GOD’S COMMAND TO US - BE THOU OVERCOMERS - By PASTOR DAVID J. LEET
- paracleteministrie0
- Apr 3, 2025
- 27 min read
Updated: Jun 18, 2025
Part Two (2) in our series of God’s Promise - first published on 10/09/1998
Opening Prayer:
Our Father, in Heaven, help us to open our hearts, our spirits, and our minds, to your Holy Spirit of Truth, so we can do as the scripture says - ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says. “This we ask and believe that we have received, in Jesus name, AMEN.
Okay, then. In part one (1) of our series, we learned that God has ‘cut us out’ to do a variety of things, which we must seek His will for our lives.
Also, we learnt some very basic but important principles, to bring us into a true relationship with God.
These are namely:
Humility of Self = God is enthroned into our heart instead of Self.
Contrition of Heart = Teachableness (Submission)
Acceptance of compliance with God’s Will. (Submission)
Heartfelt Praise = this is the natural state of a believer.
True worship in Word and in Spirit.
A Prayer Life, for Intercessory Prayer.
To have a forgiving nature and heart.
A thankful heart towards God, with Joy.
We also discovered that God’s promises are generational, and that His blessings are too! In other words, as it was for your ancestors, so it is for you, and so it will be for your descendants.
You know, I have an inscription in the front of my old Bible, which is anonymous, and quite profound:
“I saw tomorrow look at me from little children’s eyes, and thought how carefully we’d teach; if we were wise”
Isn’t that a sobering thought to bring home to us everything we have learnt thus far?
The opposite of blessings is curses. In stark contrast, and reality, curses too, are generational.
To bring this home to our reality as it were, look at the tapestry of Jewish history - “The Holocaust” for example. Sadly, this not only showed what they as a people endured, but also what we, as human kind, are capable of sinking down too.
Now think back on our previous study (Part 1), can you now understand God’s Grace and Mercy, more clearly?
Let us go on now, to see about being overcomers. There are six (6) main questions to be answered, so as to give you a better understanding of our warfare, and the Christian life.
Who do we overcome?
What do we overcome?
Why do we need to overcome?
When do we overcome?
Where do we overcome?
How do we overcome?
These questions are simple, yet, their answers may be both simple and complex. Therefore I shall endeavour to give you a series of answers, whereby you can look at your own life and, walk in God. I will propose to you this same question which Jesus poses to a lawyer in:
Luke 10 V 26:
What is written in the law? How realest thou?
Luke 10 V 25-37:
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Consider reading and meditating on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Read through it and later on, in the end of the study, I will show you another scenario which matches it.
WHO DO WE OVERCOME?
The answer to this question is not so simple! If we could just say “Satan” or “Lucifer” and be done with it, that would be fine.
However, there would not be much room left to develop our character and depth of personality or commitment.
Now you may be asking, why would I say that? Because of the fact that, the Lord, Jesus Christ, has already defeated him. No there is more depth in life than that.
SO WHO DO WE OVERCOME?
Satan/Lucifer/The Dragon/The Old Serpent. He has many names, including the “Angel of Light”. We also have “Powers and Principalities of the Air”, along with demons and evil spirits. But there is another enemy which not many consider, “ourselves or self”, our flesh or carnality. So let’s take a look at them.
ISAIAH 14 V 12a:
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!
2 Corinthians 11 V 14:
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of light.
Satan, along with his demons and evil spirits, along with the powers and principalities of the air, are out to destroy the Kingdom of God.
He would like nothing less than to be worshipped as Lord but the ruler of this world has been defeated, along with is hoards, by Our Lord, Jesus Christ!
What do I mean by “Ourselves”?
In the scheme of things, our human nature, or fleshly desires in life, hinder us fro doing or allowing God’s will in our lives. For an explanation fro the scriptures:
ROMANS 7 V 14 THROUGH ROMANS 8 V 14:
ROMANS 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
ROMANS 8:1-14:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
The Apostle Paul is saying here, that the Christian Life is an ongoing battle within us. “We do that which we would not do, and not what we would”. So let us now take a brief journey into the human element, with its emotions and attitudes.
GALATIANS 5:
Paul lists them in Verse 19 to 21 - “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:
ADULTERY - This is sexual and spiritual sin. The physical action of multiple partners in or out of marriage is obvious. But the thought from the heart is not so obvious to us. In doing so in our heart, with that man or woman we see at a distance, we have committed adultery. See Matthew 5 V 28.
