(Seventh of Seven in Series)

“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”     (Revelation 3:21)

When it comes to pleasing God with our lives, those who failed did so for a reason. Those that succeeded did so for a reason. Success or failure do not happen in a vacuum. Neither “just happens.”  The problems are often caused by a lack of dedication or love as some try to simply do as little as possible. Others simply put off needful changes or obligations. Sometimes it is a matter of ego. Some have failed because they have allowed themselves to be deceived by others into believing something false. Some have simply not taken the time to prepare for a successful life of true faith.

We have seen some things promised to those who overcome in Christ. First, we looked at the promise of Jesus to allow those who overcome access to the “tree of life” in the paradise of God and some of the things that entailed. Then we considered that overcoming in Christ grants unto us the security of knowing we will not be hurt by the second death.  Then we saw the promise of “hidden manna” and “a white stone”. Since these are somewhat cryptic messages, we looked into the meaning behind them to the people who directly received the promise from the Lord… that He would sustain them and vindicate them in the midst of a world that was at that time treating them harshly. Then we saw that those who overcome are promised “authority over the nations” and “the morning star”. And finally, “white garments” and that their “names would not be erased from the book of life” and that Jesus would “confess his/her name to the Father.” Last time we noticed the promise to those that overcome that they would have a permanent place in God's dwelling place and that they would receive His name; the name of the eternal city, and the name of the Son.  Upon investigating all these, we saw what important things they  pictured.   

Jesus Overcame First

 Jesus said, “Just as I overcame…”  We have good reason to have confidence in Jesus' promises about overcoming. He's been there and done that. He overcame temptation (Hebrews 3:14-16).  Jesus has sat on His Father's throne and it is a “throne of grace”. 

 

Jesus also overcame Satan's devices; even the “good” ones.  Sometimes these are the most difficult to overcome.  Satan, for example, used Peter's sense of justice and his love for Jesus against him seeking to distract Jesus from His mission and purpose! (Matthew 16:23). 

 

 And finally, Jesus overcame death (Luke 24:5,6;  Acts 2:23,24).

 

 The victory of Christ was prophesied. He would receive dominion over an eternal, spiritual kingdom. This has now been fulfilled. Jesus is King!  (Daniel 7:13,14).   This is where He is now, reigning, interceding, advocating in our behalf. He is watching, providing and strengthening. He is the Lord. He is king, ruling in the hearts of His disciples from His heavenly throne, the spiritual throne of David in the spiritual city of Jerusalem.

 

We read in the Scriptures of Jesus' rule and throne as a present reality, not something to begin in the future.  We read of His rule (1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Ephesians 1:22); of His throne (Revelation 3:21; Acts 2:30-32; Hebrews 1:3,8); and of His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 1:9; 5:10).  As a result of Jesus' overcoming, He is seated on the throne of God, next to the Father with His eternal glory restored. He invites us to overcome through Him and join Him there! (Hebrews 12:1-3). His kingdom exists now, and when He comes again, He will take it home.

    

 Jesus is On The Throne

Jesus was faithful even to the point of death (John 12:27,28). He was diligent and committed. (John 4:34). He humbled Himself so that He could achieve His purpose in God's plan; putting God's will before His own. Therefore God exalted Him  (Philippians 2:5-11).

 

Sometimes its disheartening to see the evils which plague the world. Satan often seems so powerful and  pervasive. Do not be despondent or hopeless even when the times seem dark. It seemed that way when these words in Revelation were written too. We are assured that victory belongs to our king  (Revelation 17:14).

 

We honor the king by submitting to Him (1 Timothy 6:13-16). There is no other way to honor the Lord  than to do with diligence what He bids us do (Luke 6:46).

 

Jesus Invites Us To Join Him

Our exaltation will come after we have trusted the Lord. He is at the door inviting you to come join Him on the throne (Revelation 3:20). “What do you need? A  personal invitation?”  OK… now you have one!

 

The church at Laodecia had serious issues (Revelation 3:15-18). These included a lack of zeal  and deadness. Physically everything was OK but  spiritually they were starving. Listen! The status quo is not enough! These brethren were in danger  of failing to overcome because of what they were not doing… they were indifferent about the work of the Lord… too busy… Remember how committed to His Father's work Jesus was? See how different these people are? Are you following in the footsteps of Jesus or the Laodeceans? 

 

We saw in Phil. 2 that Jesus humbled Himself so that He could achieve His purpose in God's plan; putting God's will before even His own. Therefore God exalted Him. Do you have that kind of  humility before God?

 

Overcoming by faith means being steadfast, diligent and dedicated. Faithful Christians today live in hope..  It is to those who overcome that Jesus promises eternal victory!