states, "By
grace are you saved through faith; and that [the faith] not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." The faith of Christ in us is a gift.
And salvation comes as a gift, by grace—through faith! But even the faith must be a gift.
Otherwise, it would be a work generated by human effort. (My booklet What Is Real Faith?
carefully explains this subject.) It is the very faith of Christ that works
in a Christian. But grasp this. It does assist in performing works in all those led by God's
Spirit. These expect God's help. Virtually all theologians, religionists and
churchmen stop reading after Ephesians 2 verses 8 and 9 and ignore the crucial verse 10: "We
are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained
that we should walk in them." Quite literally, Jesus Christ lives His life
in the Christian. Without His help, one will get nowhere—fast!
Jesus said, "Bring forth much fruit," and then, "Without Me you can do nothing." Human
power only helps a person overcome in physical areas. Spiritual problems cannot be conquered
through physical effort. Christ is the Vine and Christians are the branches—branches
must be connected to the Vine. This happens through God's Spirit working in your mind.
When speaking of how God's Spirit works, Jesus said, "Out of his belly [the Christian’s]
shall flow rivers of living water. But this spoke He of the Spirit." As the Christian
performs good works, the Holy Spirit flows out of him. It does good works. So it must
be replenished, or it will be depleted and disappear.
Paul wrote, "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." Jesus also said,
"With God all things are possible." With God's Spirit actively working and growing in you,
this can also be true of you! Remember! Deep conversion does not occur overnight.
Paul wrote that some were "[babies] in Christ." He described how they required spiritual "milk,"
instead of "meat." The brand new Christian is much like an infant. By analogy, he first
learns to roll over, then crawl, before walking (and, at first, in an unsteady, toddling fashion).
Only later does he finally learn to run (spiritually). Paul compares conversion to running a race.
At some point, the runner must develop speed, because Paul says, "run, that you may obtain
[win]." Such is the Christian way. Slow, steady growth, through daily practice, produces progress
in the life of the person copying Christ. The new Christian sincerely strives, from
the heart, to be different—to turn around and go the other way, the Way of God, for
the rest of his life! Be ready to apply yourself—to push to grow and overcome. Do not expect it
to be easy, like falling off a log. Grow in knowledge as well.
Jesus taught His disciples to understand the pulls of human nature at work within them.
Notice: "That which comes out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out
of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts,
covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness."
These same attitudes, pulls of the flesh and wrong patterns of conduct also work within
you and me. They leave us fertile for temptation by Satan. Therefore, many kinds of temptations
will be thrown at you all through life. You must successfully resist them. They will often
come when you least expect them. The devil will try to strike where you are weakest—most
vulnerable—least prepared. You must be on guard—ready! Do not assume you are stronger
or more prepared than you think. Consider: "Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest
he fall." Now notice how temptation can turn into sin:
"Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own ***, and enticed. Then when ***
has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death."
Put out wrong thoughts. Don't ease up or assume victory before they are gone!
The apostle Peter added, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." And James instructed, "Submit yourselves therefore
to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Peter further instructed, "Whom
resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your
brethren that are in the world." This verse offers encouragement: You are not
alone in your struggle to overcome sin. All human beings face the same problems. Understand!
"All have sinned" and "Sin is the transgression of the law." God promises, "Sin shall not
have dominion over you." Here is how Paul explained forces at work
within him: "That which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what
I hate, that do I…the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not,
that I do." This pictures what we all face after conversion.
When you feel like this, battle! Resist! Use God's power within you. Call out to Him for
help and always remember that you must "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded." Fulfilling
this verse is not an overnight process. It takes time and much effort.
Seek God through earnest, regular, believing prayer. Commune with God daily. Pray without
ceasing. Study your Bible. Drink it in as God talking to you personally in the same
way prayer is you talking personally to Him! Never forget that "There has no temptation
taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to
be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,
that you may be able to bear it [or escape]." This is God's sure promise to all who seek
to overcome! Resisting the temptation of the devil was
central to Jesus overcoming sin. Matthew 4 contains the account. The devil repeatedly
tempted Christ, and in various ways. After being offered all kingdoms of the world,
Christ rebuked Satan, stating, "Get you hence, Satan." Jesus told the devil to "get out."
At this point, the temptation ended and the devil departed. Christ had successfully resisted!
Be prepared to tell Satan to get out of your life as often as you have to. Resist him by
submitting to God in all things! Jesus passed a very real test! He overcame
the world, His flesh and the devil in overcoming sin and qualifying to pay for the sins of
the world. You can overcome in the same way Christ did.
Applying the following seven basic steps will help you overcome any problem. They represent
principles that will work in the process of overcoming no matter the size of your problem
or problems. If you diligently apply them, they will be
a formula that will help you to permanently overcome in your life.
The World to Come will continue. In addition to the literature ordered with this program,
you will receive a free one-year subscription to The Real Truth! This magazine answers the
question, why so much bad news in today's headlines? It explains the root causes behind
the bad effects and points to the good news of the only possible solution—the soon-coming
kingdom of God! Your subscription is free with any literature order.
First, honestly face the problem. Many people will not do this. They hide their eyes from
reality. Notice: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can
know it? [or who would believe it?]" Most willingly deceive themselves about their problems.
Look your problems right in the eye and see them for what they are.
