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“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!” (Romans 12:21).
Dear young people,
Few of us frequently experience physical suffering and deprivation. Very few of us have ever faced hunger, beatings, imprisonment, or hardship. Thank God for that! However, this also means that we are relatively untested in the area of "overcoming." I often hear young people say, "I've tried everything, I just can't stop sinting." Let us learn from Timothy's example how to faithfully serve the Lord Jesus and become "overcomers"!
Learn from the life of Timothy
Paul clearly emphasizes that Timothy's mother, Eunice, was a devout Jewish woman. And the same "unfeigned faith" already resided in his grandmother Lois (cf. 2 Tim 1:5). Timothy thus had two women as role models who had grown up in Judaism and who possessed the same faith in God as Paul (cf. 2 Tim 1:3). It is the faith of a Jew, which, in the Old Testament sense, could be described as God-fearing.
Here we can draw parallels to our own lives. Most of us grew up in a Christian home. Ideally with a believing father and mother, but perhaps with only one believing parent, as seems to have been the case with Timothy. Thus, we are familiar with Scripture and Christian ethics from childhood. Let's ask ourselves this question: "Am I religious, or am I a believer?" The answer to this can be crucial in determining how successful you are in your "struggle of faith."
Even in Timothy's case, his mother's traditional faith alone was not enough: God himself had to work in the young Timothy. He had to believe personally in order to receive divine life. Thus, God's work was accomplished in Timothy's heart. We see this in 2 Timothy 3:14-15. From his childhood, he knew the Holy Scriptures. They had the power to make him wise for salvation. But he needed the faith that was also in Christ. Undoubtedly, he had learned from Paul himself everything concerning the gospel and the truths connected with it (cf. 2 Tim 2:2). Ultimately, Timothy was completely convinced of these things. Learning is not enough, however essential it is. A personal, inner conviction is necessary; a decision for Christ—a conversion.
Paul writes to this young, devout Timothy, who serves the Lord Jesus Christ, offering him encouragement, advice, and exhortations for the struggle. We will examine some aspects of his second letter in more detail.
Be strong in the grace of the Lord
Right in the first verse, it becomes clear how dependent we are on God. “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). So that our strength doesn't diminish and we don't wear ourselves out in the struggle of our own power, we must remain in the vine. Whoever does not remain in Christ withers like a branch cut off from the vine. From the vine we receive our lifeblood. God himself gives Joshua a wonderful promise: “ Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). But it is contingent on one condition: “This Book of the Law must never depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it” (Joshua 1:8).
Our strength, therefore, depends on our relationship with our Lord. “Finally, my brothers and sisters, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). For this battle, which is not against flesh and blood but against the “spiritual forces of darkness,” can only be won through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is precisely why we should put on the whole armor of God (cf. Ephesians 6:11-18).
Be prepared to endure suffering.
“Endure the adversities,” we read in 2 Timothy 2:3. Timothy knew the persecutions and sufferings that Paul experienced, and he also saw God’s help. He saw that Paul did not suffer because of political conviction or his rebellion against the Roman occupation, but for his faith in Jesus Christ. He understood that proclaiming the gospel comes with consequences.
Mind you, these were sufferings for Christ! Let us approach this question thoughtfully today as well. It is not about my personal conviction, my weakness, or my ideological beliefs. Suffering is not an adventure I throw myself into, not a heroic act as we might imagine it based on stories or testimonies. Suffering is associated with great difficulties and worries. Therefore, it is important to know what I am suffering for, namely, for Christ. For we read: “For it has been granted to you for Christ’s sake not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29).
Practice self-denial and renunciation.
Suffering can also mean renounce something for Christ's sake, like a soldier who dedicates himself to service and does not become entangled in everyday affairs (cf. 2 Tim 2:4). Because of our prosperity, we are (as already mentioned in the introduction) not practiced in overcoming adversity.
Renunciation and self-denial are not concepts that apply only in times of persecution. Even today, the Lord wants you to put aside your interests, hobbies, and preferences, especially if they hinder the Lord's work, and to be willing to renounce them completely. For as followers of Christ, we no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died for us and was raised again (see 2 Corinthians 5:15). Examine for yourself how entangled you are in the affairs of daily life. Are you willing to renounce, to put good deeds before your own interests, to prioritize the well-being of others over your own? How do you prioritize activities in your free time?
Fighting according to biblical rules
Only those who fight according to the rules receive the victor's crown (cf. 2 Tim 2:5). This verse has become personally important to me in my service to the Lord, and I would like to impress it upon myself and you. There is nothing worse than to toil, strive, and exert ourselves in vain. In this regard, I would like to draw your attention to three biblical truths.
- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). With these words, Jesus warns us in the Sermon on the Mount against false prophets and at the same time gives us guidance: “By their fruits you will recognize them.” Let us be vigilant in times of “YouTube prophets,” whose fruits we mostly don't know. Those who come in sheep's clothing but are ravenous wolves who spare no flock. We then see the problems that arise from this in our local churches, and some of their listeners suffer shipwreck in their faith. It shows how important it is to stand in the Lord's will in order to receive the reward for our labor.
- “And whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23). For you are serving the Lord Christ. How important it is that our service is not done in self-interest, not for personal enrichment or prestige, but out of love for Jesus Christ. In the second letter to Timothy (4:5), we also read that Timothy is urged to dedicate himself fully to his ministry. The Lord’s work must not be done negligently.
- The victor's wreath is awarded at the end. Not the beginning, but the end crowns. Salvation is undeserved grace, and this at the same time obligates us to work for the Lord. The Word of God tells us that we will reap if we do not grow weary (cf. Gal 6:9).
Yes, that too requires overcoming obstacles. If the content is questionable and not good for me, I conquer my curiosity, remain level-headed and reasonable, and do not allow what harms me, causes strife, and becomes a stumbling block into my heart (cf. 2 Tim 2:23). Therefore, be zealous, hold fast to the teaching, love your brothers, and when you serve, do so wholeheartedly and in harmony with the congregation. Remain faithful, and God's blessing will be assured.
Remember Jesus and be steadfast.
“Remember Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:8). What fatherly words and important guidance to avoid missing the mark. What would Jesus do? Does my Savior approve of what I am doing? Will Jesus walk this path with me? We should ask ourselves such questions more often and always be close to our Savior. Then, when the love of Christ is present in my life, I will be able to endure much. We read in Romans 8:35: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” No fear, no affliction, no persecution—no, nothing shall separate me from Christ! Yes, if the love of Christ rules my heart, then I will be able to resist the devil and remain steadfast.
There is a secret here as well. We read in the third section about being willing to suffer for Christ. The interesting thing about God's commandments is that they work for our good. This is also true here. Romans 5:3 says, "Because we know that affliction produces perseverance." When we see that afflictions produce good fruit in us, we become steadfast. Through perseverance, we can prove ourselves in the battle and be victorious. So if something like this happens to you, don't be dissatisfied, don't quarrel with the Lord, but know that it will be to your advantage!
Overcome evil with good.
In 2 Timothy 2:22, the Apostle Paul speaks of fleeing from youthful passions and striving for righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We do not stand alone in this, but may fight this battle of faith with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. These youthful passions are described in 1 John 2:15-16: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the love of the world.
If you've been reading this article carefully, you've probably noticed that it describes many "good" qualities and possibilities, while saying very little about the "bad" things that need to be overcome. And therein lies the secret of God's word. In Romans 12:21 we read: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." In the context of this passage, it's about "love in practical life," and the recipe is described in verse 21: Overcome through good!
Jesus acted in exactly the same way. He didn't fight against politics, a form of government, or any other ideology; instead, he showed love and did good. That was his answer to the injustice in this world. Let us follow his example!
Let us understand that we should flee from lusts and desires, for we are fighting a losing battle if we only begin to fight them. Sin will always ensnare us again. Rather, we should pursue what is good and thereby overcome evil. Our battle, however, is spiritual in nature (cf. Eph 6: armor). Here, we must resist, stand up to the devil with the word of God, and hold the field!
Final thoughts
Certainly, much more could be said on this topic, and the Word of God also gives us many important pieces of advice. These few thoughts are meant to help us become overcomers! We see in young people how God miraculously transforms things through the work of the Holy Spirit. Many who previously said they could not overcome have now, with God's help, become overcomers. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Therefore, may God bless you. Abide in the Lord, in His Word, and seek fulfillment in the Holy Spirit. The Lord will work in you both the will and the power to do so!
Viktor Barleben
Municipality of Speyer