Category Archives: Conquerors

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Bible, Conquerors, Evil, Good, Overcome, Romans, Scripture

OVERCOMING EVIL

ROMANS 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Have you ever let your emotions get the best of you? You know what I mean. Something happens to upset you and before you know it, you have lost your cool and said or done something that you regret. Isn’t it best to stop and count to ten before you make a hasty, often regrettable decision? I have to count to 100 sometimes to calm myself down, lol.

In this last verse of chapter 12 of Romans, Paul wraps up his discussion of how to get along with others which he started back in verse 9. He has been giving us some very practical life skills on how to live with people, whether friends or enemies. In today’s verse, he uses a Greek verb which comes from a word we are very familiar with in the sports world. The word “overcome” is nikáō which comes “from níkē, (victory) – properly, conquer (overcome); to carry off the victory, come off victorious. The verb implies a battle” (HELPS Word-studies) We’ve all heard of Nike, right? What young boy hasn’t wanted a pair of Nike Air Jordans?

APPLICATION

Paul is telling us to not allow evil to gain victory over us, to conquer us. Instead, we are to conquer our inclinations toward evil by doing good. Remember yesterday’s verse? Do good to your enemies (give them food and water). By being intentional about doing good, the desire to do evil is conquered. This verb nikáō occurs 28 times in the New Testament. And get this – 14 of those times it occurs in Revelation. The last use is in Revelation 21:7 which says, “The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” I just love that, don’t you?

The word used for “evil” is the same word Paul used back in verse 17. It’s the Greek word kakós which really refers to the inward evil in a person. Some would define this as having a morally rotten character. It differs from poneros which refers to the effects of evil. Paul is telling us to not let this morally corrupt evil overcome us. We need to reflect the opposite and portray the love of Christ toward our enemies.

You may have someone in your life right now who tempts you toward evil. You want to repay them for all they have done to you. You want to get even. You may even wish them harm. Repent of those thoughts and do as Paul instructs. Overcome evil with good. Pray for them. Do good to them. And watch how the Lord heals your heart toward them.

O God, it’s hard to love those who hate you, but Your Son did just that. Let me show that kind of love to everyone.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Conquerors, Romans, Scripture, Trials, Tribulations, Victors

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

ROMANS 8:37

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”

This verse is probably one you have heard quoted before. I love how the various translations show the Greek word, hupernikaó. Here are some other ways it is translated:

NLT  – overwhelming victory is ours 

NIV – more than conquerors 

AMP – we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory

What a picture of this one Greek word. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Paul uses hupernikaó just once in all his letters. In fact, this word isn’t found anywhere else in the New Testament. It’s a compound word coming from huper (beyond) and nikao (conquer). Combined we get “to vanquish beyond, i.e. gain a decisive victory – more than conquer.” (Strong’s). You get the picture. The word is in the Present Indicative Active which means we are constantly doing this. Paul is telling us that no matter what we face in life, we are continually totally conquering our adversary’s efforts to defeat us. Praise God.

APPLICATION

What challenge are you facing today? You are more than a conqueror. You are a vanquisher. Is it a physical challenge such as cancer? You are victorious over it! That doesn’t mean the illness just vanishes. But you can defeat any thoughts of despair and depression because of it. You are victorious through Christ.

Think about your worst defeat you’ve faced as a believer. Now, honestly examine how you approached the challenge that led to that defeat. I read today this quote by Bill Sunday. “Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” That’s pretty good, huh? Did you suffer because of your choice of sin or your choice for God? A lot of us claim we are being persecuted for things that we put on ourselves. Never do that.

If you are currently facing persecution for your faith, do not lose faith. Know that the God of Ages knows your name and is fighting for you. 1 Peter 3:14 tells us, “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD,” Praise be to God for His faithfulness to us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He has made us victors in this life. Now, live like it.

I claim that promise, O Lord, that I am more than a conqueror in Christ.” 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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