Blessed Are Those Who Overcome (Revelation 21:1-7)
Introduction:
1. Revelation 21 begins with a beautiful description of heaven (vs.1-4). 2. John continued in vs.5-7 with a message from the Lord. 3. We are especially interested in the Lord's statement in vs.7 -- those who overcome will be blessed. a. They will inherit all things. b. They will be God's children. 4. This is not the first time in Revelation that the Lord showed how those who overcome will be blessed. a. 2:7 (Ephesus) b. 2:11 (Smyrna) c. 2:17 (Pergamos) d. 2:26 (Thyatira) e. 3:5 (Sardis) f. 3:12 (Philadelphia) g. 3:21 (Laodicea) 5. We conclude from these passages that the Lord wants His people to overcome (to prevail and conquer without giving up). 6. To overcome, each child of God must fulfill his/her responsibilities -- the verses we read refer to "he" or "him" who overcomes. 7. In our lesson we are studying several verses that will help each child of God to overcome.
Discussion:
I. TO OVERCOME, EACH CHILD OF GOD MUST KEEP HIS EYES FOCUSED ON THE LORD (Hebrews 12:1-3)
A. We must look unto Jesus because He overcame the world (John 16:33). B. Also, the Lord is able to keep His followers from falling (Jude 24).
II. TO OVERCOME, EACH CHILD OF GOD MUST PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD (Ephesians 6:10-18)
A. Vs.10&12 teach us to be strong so we can overcome our enemy, the devil. B. To accomplish this we must put on the whole armor of God (vs.11, 13). C. The various items that make up the armor of God are listed in vs.14-17. D. In addition to putting on the armor of God, we are to pray (vs.18).
III. TO OVERCOME, EACH CHILD OF GOD MUST ADD THE CHRISTIAN GRACES WITH ALL DILIGENCE (2 Peter 1:5-11)
A. Peter first listed the graces in vs.5-7. B. He continued in vs.8-11 by showing how adding the graces will help us to overcome.
Conclusion:
1. We began by showing how the Lord will bless those who overcome. 2. His blessings should motivate us to want to overcome. 3. Thankfully, the Lord has given us instructions that will help us to overcome. 4. Let us: a. keep our eyes focused on the Lord as we run the Christian race b. put on the armor of God as we fight against our enemy c. add the Christian graces with all diligence as we serve the Lord and look forward to His return.