The Overcoming Life in Christ

The Apostle Paul closes his highly personal letter in 2 Timothy 4:9-22 by emphasizing that the two factors that most influence your walk with Jesus are the people in your life and the presence of Christ. Triumphing over the trials, dangers, distractions, and discouragements in this life comes from the blessings of faithful friendships and the eternal joy of knowing Jesus. To experience the overcoming life in Christ, we need to know how to focus our faith on God and His truth to keep from being overwhelmed by feelings that seek to derail our direction and devotion.

The focus of your faith will shape how you face the opportunities and obstacles of your life. To experience the overcoming life of Christ we must learn how to actively focus our faith on God and the truth of His word instead of passively responding and letting our feelings lead the way in our thinking. The maturing Christian is growing in their ability to be intentional about what occupies their thoughts and guides their actions.

We make thousands of micro-decisions daily as we engage with planned and unplanned events and persistent challenges. If we are not equipped and motivated to be intentional with our thoughts, we may find that our feelings and harmful desires like lust, envy, pride, greed, and despair will take the lead in our thinking and take over.

Our faith plays a critical role in how we respond and interface with the wide range of decisions and challenges we face. Good decision-making requires identifying the facts, focusing on what is true, and making thoughtful and wise choices. Challenging circumstances and life-draining emotions can overwhelm even the most mature believers in Christ. What is needed is a means to navigate the everyday events and turbulent times when our feelings can get the best of us.

Chapter 14 in LIFE-Giving Discipleship will give you a powerful and memorable tool to help you experience the overcoming life in Christ.

Listen to the accompanying sermon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.