FORNICATION - This is very similar, but did you know about “Spiritual Fornication?” This can be a very subtlety done sin. Since we live for, and worship God, then to all an idea or teaching come into us from a false religion, or pervert the scriptures for our own ends, contrary to God’s direction, we commit “Spiritual Fornication” We “actually prostitute the Word of God!”
UNCLEANNESS - his is similar to fornication, it is to pollute, make dirty, to violate the (sex) chastity of - This is the definition in the Macquarie Dictionary, of defile
LASCIVIOUSNESS - s to incite wanton sexual activity, to be lewd or general sexual activity.
These four (4) are very strong sins for us to overcome. Very simply, these are moral standards which is treating people with Godly respect in these and other ares.
IDOLATRY - he very word implies “Idol Worship” However, this does not just apply to worshiping the creation instead of the creator. What else could it mean? Think on this short list:
Television, Radio, Reading, Hobbies, etc. In other words, anything that takes your time, attention or focus off of God, is idolatry.
WITCHCRAFT - The practice of sorcery, casting spells or curses, black magic, calling up evil spirit to do the sorcerer’s bidding. This is a satanic rite in worship of Satan.
HATRED - his emotion and act of the will is the opposite of Love and means to have a strong dislike.
VARIANCE - Which is to be diverse or varied in opinion or character not fixed on God’s laws all of the time, only when it suits one.
EMULATIONS - Which is to copy or imitate to be equal or greater than the original item.
WRATH - Deeply resentful, strong and fierce anger. This is a cousin to hatred, and often becomes a companion as a result of hatred.
STRIFE - This is a cousin to variance, it means to be in conflict or discord. I would also use the word REBELLION.
SEDITIONS - Is incitement of discontent or rebellion against the Government, or, in this case, God’s laws and statutes.
HERESIES - Opinions or doctrines which are in direct opposition and conflict with God’s Word.
ENVYING - Discontent with what you have, being envious or desirous of other’s possessions. Remember Jesus said not to covert or want another man’s wife or possessions.
MURDERS - A malicious forethought to kill someone. A heartfelt thought and spoken words. Similar to context to Adultery in your heart. Also of course it is to unlawfully kill.
DRUNKENNESS - This is obviously referring to strong drink and intoxication. However, there is another for of drunkenness that is to be drunk with power, or to kill for killing sake, which is drunk on the act of it, or the actions of the aforementioned sins.
REVELINGS - Taking great pleasure in merry making and noisy festive dancing for its own sake, to the point of being uncontrollable and very irreverent. “And such like! Of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in the time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God”
Now I am sure that you could possibly add a few more to Paul’s list, these are the most potent and frequent problems, or enemies, that we will face in this life.
As daunting a task as this may seem, the battle has already been won by Our Lord, Jesus Christ! He has been there, felt what we feel, been tempted by these and other problems or feelings, just like you and me,
But he overcame them, and so through him, we too can overcome.
WHAT DO WE OVERCOME?
Mostly the answer to who we overcome, covers this question. However, there are also many trying situations and problems in life, which we all face on a daily basis.
Such as, sickness, disabilities, death, wayward children, teenage/adolescence problems, feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, etc.
God’s word is of great comfort and guidance for our lies in these situations. We should remember that HE knows our pain, and therefore by His Holy Spirit in our lives an offer comfort, strength, wisdom and a way of dealing with life, we had not thought possible in ourselves alone.
WHY DO WE NEED TO OVERCOME?
To answer this question, look at the mankind’s past, present and obvious future. The simple truth of the matter is that the wars and atrocities in our past, are still here today and will continue into tomorrow.
But there is hope for us all still! Jesus Christ, Our Lord, is Lord of all! He was, He is, and He is to come. “The Alpha and Omega”
However, He will not force himself into anyone. We must answer these questions for ourselves. Though as we learned in study No. 1 (one), we have a relationship and a purpose in God, if we would just let Him show us to us His plan for our lies, today and forever.
Revelation 3 V 5:
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father , and before His angels. Like any father, He wants His child to be the best he can!
WHERE DO WE OVERCOME?
Remember what Paul was teaching us in Romans 7 V 14 through Romans 8 v 14?
We are daily at war with our flesh. However, there are other times or occasions to be aware of. For instance, you may move into an old house, or a new one, and sense something wrong. A form of heaviness or feeling of ‘yuk’, for want of a better word.
This is your spirit telling you that something is out of place, or not right. Right now is the time to use our overcomer’s authority and stance in God.
For this reason, we need to know and understand principles of spiritual warfare.
