Chapter 103—That We Might be Overcomers
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of
their testimony.
Revelation 12:11
.
Christ has made it possible for every member of the human family to
resist temptation. All who would live godly lives may overcome as Christ
overcame.
To make God’s grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not
propose to perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given
to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. Our
souls are to be aroused to cooperate. The Holy Spirit works in us, that we
may work out our own salvation.... Fine mental qualities and a high tone
of moral character are not the result of accident. God gives opportunities;
success depends upon the use made of them. The openings of Providence
must be quickly discerned and eagerly entered. There are many who might
become mighty men, if, like Daniel, they would depend upon God for grace
to be overcomers, and for strength and efficiency to do their work.
It is necessary to maintain a living connection with heaven, seeking as
often as did Daniel—three times a day—for divine grace to resist appetite
and passion. Wrestling with appetite and passion unaided by divine power
will be unsuccessful; but make Christ your stronghold, and the language of
your soul will be, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through
him that loved us” (
Romans 8:37
). Said the apostle Paul, “I keep under
my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have
preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (
1 Corinthians 9:27
).
Let no one think he can overcome without the help of God. You must
have the energy, the strength, the power, of an inner life developed within
you. You will then bear fruit unto godliness, and will have an intense loathing
of vice. You need to constantly strive to work away from earthliness, from
cheap conversation, from everything sensual, and aim for nobility of soul
and a pure and unspotted character. Your name may be kept so pure that it
cannot justly be connected with anything dishonest or unrighteous, but will
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