“4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
There is a battle happening all around us--a battle for your heart, your mind, and your soul. A battle that's not only physical, but also spiritual.
Yes, we are in a real battle. Yes, we have a real enemy. Our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. To pervert, manipulate, and confuse. To distract, divide, and disable.
Yes, the kingdom of darkness is constantly fighting against the kingdom of light.
But for those who are trusting in the finished work of Christ, greater is the One living inside of us than the one who is living in this world. We have a real Saviour. The kingdom of darkness will never prevail against the kingdom of light.
What this means for you
Sometimes the battle feels too big. Fear, sickness, money worries, family problems, temptation. It can feel like the darkness is winning. But John says, you have already won. Not because you are strong, but because of who lives in you.
If you belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in you. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). The enemy is real, but he is not equal to God. He is a defeated enemy. Jesus beat him at the cross and walked out of the grave.
So how do we stand? We stay close to Jesus. We pray. We read His Word and speak it out, just as Jesus did when He was tempted in the wilderness. We worship, even when we do not feel like it. And we stay connected to God's people, because we were never meant to fight alone.
Think about it
What battle are you facing that feels bigger than you?
Which promise from God's Word can you speak over that situation today?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the courage and discipline to pursue You and keep away from evil. Because of Your work in our lives, we know that You are greater than anything that fights against us. You have overcome the world, and You live in us! Strengthen us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Keep going
More on Identity and Freedom in Teaching & Resources.
Go deeper with the Freedom in Christ course.
Plan a visit and join us on a Sunday in Wythenshawe.