We must find out specifically, of the previous residents, or events etc, so as to know what appropriate action to take. For now though, we’ll move on, with more on this subject in part three (3) of this series.
Right where we are, for there is no distance in the spiritual realm. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to go to the “Trouble Spot” as it were.
There will be times when only being on the spot, will be effective in dealing with the problem.
For example, Jesus went to Lazarus’s tomb to raise him from the dead. He also went to Jairus’s house to revive Jairus’s daughter from “Death”.
He came to the woman in the street, whom the people were about to stone of prostitution or being a harlot etc.
John 8 V 1-11:
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
So you see now that, we must be ready to go where the Lord sends us to fight. Also, we need to stand our ground and not to backdown in the face of the circumstances around us.
Ephesians 6 V 13:
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
This is where faith comes into play! Also, our relationship with God.
Now as promised, we will look at another scenario to “The Good Samaritan” found in:
Luke 10 V 25-37:
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Let us place ourselves “on site” as it were. We see this lawyer stand up, we hear his question.
Jesus then reminds him to read the law with his understanding. Point number one (1) God’s Law. Point number two (2) - By your spiritual understanding, not your intellectual reasoning, How realest thou?
After answering Jesus, he gain asked a question, “Who is my neighbour?”
So Jesus told the parable or spiritual parallel of the “Good Samaritan “ to show us all who our Brother is.
Now having read through this wonderful passage of scripture, let’s envisage the scene and attitudes, to see an underlying truth.
Let’s now see in:
Luke 10:30-35:
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
In light of ourselves, and see what answer we have to V 36 and if we can follow Jesus’s instruction to “Go and Do Thou Likewise”
Luke 10 V 36:
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Luke 10 V 37:
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
As with our time, the times were desperate, the bumpy dry road from Jerusalem to Jericho had hills and curves. The surrounding countryside was picturesque, yet barren and rugged, with various boulders or rock crevices in which to lie in wait for the lonesome traveller.
A certain man was besieged upon by thieves and scoundrels. Beaten, wounded, stripped of his goods and money, then his clothes, he lay naked and dying in the hot sun and arid forbidding countryside.
When along comes a fellow Jew, A Priest no less.
He looks on this man, shakes his head, perhaps says a prayer, but moves on, why?
Because this had not long happened! He looks around at the rocks and hills, feeling uneasy that these thieves may be lurking by, he goes. Also, knowing that he would be ceremonially unclean and couldn’t minister for seven (7) days. Next, a Levite passes by, having much the same fears, does likewise.
To what should we liken these two (2) men, The Priest - He is a feeder of the flock of God, he knows God’s laws and his concepts, and his religious rights and customs.
The Levite: From the tribe of Levi, a priestly race ordained of god Himself! He would also have known these things, as basic teaching in his upbringing
Do you think perhaps that, given their knowledge, the surroundings and this poor unfortunate man, that they had missed what God was saying in His Word?
Like so many of us, they looked at the circumstances around them, and knowing that this area was notorious for bandits, they were moved with fear instead of love and compassion. They prayed for the man, but left to sae themselves, rather than show God’s love and concern for ‘one out of 100?”
Matthew 18 V 10-14:
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Think back on your life up to this point. I know that I myself have been guilty of being this way. What of people on a road whose car is broken down, or a workmate in trouble? What do we do? Help out, or just run?
Then along comes the “Good Samaritan” =- Why did Jesus use a Samaritan?
You see, the Jews considered them as dogs. Why? To answer this, we need to do a little research.
Way back in their history, the King of Assyria, King Tin-Lath-Pile-Ser gathered people from Babylon, Culthah, Ava, Hamath and from Se-Phar-Va-Im, to inhabit the country of Samaria - reigned 745-727 BC.
These were placed there instead of the Israelites.
They intermarried, they made false, vile Gods to worship and sacrifice humans too. The scripture text is:
2 Kings 17 V 24 ad 25:
24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.
25 And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the Lord: therefore the Lord sent lions among them, which slew some of them.
Research were Jesus made mention two times of Samaritans.
At the Well - John 4 V 7 - 42:
7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
41 And many more believed because of his own word;
42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
The woman to whom he said, it is not good to give the children’s food to dogs.
Matthew 15 V 21-28):
21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
The Good Samaritan.
Was he speaking about them only, or on a more broader spectrum, was it Gentiles who are Non-Jews?
While you consider these things, look at this Samaritan closely.
He came upon this man, he too looked around at the scene and surrounds. What was behind his actions in Verses 33-35?:
John 4:33-35:
33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
I tell you this was a Godly man.
