READ:
MATTHEW 9:11-17
Who is an
overcomer? An overcomer is a believer who is able to exercise restraint and
manifest discipline in every area of life. These days, there are the so-called
“sipping saints”, some so-called Christians who consume alcohol. I wonder how
someone who has ever been filled with the Holy Ghost would ever degenerate to
the level of taking intoxicants. Real Bible characters abstained from alcohol.
Samson’s mother was advised not to drink during pregnancy, as the baby she was
carrying would be a Nazarite. This instruction was also given concerning John
the Baptist because he would be filled with the Holy Spirit. In these two
cases, God tells us that those He has set apart should not drink wine. It is
those who are set apart that are called overcomers. They are the pillars of the
house of the Almighty God. The wine of the Almighty God is the Holy Spirit. The
Holy Spirit dwells in the consecrated ones. Satan also always refers
deceptively to the statement of Jesus Christ on the cross: “It is finished.” He
says this statement makes it unnecessary for the children of God to fast. As
far as the devil is concerned, Jesus Christ has finished all the fasting there
would be. This is not true. Let us look at another passage which corroborates
what today’s text is all about: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like
hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they
may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their
reward.” (Matthew 6:16). Here Jesus said, “when you fast,” and not
“when you feel like fasting” or “if you fast”. Jesus is saying that whether we
like it or not, we must fast. He even confirmed that only fasting and prayer
could cast out some demons. If you cannot fast, it may mean that one of these
demons is already living in you. When Satan discovers that you cannot fast, he
may send any of his demons to dwell in you. Unfortunately, many Christians
believe that Jesus Christ has done all the fasting so there is no need for them
to fast again, all because they cannot deny themselves. They are so wedded to
food that they cannot do without it for a few hours. There is a height of
spirituality which you will never attain without fasting. I do not mean to say
that you are not a Christian just because you cannot fast, but that if you rule
fasting out of your life, you would be limiting yourself and God’s powers.
MEMORIZE:
NUMBERS 6:2 –Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When either a
man or woman consecrates an offering to take vow of a Nazarite, to separate
himself to the LORD.
