We have been studying the non-Pauline letters—those New Testament letters not written by Paul. While the majority of the New Testament letters are indeed Paul's, there are several written by other authors, and today we look at one written by John. John also wrote the Gospel according to John and the book of Revelation. Over the next few weeks, before we begin the Advent season next Sunday, we will continue exploring some of these books.
In this particular passage, John addresses the false teachings and doctrines spreading among the small and growing churches of that time. These believers were struggling to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ because they were surrounded by cultural influences—Egyptian, Greek, and others—that practiced idol worship. False doctrines were circulating, creating confusion among the early Christians.
So John encourages them and gives them clear discernment: anyone who does not acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is not teaching the truth. The right doctrine is proclaimed by those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God who came into the world to deliver us from sin and death. John strengthens them in their faith and then empowers them with the powerful statement found in verse 4: “Because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
This is indeed a powerful statement: the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Many times we are influenced by outside forces, and I don’t need to explain how easily this happens. Simply turning on the TV exposes us to countless influences—commercials convincing us that certain products will make us happier or more fulfilled. But the moment we turn off the TV, we find ourselves alone again, reminded that our joy cannot come from the world.
John knew what it meant to feel isolated. Later in his life he was exiled to an island, alone. Many believe he wrote parts of his letters and Revelation during his exile. And yet, from that place of loneliness, he writes to remind believers that the One who lives within them is greater than anything in the world around them.
We have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and God’s Spirit dwells within us. Though our bodies are temporary—flesh and blood that will one day perish—our souls have been redeemed by God’s grace. As children of God, we carry within us the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is more powerful than any force we may face.
This single sentence—ten short words—gives courage to those trembling under the weight of external influences. It reminds us that we do not fight our battles alone. The real battle is between the One who is in us and the forces at work outside us. The Spirit of God within us confronts the forces of evil trying to steal our attention and pull us into a world that is fleeting and temporary.
John wrote to a church struggling with confusion, false teaching, and spiritual pressure in a multicultural environment. The same challenges surround us today. Our society is richly multicultural—and we thank God for that—but with diversity also comes an array of voices, beliefs, and ideas that can confuse or mislead us. That is why we must remain strong in our convictions, knowing that the Spirit of God within us is stronger than anything around us.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed. Problems rise like mountains. Circumstances roar like storms. We can feel small and powerless. But this verse reminds us that our strength is not measured by what surrounds us—it is measured by who is within us.
When we gave our hearts to Christ, He did not merely forgive us; He filled us with His Holy Spirit. We may not always feel Him or see Him, but He is always there—closer than our next breath—guiding us and protecting us daily. Even when we don't understand what is happening in our lives, God knows. He has planned a future for us—a future filled with promise, not harm.
A child walking through a busy street while holding their parent’s hand doesn’t fully understand the dangers around them. But they walk confidently because they know their parent is holding tight. That is how God holds us. The world may rush by; dangers may appear; storms may arise—but we are held.
Life brings frustrations. A simple problem like a car that won’t start can disrupt life for days. Other times it is sickness, grief, financial strain, or unexpected hardship. But these setbacks do not define us. We are children of God, and the One who is in us is greater than any force outside us. Cars may break, buildings may leak, plans may fail—but we will not be broken because God is in the midst of our situations, working for our good.
The world may threaten, but the hand that holds us is stronger. When fear rises, remember that God’s Spirit is stronger than fear. When temptation pulls, remember that God’s power is stronger than the pull of the world. Our circumstances may be great, but our God is greater. The world may shake, but the God who lives in us does not shake, tremble, panic, or retreat. He leads us forward.
As the poet Robert Frost wrote, “The best way out is always through.” When storms come, we cannot stop them—so we trust God and walk through them. When it rains, let it rain. God is more powerful than anything that falls upon us.
There is a story of a man overwhelmed by debt. Debt collectors called daily, and he saw no way forward. He decided to end his life and traveled to another city to do so. Along the way, he saw a poster for a missionary speaking at a church. He stopped in, hoping for a word. The preacher declared, “No matter what your problems are, God can solve them.” After the service, the man approached him, but because of the crowd, the preacher simply gave him his number and a small piece of paper with a verse.
At the hotel, preparing to end his life, the man remembered that note. On it was written: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He looked up the verse, opened the Gideon Bible in his room, and read it. The Spirit of God touched him. He did not call the preacher. He simply prayed and returned home with renewed hope. His business slowly recovered, doors opened, and today he is a successful businessman.
This is what God does. If we give God room to work, He will work. Sometimes we are too quick to take everything into our own hands. But when it rains, let it rain—and let God work through the storm.
The One who is in you is greater than anything outside you. No force of evil can destroy you when God lives within you. This assurance that John gave the early church is the same assurance we cling to today. It is our hope and confidence. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all—how will He not, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
So today, lift your head, square your shoulders, and walk with confidence. The Great One who lives within you will sustain you, no matter what comes your way.
May the Lord bless us with these words and empower us to live a strong, victorious life in this world.
Amen.
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