With all the contrary and outright evil things going on in today’s world, what are we to do? Should we passively wait for God to supernaturally intervene, or do we actively oppose the evil of our day? As maturing children of our Eternal Father, are we supposed to be content or react and counter evil?
God created and designed the natural realm as a place to birth His children into existence. We are intended to be, develop, and grow into His “image and likeness.” (a) [see endnotes for Scriptures] God knows children learn and mature better when they are allowed to make choices and decide to pursue the better options that are available. Considering all of these life difficulties, how can we overcome evil?
Overcoming Day by Day
Our New Testament uses the word “overcome” quite often. Jesus even encouraged us to overcome as he did: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (b) The phrase “have overcome” is translated from the Greek ‘perfect tense’, which means it is a continuous activity. Jesus did not say he had overcome as though it was a finished effort; He said, “I continue to overcome.”
Realistically, Jesus said, “I am overcoming day by day.” Living daily as an overcomer enabled Jesus to endure the future difficulties of Golgotha and Calvary. He overcame each with a victorious attitude.
Scripture provides a two-pronged approach for us to be triumphant and overcome evil activity: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil (slander) and he will flee from you.” (c) When we are submitted to God’s guidance and resist evil activity, we are better able to live as victorious overcomers.
Scripture also says: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (d) We are to resist evil with good activity. It is often said, “The only way evil can succeed is when good men do nothing.”
The Apostle John identified another feature that enables us to be overcomers. “We overcome…because of the blood of the Lamb (His life-flow in us) and because of the word of their testimony.” (e) And, “You…overcome…because greater is He who is in you (as groups) than he who is in the world (also a plurality).” (f) “And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (g)
We overcome by having faith in God’s guidance. Our faith is expressed in our witness and life example. Since God is in our midst, we are encouraged and strengthened by each other’s words and activity. Such involvement enables us to personally overcome because His life-flowing Spirit is with us and among us.
We overcome by having faith in God’s guidance.
The Presence of God
John begins his revelatory book by saying this is “the Revelation of Jesus Christ.” (h) John even starts and ends his book with Jesus proclaiming: “I am the first and the last.” (i) Jesus in essence declared: “I am God’s beginning intention, His human example, and the maturity goal for our life as children of man and of God.” Jesus was to be called Emmanuel – which means God’s anointing presence with us. (j)
It is the presence of God-in-Christ 
that empowers responsive members of the “Body of Christ.” (k) We can overcome the trials and tribulations of this natural life. The visions John shares are intended to enlighten wandering offspring and responsive children of God. John shares the pros and cons of our response to God. He gives seven conditions that Jesus said we deal with and must overcome. (l)
- Nicolaitans – controlling overseers
- Devil – slanderous accusers
- Balaam – stumbling entrapments
- Jezebel – gods of nature
- Being alive but dead – inactive
- Synagogue of Satan – gathering to oppose
- Rich and needless – unrepentant
In each of these trying situations Jesus also relates the life-giving blessings that overcomers receive in this life. These benefits come from God’s abiding presence to produce a “more abundant life.” (m)
- Eat of the tree of life (partake of zoe-spirit life)
- Not hurt by second death (no fear of physical demise)
- Receives hidden manna (accepts insights)
- Receives morning star (accepts light from above)
- Clothed in white (are righteous expressions)
- Be pillars in God’s dwellings (table supporters)
- Sit and dine with Christ (have daily fellowship)
The presence of God is our source of enabling grace and ability to overcome. However, we must rise up and be involved. God’s blessings come as we truly follow His guidance and walk in His ways.
When God delivered the people of faith out of Egyptian captivity, they had to actively move out. To experience the full salvation God was providing, they needed to also move into the land and press to overcome the difficulties involved in becoming free and productive people. (n) To defeat the threatening giant, David had to aggressively confront Goliath, run toward him and deliver the killing stone.
This natural life provides many trying situations. God’s abiding presence enables us to overcome evil’s destructive activity. We can live free of enslavement and rise to “live with Christ in heavenly places.” (o)
The presence of God is our source of enabling grace and ability to overcome.
Overcoming Evil
It is worth noting that not every ill event or sickness is the result of evil activity. Accidents, missteps, and mistakes happen. Natural earthquakes, droughts, storms, and floods also bring destruction. We can even get sick because of a lack of proper nutrition or poor living conditions. These are trying times.
While our times and situations can be very difficult, Scripture encourages us: “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” (p) So we get up each day with a renewed God-blessed attitude and energy to overcome the evil of our day.
Most evil activities are the result of someone’s ill intentions or misguided choices. Our complacent inactivity gives permission to harmful and destructive evil by allowing it to freely function. When we fail to “let our light shine,” (q) we lend support to the cold, dark, and negative activity all around us.
To victoriously prevail over the problems and difficulties of this life, we must be actively involved. As each of us arise and let our imperfect light shine, together, we become brighter expressions of God-Light. The interaction of the Body of Christ in the earth is the greater light of God’s image and likeness.
When our differences come together and we pursue a common vision and purpose, our function becomes like “a shining light on a hill.” (r) As we share our light in discussions instead of arguments, everyone is allowed to see more clearly and be encouraged. Remember, a harsh or extremely bright light can have a blinding effect on the uninitiated, so patiently pursue that which is right and good.
How do we overcome the destructive actions of evil doers? We utilize every opportunity that comes our way and lovingly shine light into the situation. We should not negate any of the spiritual ‘and’ natural help that God provides during this life. Arise each day and actively let our maturing light shine!
We get up each day with a renewed God-blessed attitude and energy to overcome the evil of our day.
a) Genesis 2:7; b) John 16:33; c) James 4:7; d) Romans 12:21; e) Revelation 12:11; f) 1 John 4:4; g) 1 John 5:4-5; h) Revelation 1:1; i) Revelation 1:17; 20:13; j) Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14; k) Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:27; l) Revelations 2-3; m) John 10:10; n) Exodus 23:30; Deuteronomy 2:31; o) Ephesians 2:6; 1:3; 3:10; p) 2 Corinthians 4:16; q) 1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 5:16; r) Matthew 5:14
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder