What Does It Mean "Greater Is He That Is in Me"?
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There are quite a few references throughout the New Testament that assert Christ lives in each believer, meaning those who have professed faith in Christ and given their lives to Him. The Apostle John is the author of the 1 John epistle, which is where readers find this often quoted, but perhaps misunderstood verse and concept.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The powerful message of this verse means that Jesus, who lives in each believer, is more powerful than the enemy who is in the world. What an amazing guarantee that God is greater than anything followers of Jesus will endure or face in the world, because they belong to God. This verse serves as a blessed assurance and encouragement that Christians do not have to worry or fear, but may be at peace in the power of God who lives in them.
What Does It Mean “Greater Is He That Is in Me”?
This verse is a promise to everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The reality is that all people face hardships, go through unexpected battles, and will encounter difficult or deceitful individuals. This verse gives confidence to Christians that God lives within them. And this same God who lives within each Christian has overcome all their troubles.
This aligns with a similar message that Jesus imparted to His disciples in the final days before He went to the cross (see John 16:33). Christians do not have to be afraid or disheartened in the same way as nonbelievers because Jesus has overcome their darkest and hardest troubles.
The Apostle Paul also taught that Jesus lives within every believer. Though this may be difficult to understand, it is what Scripture declares consistently. When one puts their faith in Jesus, He makes His home in their heart (see Ephesians 3:17). Therefore, the One who lives in every believer is greater than the evil one that lives in the world.
What Is the Context of 1 John 4?
The authorship of 1 John is attributed to the apostle John, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The apostle John addressed this letter to a body of believers near Ephesus. From the content of this letter, we see that the recipients were dealing with false teachings that denied the full humanity of Christ, struggling to understand sinfulness versus righteousness, love versus hate, and salvation by one’s own merit.
John wrote this letter to assert the truth around these and other issues this congregation was unclear or being led astray about. John was counteracting any false teaching that had impacted the body of Christ. He wrote with the intent to bring clarity and God’s truth to these spiritual areas.
Specifically in the fourth chapter of this letter, where readers find this reference “greater is he that is in me,” John was asserting that Jesus is indeed from God and that for anyone to say otherwise is an indication that they are speaking false knowledge and not sent from God. John taught in this part of the epistle that Christians should test the spirits – meaning to know confidently that someone is truly a believer – if they acknowledge that Jesus came in the flesh and is from God (see 1 John 4:3).
“But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:3-4).
When believers encounter false teachers, they do not have to be concerned or worried, because they are from God and God is in them. God is in every believer and is greater than the enemy who seeks to lie and deceive the world. This verse is a necessary reminder that God is in every Christian and therefore, believers can rely on Him for wisdom and strength, and to not be overcome by evil or false teachings.
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What Does It Mean That God Is "in Me"?
God is not far off, and He has not removed Himself from the lives of His beloved children. Rather Scripture teaches that God is in every believer and involved in their lives. When a person confesses Jesus as their Lord and Savior, Christ takes residence in their heart. The apostle Paul further explained this concept of what it means for God to be in a believer.
“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness” (Romans 8:10).
Humans are body and humans are also spirit. It is a new believer’s spirit that is joined with Christ and He resides in them. He unites with the spirit of a person and empowers them to live righteously and bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Is It True That God Is Greater Than Anything in the World?
The answer to this question, “Is God greater than anything in the world,” is a resounding yes! God is truly greater than anything in the world. Christ’s followers will encounter false teachers. Yet God is greater. Christians will face hardships, and sorrows, and all sorts of troubles. God is greater. Believers will be let down and hurt by others, but God is greater than all of that. God is greater than one’s worries, fears, and concerns. God is greater than the enemy who roams around like a lion looking for someone to devour (see 1 Peter 5:8).
Earlier in this letter, the apostle John wrote that believers are beloved children of God (see 1 John 3:1). The love Jesus has for His children is deeper, wider, and more real than any other love. Christians truly have nothing to worry about because God is greater than anything they will encounter in this world, including the enemy who tries to wreak havoc in their lives.
It is, therefore, imperative for every believer to keep God first and to seek Him whenever they are going through a difficult time. Believers go to Jesus because He is greater than anything else and is the only one that can provide the help and saving grace needed.
A Prayer for God's Strength in Difficult Times
Heavenly Father,
You are good and gracious. I praise you that you are a perfect father, fully of mercy, compassion, and lovingkindness. You love me dearly. I am so grateful that I can come to you with any need, with any concern, and when I am feeling lost. Lord, you know the troubles I am facing, and all the details of my circumstances. You know how weary I have become from this battle. Jesus, give me strength. I look to You for help, oh Lord. Help me to take one step of faith at a time, trusting You every step of the way. Bring breakthrough, healing, and a way out of my situation. Thank you, Jesus, for Your faithfulness. Thank you for hearing my prayers.
Amen.
This verse is truly an incredible promise that believers can trust in God. It is a verse that gives hope in the midst of whatever someone is going through because God is greater, and He will see a Christian through when they call upon His name. He will not let His children be led astray when they choose to cling to His truth above all.
Followers of Jesus can test the spirits and know what is of God and what is not. God has not left us on our own. He lives in the hearts of His believers who have committed their lives to Him and will be with them no matter what they face. Jesus declared that whatever comes, He has already overcome those troubles. Christians can have heavenly peace on earth because God, who is in them, is greater.
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