"The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
The thought that God the Holy Spirit literally enters into a Christian and works in us to hold us close to Jesus and ward off the temptations of the devil is not only encouraging, but also real! As a result, we have no excuse for sinning. Our sinning happens either through our weaknesses of the flesh or our outright willingness and stupidity. This is why we need to confess our sins each day and seek the forgiveness and strength of God, provided us through Christ Jesus.
On the other side of the coin, with the Spirit within, and with Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we can live with confidence, purpose, and hope. Our lives can glorify God, for we know that in His grace and by the power of the Spirit He has forgiven and empowered us in Jesus.
The "world" in John's letters is the ungodly, unbelieving world ruled and controlled by the prince of darkness, the devil. Without Jesus, none can stand before God's judgment. Be we who trust Jesus are enabled, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to glorify God in spite of our weaknesses and sinful impulses.
By continual study of the Bible, the Lord reveals our sinfulness and ALSO reveals His righteousness, power, and confidence for holy living. As long as we are in this world, and trusting that the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world, we can fight the good fight of faith each day.
We get battered and assaulted by the evil one. Some days are worse than others. However, we hold His cross before our eyes, drink in its power through faith, and live strong! Thanks be to God!
-Dale
