Words: Overcomers use SPAM®
John declares that everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ is an overcomer from the world. He writes, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4) By making that simple decision of faith, a person overcomes the pull of the world and is an overcomer. There is an additional aspect of overcoming, which is “overcoming in life.”
John addresses “overcoming in life” in the next verse, “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5) Literally, John writes, “Who is he who keeps overcoming the world, but he who keeps believing that Jesus is the Son of God.” Both verbs, “overcoming” and “believing” are present participles, which emphasizes ongoing action. It is not a one time decision, but a moment by moment trust in Jesus’ ability to work and rule through the believer.
In fact, Paul addresses that in Romans 8:37, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Rom. 8:37) As we confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9) and walk in dependency on the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18), we will overcome the distractions of the world, the pull of the flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-16), which comes through the rulership of Jesus in our lives (Phil. 4:13).
In order to continue to overcome, you need an “Overcoming Plan.” Use this plan when you determine which life dominating sin you want to have victory over. Remember the acrostic: SPAM®. Each of those letters stand for an important concept.
S=Specific
P=Personal
A=Applicable
M=Measurable
®=Repeatable
SPECIFIC
Does it address specific sins not generalities?
Is your plan directed at a specific heart issue?
Are there “baby steps”?
PERSONAL
Is this plan for you, not for your neighbor?
Do you think it will work for you?
APPLICABLE
Have you found Scripture related to your problem?
Does it address TWA (thoughts, words & actions)?
Are your put offs related to put ons? (see the article on put offs and put ons)
MEASURABLE
How will you know you’ve done it?
What questions could a friend ask to know if you’re making progress?
REPEATABLE
Can you repeat this plan as needed?
Every one who fails to plan really plans to fail. These steps will give you guidance for developing a plan to have victory and overcome sin in life. Remember these steps must be done in the power of the Holy Spirit in order to have Spirit-controlled fruit (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:22-23).
Shepherding Truth 