Psalm 11 V 1:
In the Lord do I put y trust: How say ye to my soul, flee as a bird to your mountain?
In other words, he trusted in God, and did not fear man, or circumstances.
Psalm 25 V 15:
Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord: for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. The Lord is his confidence, his joy, his companion and saviour, as he goes through life.
Psalm 23 V 4:
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil! For thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me”
These are just a few of the scriptures which came to his mind, and were in his heart.
See now what he does! Looking around, he sees this forbidding desolate place. He is filled with love and compassion on the dying man.
He dismounts from his donkey (a common beast in those days), he takes a cloak to cover the man, oil and wine to treat his wounds. But before doing so, he takes out his sword, laying it beside the man, ready to do battle if needed whilst tending to him.
Then putting his dagger in his teeth, places this man on his own beast. Sheathing his sword and dagger, takes him to an inn, where he leaves him in care for two (2) days, and pays for it in advance.
Can you answer the question in Verse 36? Which of these three (3) are you?
The Priest?
The Levite?
The Good Samaritan?
So then what did this Samaritan do, that the Priest and the Levite did not?
He did something that today:
Ephesians 6 V 13-19: Read them out!
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel..
Having done so, can you now answer Jesus’ question in:
V 36 of Luke 10? Then follow his instruction in V 37?
Luke 10:36-37:
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Can we now see another view, and teaching, in the Good Samaritan parable?
By allowing God’s Holy Spirit to teach us, we can see how that our own depth of character, faith and relationship with God, can grow stronger and deeper every day, in Christ Jesus.
Now this account of the Good Samaritan is somewhat melodramatic to be sure. However, in both accounts, that of Jesus’s lesson and this lesson, see now some common factors revealed.
NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS - It did not matter who this man may have been or indeed, the Samaritan’s status.
NO BIGOTRY DISPLAYED - He did not care if their race, their colour, or their beliefs were different or similar.
HE WAS WELL OFF FINANCIALLY - For we are told that he payed in advance for the injured man, then offered to pay extra upon his return.
READINESS ATTITUDE - Always prepared to be used of God, and show forth His love anytime or anywhere.
GODLY LOVE - We all have the ability to love someone for something. However, when we receive God’s love into our lives and hearts, we then learn how to have an attitude of unconditional love even toward our enemies.
ROMANS 5 V 5:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
So now we have five (5) different aspects of heart, thought and attitude to ad to what we have learned thus far. Study the stark contrast of Paul’s warning in:
Galatians 5 V 19-21:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
and Jesus’s teaching through the spiritual parable or parallel of the Good Samaritan in
Luke 10 V 25-37:
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Thusly, with our heart and mind condition-changing and becoming unified with our spirit’s changed condition at the point of salvation, we grow as a whole person in Christ to be that overcoming child of God, that or loving Heavenly Father wants us to be.
How do we attain this? Remember in study Number 1, we discovered principle Number 6 - Prayer:
Ephesians 6 V 18A:
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit"
Be over before the Lord, for He wants to guide you and teach you, in all of His ways.
In pondering this study, I will quote our Lord Jesus Christ -
Luke 10 V 26:
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luke 10 V 32b:
“Go and do thou likewise.”
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
HOW TO OVERCOME
I have kept this part until last of all, so as to show you a few things about “THE GOOD SAMARITAN”. You see, “The Good Samaritan” is a “SPIRITUAL PARALLEL”, or examples of what Christ expects.
Remember what we found in study number 1? Good has cut each of us out to do a variety of things, or ministries for Him.
Also, we learned eight (8) very important relationship principles. Read over them again prayerfully.
Now add to them these five (5) principles, learned from “THE GOOD SAMARITAN”.
John 15:13:
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
“No greater love than to die for a friend” - Paraphrased.
Revelation 12 v 11:
“BLOOD OF THE LAMB” = Christ’s blood and its power.
“THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY” = What God has done, and continues to do for us.
“LOVED NOT THEIR OWN LIVES UNTO DEATH” = They lost their own identity and became identified and associated with or in Jesus Christ. This is sacrificial love and living.
“THE GOOD SAMARITAN” was firmly standing on God’s Word and in His principles. This is a picture of the modern Christian. I will now ask you to consider again
Luke 10 V 26 and V 37b:
Luke 10:26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Also to ask if you can see yourself in this picture, as a victorious man or woman in Christ our Lord?
Because that’s how God sees YOU!
AMEN!
Comments