The Holy Spirit Overcomes

Sunday we talked about overcoming through the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostle John writes that "every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the anti-Christ, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and, therefore, speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them." (I John 4:3-5)

We, my friends, are overcomers through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We must not fear the spirit of the anti-Christ, but we must instead resist it. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) How do we resist the enemy who is the spirit of the anti-Christ?

First, we must understand that we cannot do it in our own human strength. The apostle Paul writes about Christ's overcoming, decisive victory: "and having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15) Remember, it is important for us to acknowledge our dependence upon the Holy Spirit for the power to overcome, walking through each day relying upon Him for strength and wisdom and discernment.

Second, we must know the truth. How? We must know the word of God. This does not mean, of course, that we must have the entire Bible memorized. But we need to study the word and absorb the word and apply the word each day, so that we find God's word central to all we say and do. It is essential for the word of God needs to be our compass and the truth of God's word the light that guides our path. "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)


Finally, we must be aware of all the voices out there that are the spirit of the anti-Christ. We must never forget, friends, that the spirit of the anti-Christ often speaks to us in sweet, gentle tones that we find soothing and attractive. The spirit of the anti-Christ usually will weave in just enough truth in what is being said, that unless you are careful to know the word of God and to listen to the Holy Spirit within you, it is possible to be deceived. So while you must not fear, you must be vigilant and hold fast to the truth.

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." (Proverbs 4:13)

"Be always on your guard and stand firm in the faith." (I Corinthians 16:13)

"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position." (II Peter 3:17)

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." (Hebrews 2:1)

Questions to ponder:

1) Do you test the spirits by holding what you hear up to the word of God to determine whether it is of Christ or of the anti-Christ?

2) Do you listen carefully to see if what you are hearing is all true or if it has a bit of truth? Do you ask yourself if things line up with the word of God?

3) Do you feed on God's word, so that when the lie comes along you will recognize it?

4) Have philosophies and thinking of this world seeped into your worldview? If so, how has that happened and what will you do to correct it?

Talk to me! I love to read what you are thinking and see how the Sunday teaching challenges you.