At the Olympics, which just ended, many athletes from around the world gathered in Paris. They showed up and were ready to do what they could in the massive contest for the gold.

Many of them had practiced for years and became very good at a particular sport or event. Their biggest challenge was not so much doing what they loved, but it was found in other areas of life.

There was so much more that they could have done – but did not. They could have hung out with friends, slept in, played computer games instead of going to practice, talked to friends on the phone, wasted time by watching stupid videos, etc. But they didn’t.

Christians are the same way. Each one could do things other than the will of God, and some will do what God wants half-heartedly.

At the same time, some of them mistakenly think that they will get big rewards when they get to Heaven. Just like the Olympics, contestants who only practiced half-heartedly should not expect to win any medals. They are not overcomers. In fact, most contestants in the Olympics will not receive a medal.

Our text verse reveals who the overcomers are. They are the ones who have fought against the things that war against the soul and prevent us from doing the will of God. Those things are the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The Holy Spirit gives the victory.

There are no crowns given to people who are not single-minded and who will not strive daily for the mastery over those things that keep you from doing God’s will. The verse above reveals that any obstacle can be overcome if we walk in the Spirit.

Are you an overcomer? What sin and fleshly obstacle will you overcome today to do His will?

The sixth commandment has caused a lot of confusion for many people. It has been misunderstood for centuries among various Christian groups, and some have misinterpreted it altogether.

To understand it better, it often helps to understand the context in which it was written. When Moses was given the Ten Commandments, their nation was preparing to go to the “Promised Land.”

They understood that it meant going to war and conquering the people in that land. There were even several battles they had to fight before they entered the land – and Moses directed them.

Numbers 1:3 tells us that God commanded Moses: “From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.” This numbering was a draft into the army of Israel, and all healthy men had to participate – it means no conscientious objectors. They prepared for war and soon had many battles before and after entering the Promised Land.

God also similarly led David to do the same. God gave him strength to fight Goliath. These verses clearly indicate that it is right to help defend our nation and family. I also believe that the meaning of the commandment is thou shalt not murder, and other laws given to Moses later tend to support this view.

Now, looking at what Jesus said in the New Testament to the soldiers: “And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Lu 3:14). Let me quickly point out that it did not refer to war, but to soldiers who were in an occupying force in the land.

I am aware that different preachers (and individuals) interpret this verse differently. Basically, I believe that it means that Christians are not to be violent people. We are to be like Christ as much as possible, and His Spirit within helps us to accomplish it. There may be times, however, when self-defense may become necessary – such as when defending your family.

God’s overall intent for believers today is to let God do the avenging. He can do a much better job of it.

In our world today, the sounds of war and rumors of war certainly are increasing. New nations are rising up to join in the fight in the world’s hotspots. Truly, the world is not having peace – but the believer can.

The above verse is a promise from God. He knows how to give peace when there is none around. The peace He gives is in the heart. It is not dependent on circumstances, place, position (rank), or the prospect of a better day. His peace can calm the heart and mind so that you can think and react the way He wants you to.

Jesus promised to give a kind of peace that is not found in this world. It is a Divine peace that comes only from Him. In John 14:27, He promised: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The text verse states that His peace is available to believers who will:

1. Keep their thoughts on Christ
2. Trust His promises daily.

The only way to do this is to stay much in the Word of God. Start your day with it and end your day with it. It will help you keep your mind and thoughts on Him through the day. Read one or two chapters and pray to start your day, and one chapter before you go to bed. It will make a difference if you also ask God to guide you and help you live what you read.

If you are troubled about events in the world, realize that the Lord Jesus Christ is not at all troubled by it. God’s plan is being carried out perfectly – and He can take care of you.

Someone said: “Why pray when you can worry?” Of course, you know it should be the other way around. If you are worrying about situations in your life, why not take time right now and give it to God? He knows how to guide you through it – or take care of it for you.

After you have obtained a victory, never assume your battle with that particular temptation is over. It will be back at another time.

Satan and his demons have time on their side. They know that our flesh will always side with him if given the chance. They can wait until you are relaxed and have let your guard down. They also know who they might bring your way to encourage you to go back – or when you are alone and not watching out for temptation.

Christian, remember that we are at war with the Devil – and the flesh and the world. Winning one skirmish does not mean the war is over. The war continues until you are in glory!

Remember that Satan does not play games. He is out to destroy your testimony and your effectiveness for God. He does this in several ways:

1. Leading you into open sin – but hidden sin will do if that does not work

2. Making you too busy to read your Bible

3. Giving you excuses for not attending church

4. Robbing you of your prayer life

5. Causing you to seek worldly goals instead of the Kingdom of God.

By the grace of God, no believer ever has to sin. Satan cannot make you do anything. We have God’s promise that the Holy Spirit within is forever more powerful than Satan’s influence – but we must walk close to God to see His evil devices! John tells us in I John 4:4: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Are you seeing the kind of victory God wants you to have? If not, why not ask Him for it right now and start getting the victory He wants you to have.