10.  HOW DO WE OVERCOME? WHAT IS THE PRICE?

In order to understand at some basic level what is required to overcome and what the price is, we can consider all the people listed above with particular, but NOT exclusive, emphasis on Yahooshua.

In order to understand this and INTERPRET these experiences, reports, teachings, etc there is a VERY important principle set out in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31:

"18 For the preaching of the stake {cross} is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of Yah {God}.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not Yah {God} made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of Yah {God} the world by wisdom knew not Yah {God}, it pleased Yah {God} by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach the anointed one {Christ} executed on the stake {crucified}, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ} the power of Yah {God}, and the wisdom of Yah {God}.

25 Because the foolishness of Yah {God} is wiser than men; and the weakness of Yah {God} is stronger than men.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But Yah {God} hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Yah {God} hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath Yah {God} chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in the anointing of Yahooshua {Christ Jesus}, who of Yah {God} is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD}." (KJV, adjusted)

It is really important to grasp that the Almighty's way of doing things is NOT the way of the world

IF we desire to please the Almighty it is necessary that we be willing to live life VERY differently to the way we may have lived it up to now. In fact, it is probably accurate to say that there is no one on the earth today who is truly living life the way the Almighty would like them to be living.

We know so little of the things of the Almighty today that there is an ENORMOUS amount for us to learn.

What follows highlights some important points.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Yahooshua states:

"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (KJV)

This is referring to the same principles addressed previously.

We are advised to do works that will withstand the fire and that will result in being overcomers on the Day of Judgment.

In considering this, it is important to consider that the very word "overcomer" implies that there will be adversity and that it will not be easy.

The reward is so GREAT precisely because it is NOT easy.

The reward that Yahooshua received was so great precisely because it is NOT easy to live a life without sin, to please the Father, to do the Father's will ALL the time and then to DIE a terrible and agonising death by CHOICE!

So, when Yahooshua tells us in Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21 and Luke 14:27 that we should take up our stake {cross} and follow him, it seems prudent to take his advice seriously.

Consider particularly Matthew 16:24-27:

"24 Then said Yahooshua {Jesus} unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his stake {cross}, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (KJV, adjusted)

This entire passage contains a number of very profound and very challenging statements.

We are told to deny ourselves, take up OUR stake {cross} and FOLLOW (do like) Yahooshua.

We are told that if we try and save our lives in a worldly way we will lose our souls and we are told there is something we CAN give in exchange for our souls - the essence of what this message is about.

We are told that Yahooshua WILL come and we will all be rewarded ACCORDING to our works.

If one really considers deeply what this is saying, it is profoundly challenging.

I have certainly come to understand increasingly that what i have understood about this passage and many of the others quoted in this document, was very shallow and that there is MUCH more that is expected of us.

The piece about "he who seeks to save his life shall lose it", i have found to be much more far reaching.

It applies to ANYTHING that we seek to hold onto in our own strength, our possessions, our family, ANYTHING that we try and force to remain with us rather than trusting the Almighty to either restore it to us or not, as He pleases.

Abraham sacrificing Isaac and Yahooshua laying down his life are two classic examples. Isaac was restored to Abraham and Yahooshua gained eternal life and the highest throne next to the throne of the Almighty through his obedience.

In order to start seeking to better understand what is being referred to here, consider again Matthew 6:19-21 referred to above where Yahooshua advises us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven".

This passage is preceded by Matthew 5:1-6:18:

"CHAPTER 5

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see Yah {God}.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of Yah {God}.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is Yah's {God}'s throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

CHAPTER 6

1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." (KJV, adjusted)

All the verses that begin "blessed are" are very challenging, particularly the verse about "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." We are told that there is a great reward for this.

There are many other passages above that are very difficult, like loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, etc.

Consider also Ephesians 5:22-25:

"22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord}.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} is the head of the body of believers {church}: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the body of believers {church} is subject unto the anointing of the set apart Spirit of Yah {Christ NOT Yahooshua}, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} also loved the body of believers {church}, and gave himself for it;" (KJV, adjusted)

Wives are told to submit to their husbands in EVERYTHING.

Husbands are told to love their wives the way Yahooshua loved the body of believers AND gave himself for it.

In other words - wives submit to your husbands even if they beat you.

Husbands love your wives even if they strive with you and beat you!

Consider also 1 Peter 2:1-3:22:

"1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted that Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} is gracious.

