…he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. —1 John 4:4
This year has been hard, and one doesn’t need to look far to see someone struggling. Maybe you feel overwhelmed yourself.
A year when a pandemic is raging around the world, when we’re separated from loved ones, surrounded by turmoil, and “normal” life has come to a halt—it is easy to feel powerless. It is easy to feel like evil is winning. Satan vehemently continues his hate-filled assault against God’s people—he is in the world, always lying, twisting God’s truth, the spirit of antichrist tempting us to sin in despair.
When evil surrounds you—when you look out at the world and question “Is this defeat?"—when you think that living in this world is too hard, that this darkness is winning . . . Remember, He who lives in you is greater. Remember, Jesus has overcome. The God of the universe reigns, and He dwells in you. He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Those who trust the Lord Jesus are indwelt by Him, the One who defeated sin and death once and for all (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The Victor who convincingly defeated the enemy lives in God’s people (Colossians 2:15).
We daily face the brokenness of the world yet walk in the reality of our identity in Christ—for truly we are “more than conquerors through Him who loves us” (Romans 8:37). But the question is, can people see this reality in us? God dwells in us. People who listen to us, interact with us and watch us living our life—do they see Him in us? Are we pointing them to the overwhelming victory of our King. Is it obvious who is within you? Do you live your life knowing, then showing, that God is greater than this world?
How will we show the world the truth of Christ’s victory and greatness?
We shall love. We are called to love each other well—to love in actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). We will love even the unlovable and we will love sacrificially. We will do it, because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. We will do it because it is the Holy Spirit dwelling within us who makes it possible. So, reach out to someone and love them. Love them in a way that points them to the One who is shining within you and through you. Show Jesus to everyone around you.
You may be feeling especially weary and heavy-laden. Now is the time for you take hold of the beautiful encouragement of this verse!
My prayer is that this verse is a daily strengthening for you, maybe even something you cling to and repeat to yourself throughout the day. In the weeks and months to come, may we show in all we do that the One who dwells in us is greater than he who is in the world.
For Reflection
Read all of 1 John 4 and write down the encouragements you get from this passage.
What is convicting to you? Does your life point people to Jesus. Pray that God would help you to be a light.
Remind a fellow believer of this truth today.
Read the entire book of 1 John this week, praying and reflecting on God’s word. Ask God to change you through His word.