Last week I taught on the truth of applying positive faith to negative situations. We do not overcome a negative situation, i.e. a trial, by responding negatively. The clear teaching of Christ and his followers is to rejoice in our trials and to count them ALL joy (Ja 1:2; 1 Pet 4:12,13). The testing of our faith with trials is to be expected and overcome.
I’m convinced the reason many Christians fail to overcome in life is because we tackle spiritual problems with fleshly remedies. Paul maintains that with every temptation God makes a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13). John declares that FAITH is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 4:4). Paul also exhorts Roman Christians to overcome evil by doing GOOD (Rom 12:21).
There is no trial or temptation that comes into our life that God is not aware of and has an answer for, or a way out. Where we often miss the mark is by not using the tools or weapons available to us, or wrongly applying tactics of the flesh. Paul declares the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds. We do not wage war like the world does—by the flesh (2 Cor 10:3,4).
Lets look at what Jesus has to say about overcoming evil.
“You have heard it said, ‘Eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth’ (Ex 21:24). But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” He goes on to give specific examples: turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and giving your coat to one who compels you to give your shirt. Jesus is giving concrete, spiritual responses to evil being done to us in the flesh. This is quite similar to Paul stating “overcome evil by doing GOOD.”
The truth is that Satan cannot cast out Satan and evil cannot overcome evil. Sin cannot defeat sin. “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his Kingdom stand (Matt 12:25,26)?” This principal is contained throughout Jesus’ teaching and the teachings of the early church. When Christians are faced with a trial and retaliate in the flesh (strife, hate, judgment, violence, slander, gossip, malice, betrayal, doubt, unbelief, etc) they fall prey to the enemy of their soul. Paul calls this living like mere men in the flesh (1 Cor 3:1-3). If we want victory we must overcome by doing GOOD and responding in faith. Jesus is our example in this: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did NOT retaliate; when he suffered he made NO threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Pet 2:21,23).”
So, the way to overcome, in any area of life, is to do good. Trust God. Operate in faith. This applies to personal relationships, work situations, temptations and attacks from Satan of all stripes. Complaining, retaliating, arguing, resisting with the flesh, only digs us deeper into a pit.
If we live by the sword of the flesh, we will die by the sword of the flesh (Matt 26:52). I suggest we put up our sword of flesh and pick up the sword of the spirit (Ep 6:17)—use the weapons of our warfare (the word of God, faith, love, prayer, etc… ).