(2nd) Do not get discouraged. It is very easy to get disheartened—discouraged—upon acknowledging
your problems. This is natural. Paul wrote of those "troubled on every side, yet not
distressed…perplexed, but not in despair." You may feel this way facing your problems,
but don't get discouraged. Move to the next step.
(3rd) Set your will. Absolutely determine that you are going to defeat each particular
problem and that each will not defeat you! Take a do-or-die approach. It has been said
that the hardest battle is the first battle. Set your will to address each sin successfully.
Tell yourself you are going to defeat it—you are going to rip it from your character. But
again recognize you cannot fight the battle on your own. This leads to step 4.
Form a partnership with God. If you set out to overcome on human strength alone, you will
fail. Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Jesus said,
"I can of My own self do nothing." On another occasion, when speaking to His disciples about
those with certain things to overcome, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible; but with
God all things are possible." Believe Jesus’ words. If He could do nothing on His own,
neither can you. Be sure you have formed a partnership with God—that you are not working
on your own. (5th) Start right where you are. Admit the
problem is whatever size it is. Neither overstate nor understate it. If it is a big problem,
admit it! This is part of honestly facing the problem. If you are trying to overcome
any pull of the flesh or temptation that has existed for a long time—that has been part
of you for many years—admit the size of the problem. It has been said, "The longest
journey begins with a single step." That is true for the Christian. No matter how long
it takes, or where you are when you start, begin wherever you find yourself. If you have
wasted time before addressing the problem, admit it and "Redeem the time."
(6th) Be willing to pay the price. The Bible describes some who "grow weary" and "faint
in the day of adversity" and that "their strength is small." Notice: "Let us not be weary in
well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Everything of value in life
comes at a cost—a price. Sometimes this involves pain, suffering. Pay the price. Even
Christ, the Bible says, "Learned obedience by the things which He suffered." No one enjoys
pain, but sometimes it is inescapable in the overcoming process.
(7th) Do not give up before you have succeeded. Solomon wrote, "A just man falls seven times
[the Hebrew is actually many], and rises up again." Do not give up. Never quit! Wrestle,
battle and struggle until you have completely overcome whatever obstacle, weakness, sin
or problem you are facing! Follow these points, always employing one
step at a time. They have helped many win the war of overcoming!
Jesus also taught, "He that endures to the end shall be saved." A life of growing and
overcoming is a constant, daily struggle against fleshly temptation. But Christians are now
being judged: "The time is come [Peter wrote] that judgment must begin at the house of God:
and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of
God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved [get that!], where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?" Paul knew he was being judged. Let's read:
"Know you not [of course most do not] that they which run in a race run all, but one
receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain [or win]. And every man that strives for the
mastery [that’s the championship or victory] is temperate in all things. Now they [non-Christians]
do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we [Christians] an incorruptible. I therefore
so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I…lest that by any means, when I have preached to
others, I myself should be a castaway [a failure or loser]" and "Let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that
is set before us." Paul saw Christianity as wrestling against
the wiles of the devil and said to "Press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus." He knew it takes great effort to win a long race.
Paul represents a classic example of how one of God's greatest servants fought to overcome
sin. At the end, he could say that he had "fought a good fight" and had "finished his
course" knowing a "crown" awaited him. But this did not happen without much running,
wrestling, pressing, fighting and warring against the human nature he strove to overcome.
He also knew his race was a marathon, not a sprint.
Adults require 15 to 20 years just to reach a certain height. This long, physical growth
process probably included a number of "growing pains." No doubt, you fell and skinned your
knee or bloodied your nose many times before reaching adulthood. Christianity is no different!
Do not become discouraged and quit growing, any more than a child should quit life simply
because he may have fallen or skinned a knee. When your child falls, you tell him to get
up—this is part of life. Christianity is no different!
Children always want to grow up faster than life's timetable permits. Though childhood
is wonderful, it seems most young people cannot wait for adulthood. Christianity is no different!
But full, mature Christian adulthood only comes after a long period of practicing the
right way. Perfection is a goal that carries with it
a way of life that governs one's every thought, action and word. God looks on the heart, the
intent of a person who is yielded to Him. As long as he is spiritually growing and overcoming—and
led by God's Spirit—he remains a converted, begotten son of God.
It is only through regular prayer, Bible study, meditation and even fasting (going without
food and water for a period) that the Christian can overcome the three foes lying in wait
for him every day of his life. The Church of God has ministers available
to answer any questions you might have regarding the truth of conversion and overcoming. But
they will not call on you. You must request it. God does not pressure, persuade, beg,
cajole or force anyone to obey Him. He has made all human beings free moral agents. This
includes you. The all-knowing, all-wise, loving Creator has given men the choice, and ability,
to decide for themselves. He leaves it up to us to act on knowledge given. Thus, we
never pressure people into joining us. But you may freely contact us.
You will find these two pieces of literature very helpful: What Is True Conversion? and
You Can Overcome and Prevent Sin! Eventually, all peoples will sit before Jesus
Christ. Some will have qualified to rule and some will not. Notice: "When the Son of Man
shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the
throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate
them one from another…and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on
the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you [all who have overcome] from the foundation
of the world." The government of God will soon be restored
to Earth. All who prepared themselves will "inherit the kingdom." Only the overcomers,
those who successfully submitted to God and resisted Satan throughout their lives, shall
take part in this glorious future: "He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I
will be his God, and he shall be My son." Will you start down the path to overcome sin
and inherit all things? Until next time, this is David C. Pack saying,
"Goodbye, friends."
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