Overcome!

We can be "overcome" by illness. We can also be "overcome" by grief in face of the loss of loved ones. We can be "overcome" by fatigue carrying out the varying tasks of life. However, the worst thing to be "overcome" by is sin because it is most often more ENSLAVING than is realized until it takes full MASTERY over the life.

In his warning to watch out for false prophets and teachers, Peter stated. . .

"(19) They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For WHATEVER OVERCOMES A PERSON, TO THAT HE IS ENSLAVED. (20) For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again ENTANGLED in them AND OVERCOME, THE LAST STATE HAS BECOME WORSE FOR THEM THAN THE FIRST." ( 2 Peter 2:19-20 ESV)

WHATEVER OVERCOMES! What (Who) has gained mastery OVER OUR LIFE? Whatever it is will be associated with whether we are SLAVES TO SIN or SLAVES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. ( Romans 6:16-18) In that statement to the church at Rome, Paul seems to have implied it is one or the other. It is far too easy to get entangled in things to the point of it becoming difficult (if not impossible) to break the ties. That is why we must be careful with what (and whom) we allow our life to become most closely connected. Again, what is MASTERING our life?

Paul encouraged with regard to the life surrendered to the Will of God. . .

"(22) But now that you have been set free from sin and have become SLAVES OF GOD, the fruit you get leads to SANCTIFICATION and its end, ETERNAL LIFE." ( Romans 6:22 ESV)

When our life is "overcome" by God, then we are enabled to "overcome" the things of this world. (note 1 John 5:4-5) When we find ourselves sliding back into those things, let us be honest about the control they still have and seriously seek God's help in moving far from them. May He remain the MASTER over our entire being so that we may be brought into His eternal blessings.

Have a great day ENTANGLED IN LIVING FOR GOD!
Carl

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