In studying the seven churches of Revelation 2-3, we have found that all have one thing in common: the need to overcome. Some eras receive more chastening and harsher criticism than others do, yet Christ admonishes even the "best" or least criticized to overcome. This suggests that all these churches fall short of God's standard of holiness. All lack faith, hope, love, obedience, dedication, and responsiveness, among other aspects of character. All still produce the works of the flesh, man's carnal nature and selfishness.

Since our Savior directly instructs all the churches to overcome, this Sunday school/Bible study class will address this vital matter. We will first look into the various impediments to overcoming—the sinful attitudes and conditions that hold us back. To begin, we need to see what part self-deception plays in concealing our true spiritual condition from us. If we hide our sins even from ourselves, we will never work to overcome them!