He Is Greater

1 John 4:4-5

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.”

The complete context of today’s verse can be understood more fully by reading the passage of 1 John 4:1-5 altogether. John is warning the church about discerning the spirits because of false prophets who were teaching against the incarnation, that is, saying that Jesus did not really come in the flesh. He says this is the spirit of anti-Christ and it was already happening in the late first century.

In the current times, this spirit of anti-Christ has only been spread more widely. The viewpoint of much of the world is to deny or downplay the life and redeeming work of Jesus. Christians are marginalized, mocked, and persecuted. The world seems be “tolerant” of all religions and beliefs except for those of true Christians who believe the Bible and try to walk it out in their daily lives.

We must remember we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. He is Greater than any other spirit in the world. He is the One Who gives us discernment, and enables us to be bold and courageous in standing strong in Christ Jesus against those who dispute the Truth.

Do not be intimidated. You and God comprise the majority!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Thank the Father that He is Greater; and, for the fact that He lives in you by His Holy Spirit. Ask His Holy Spirit to sharpen your discernment of false teachers and the spirit of anti-Christ.

Be bold and courageous.

Dive Deeper: Study 1 John 4; Romans 8:31; Psalm 34:7; 2 Chronicles 32:7; 2 Kings 6:16.