1 John 4:4
[4] “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Whenever I read this verse, I cannot help but break it down phrase by phrase. I notice first of all our standing when John said, “Ye are of God”. This is enough to make us stop and rejoice. The fact that we are of God and not the devil anymore! What a blessed position. Calvary did more than save our soul from hell. Calvary gave us a new standing with God.
The second thing I notice is our size. John used the phrase “little children”. This should help remove any pride that might try to creep into our lives. Little children are dependent upon others. They are unable to take care of themselves, or do for themselves. They require constant teaching and supervision. This is who we really are as believers. The song writer said it best when he wrote the words, “Lord I can’t even walk without you holding my hand”. Just like a child we need his care and guidance.
The third thing I see is our success. John declares that we have, “overcome them”. For us to have any victory, or success, in our lives is nothing short of a miracle. How is this possible? How can it be that you and I have overcome error and false corruption? How can we win over Satan?
The answer is in the next phrase. I see the Spirit! “Greater is he that is in you”. Our greatness comes from within. This greatness has nothing to do with self, but everything to do with the Spirit. The victorious Christian life is a life where a believer is filled with the Holy Spirit.
Finally I see Satan. John talks about “he that is in the world”. The devil is a defeated foe. He can have no victory, apart from us giving it to him. If you are saved, then you have greatness living within you. The Spirit will guide us and help us to conquer the world, the flesh and the devil.