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1 John 4:4 - Victorious Truth.

1 John 4:4 (NIV) 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.

INTRODUCTION

This powerful and liberating reminder from John tells us not to be frightened by the wickedness and hostility we see all around us nor to be overwhelmed by the problems we face. Evil can often seem much stronger than we are. John assures us, however, that God has ultimately triumphed. The Holy Spirit has far more power than Satan, all his demons, and all temptations and forces of evil. God will conquer all evil - and his Spirit and his Word live in our hearts!

COMMENTARY PEARL

His Justice Will Make Things New
   The amount of injustice in the world today can be overwhelming. So much heartache from poor choices and selfish ambition. God, in His infinite wisdom, has given people freedom of choice. Some people choose to bless others with their freedom of choice. Sadly, others choose to hurt people.
   Fortunately, the Bible says that one day, all things will be made new. One day, everything will be made right. One day, justice will "roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24).
   But even today, despite all the pain in the world, God is greater than all our greatest wounds and hurts. God is always near for us to turn to, and when we do, God takes us in and holds us close. He draws us into His arms as a loved child of the Creator of the universe.
   If you're surrounded by pain, take heart that the perfect Father is loving and good. He is in control and will provide everything we need.
   Dear God, nothing is a surprise to You. You have never been shaken or confused. I cling to Your stability today when things around me seem shaky. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

COMMENTARY

The Battle You Were Born to Win
   You were born into a battle. You didn't ask for it. But a cosmic battle that started before you were born and will continue long after you die is taking place all throughout the universe. You can't escape the battle between God and Satan, good and evil. Even people who don't know it exists can't escape it!
   Because we're talking about God, there's good news. It's important to know God and Satan are not equal sides. You don't have to wonder who's going to win this war. There is no suspense, no wondering who's going to be standing at the end. God is far superior in all ways. And the Bible tells us that at the end of this world, God is going to have the last word. One day God will completely wipe Satan out.
   Until then, he allows us to have a choice of whose side we're on.
   People are often pawns in this cosmic battle. Why? Because Satan can't hurt God. What do you do when you can't hurt someone? You hurt his children - so Satan goes after you.
   The bad news is, you were born for a spiritual battle. But you were also born to win the battle. The Bible says, "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4 NIV).
   Satan isn't afraid of you. He is afraid of who is in you: God.
   When you become a Christian, God gives you the Holy Spirit to live in you. With the Holy Spirit in you, you don't have to be afraid of Satan. Because with the Holy Spirit, you have the power that raised Jesus from the dead. That power guarantees you victory not just over the war but over every battle you face in your life - every temptation, every sorrow, every pain you experience.
   All you have to do is call on the Holy Spirit. God is ready to give you the help, comfort, and power you need for life.
   You're on the winning side of this war. Now it's time to live like it. [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1 John 4:4 - Victorious Truth.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240221-0917.html

1 John 4:4 - The Stronger One.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200817-1008.html

Romans 8:31 - Winners In Christ.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170821-2011.html

Colossians 1:27 - Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20161104-0940.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/