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of Yah {God}, and precious,

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Yah {God} by Yahooshua the anointed one {Jesus Christ}.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of Yah {God}: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify Yah {God} in the day of visitation.

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for Yah the eternally self existing's {the Lord's} sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of Yah {God}, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of Yah {God}.

17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear Yah {God}. Honour the king.

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward Yah {God} endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with Yah {God}.

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua} also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and overseer {Bishop} of your souls.

CHAPTER 3

1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Yah {God} of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in Yah {God}, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify Yah the eternally self existing {the Lord} Mighty One {God} in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in the anointing of the set apart Spirit of Yah {Christ}.

17 For it is better, if the will of Yah {God} be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

18 For the anointed one {Christ} also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to Yah {God}, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of Yah {God} waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward Yah {God},) by the resurrection of Yahooshua the anointed of Yah {Jesus Christ}:

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of Yah {God}; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (KJV, adjusted)

Again, some enormously challenging verses.

We are advised to follow after Yahooshua and to suffer for doing good, no matter how unjustly we are treated.

Wives are advised to submit to their husbands without a word, EVEN if their husbands treat them the way Yahooshua was treated when he was taken prisoner and put to death. So wives arguing with, questioning or judging their husbands is NOT an option.

We are all advised to submit to the authorities whether they are just or unjust. So, believers opposing the government of the day (other than democratically), or condemning the government of the day or leading protest marches or "freedom fighters" does not fit.

There is a big component embedded in all of this which relates simply to UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Unconditional love to wife, to husband, to neighbours, to enemies - there are NO EXCUSES, NO explanations, NO justifications ONLY LOVE!

Summed up by Yahooshua's words on the stake {cross} "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"

Luke 23:33-34 "33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they executed him on a stake {crucified him}, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Yahooshua {Jesus}, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (KJV, adjusted)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 defines charity or covenant love (Greek agape, Hebrew chesed):

"1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (KJV)

In many respects, verses 4 to 7 summarise much of what has been presented above.

Much of this may seem simple, one may even pay "lip service" to many of these principles.

However, in my own experience, i very seldom manage to walk in much of this for very long and it increasingly seems apparent that most believers experience the same difficulty.

This becomes particularly apparent when one chooses to walk in the difficult truths that not many people are talking about AND then finds oneself being attacked verbally and spiritually.

Fundamentally, it seems that the essence of this message is about really understanding WHY those who sit on thrones for eternity are referred to as "overcomers". Grasping what that means in one's own life. At least at some basic level. And then choosing to live life that way anyway - which means first and foremost praying prayers like:

"Father please show me the level of my present deception and help me to change".

"Father please judge me severely and correct me ruthlessly so that i may serve you more perfectly".

"Father please bring the people you want into my life and take the people you don't want in my life out".

"Father please open the doors that you want opened in my life that no man or spirit can close and close the doors that you want closed in my life that no man or spirit can open".

"Father please help me to lead a life that is pleasing to you in every way, every day".

"Father please guide me by your Spirit in every possible way every micro-second of every day".

Another very important prayer - based on Galatians 2:20 "Father please let me be put to death with Yahooshua; nevertheless let me live; yet not i, but let the anointing of your set apart Spirit live in me: and the life which i now live in the flesh let me live by the faith of Yahooshua who loved me, and gave himself for me." (based on the KJV)

Galatians 2:20 reads "I am put to death {crucified} with the anointed one {Christ = Yahooshua}: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but the anointing of the Spirit of Yah {Christ NOT Yahooshua} liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of Yah {God}, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (KJV, adjusted)

and then:

PRAYING whatever the Spirit of the Almighty leads you to pray.

DOING whatever the Spirit of the Almighty leads you to do, no matter how uncomfortable, how unconventional, how much you don't want to do it, how much it offends you or hurts you or upsets your friends or your family or your wife or ...

2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight:" (KJV)

Proverbs 3:5-8

"5 Trust in Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD} with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear Yah the eternally self existing {the LORD}, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (KJV, adjusted)

There is so much that we do not even begin to understand.

We cannot figure this out in our own understanding or based on what we see with our natural minds.

We can only accomplish anything of worth in this life if we choose to be TOTALLY led by the Spirit of the Almighty and do the best we can each day to hear His voice, be led by His Spirit, to seek His guiding hand, etc.

The more that we can come to a realisation that we can do NO GOOD THING in our own strength, the more we are likely to please Him and come to close relationship with Him. Consider Isaiah 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (KJV)

There is much more that could be written, however, it is hoped that this gives some indication.

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