The Overcomer's Life
The Book of Revelations in the Bible mentions in chapter 2 and 3, the rewards that will be given to those who overcome life's temptations. These rewards include the right to eat from the tree of life, immunity from the second death, the privilege to eat of the hidden manna, a white stone with a new name written on it that only those that receive it know, power over the nations, the ability to rule with a rod of iron, the Morning Star, your name not erased from the book of life, a pillar (steadfastness) in the Temple of God never going out again, the new name of God written on your head, along with the name of the city of God and Jesus' new name also.
At first glance these rewards seem to be very otherworldly and super spiritual but if you really study it, what Jesus is saying is that he desires to give you salvation in this life, eternal life in the next life, sanctification from sin, faith in God, dominion and power over principalities and powers, a sound mind, adoption into the family of God, a place in the community of God and fellowship with the Son of God. Jesus is saying that he wants to make you just like him.
The over comer's life is one of getting to know Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to exercise you into godliness. The Bible says that the mature Christian is one that is led by the Spirit. The victorious Christian understands that victory over temptation is only possible by submitting to God and resisting the devil. As we submit to God more and more, God begins to give us that "strong meat" reserved only for the mature.
It is not that God won't give his rewards to everyone; it is that he can't give them to everyone. The over comer has learned to leave the infantile, selfish, and slothful thoughts and actions of the flesh life behind. He has learned to walk and not grow weary to run and not faint. The overcomer's life requires that a person be spiritually fit. So, this life is our work out room, the Holy Spirit is our trainer and the life of Jesus is our reward. Hallelujah!