The word often translated “conquer” in the New Testament is “nikao” (Greek). It is also translated as overcome, subdue, or prevail. All seven of the churches John wrote to in Revelation include this directive from Jesus Himself, indicative of its importance. “To him who conquers, I will….shall….etc.” The messages to these churches appear to be associated with end time prophecy. We are to be conquerors, particularly in these last days.
You might ask specifically, just what do we need to conquer? Here’s what’s listed that these seven churches needed to conquer. Ephesus: evildoers, false teachers, drifting from their 1st works, and the deeds of the Nicolaitans (heretical Christians). Smyrna: tribulation, poverty, blasphemy, and imprisonment. Pergamos: doctrine of Balaam (idol worship-sexual immorality), and doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Thyatira: teachings of Jezebel, holding fast to what they have. Sardis: lack of watchfulness, lack of repentance, and defiling sin. Philadelphia: hold fast to what you have. Laodicea: lukewarmness, reliance on personal riches rather than wealth from God, lack of zealousness, and lack of repentance.
If these churches were successful at conquering these issues, here are their rewards, listed together; the right to eat from the tree of life, avoidance of the second death, hidden manna from God and a new name, power over the nations, the morning star, given white clothing, name not blotted out from the Book of Life, kept from the hour of trial coming on the earth, become a pillar in God’s temple, given a name identified with the New Jerusalem, and granted to sit with Jesus on His throne. These promises are exclusively for those who conquer or overcome. Hopefully, that includes you.
Outside of the seven churches, the New Testament gives us further direction on what to conquer. “conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:21). “Conquer (prevail over) the beast” (Revelation 15:2). And how do we conquer the beast(antichrist)? “They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Jesus Himself is our example. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have conquered (overcome) the world.” (John 16:33). Jesus then gives us this magnificent promise; “He who conquers shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7)
Saints, we’re not instructed to just sit back and partake in a passive Christianity, comfortable in this world. We are to use our God-given authority with the help of the Holy Spirit to resist evil in all its forms and advance the Kingdom of God in all that we do, conquering this world for Jesus. Only then will the Apostle Paul’s statement be effective in our lives. “Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Maranatha, Jim