READING: Ezekiel 46-48, 1 John 4:1-19
My experience is that we read and speak the words of 1 John 4:4 as we study and preach this book, but I’m not sure we think deeply enough about them. I’m certain we don’t apply them well to our lives. These words are those that remind us of our ongoing victory in Christ: “You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
The one who lives in us is God’s Holy Spirit, who convicts us of sin, directs us to truth, and empowers us for living. He indwells us and never leaves us. That truth is simply amazing, and it’s incredibly encouraging that He grants us:
- Power to stand against sin when tempted
- Words to speak when held accountable for our faith
- Insight to recognize false teachers and teachings
- His presence to encourage us when life is hard
- His intercessory groanings when we don’t know how to pray
- Conviction in our heart to keep us on the right path
- Anointing for preaching and teaching the Word of God
- Comfort when we’re grieving
- Guidance as we journey with Christ
- Confirmation in our spirit that we’re God’s children
- Spiritual gifts to serve God through the church.
I could continue listing the blessings the Spirit gives us, but just this simple list shows us why John says to his readers, “you have conquered them [in their case, false teachers].” All of us can claim these same words, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ (Rom 8:37). His Spirit lives within us, and He’s greater than any enemy we face.
PRAYER: “Lord, I thank You and praise You for Your Spirit.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Daniel 1-2, 1 John 4:20-5:21
