I John 4:4-6 “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. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
My son loves to play with swords. He has plastic pirate swords, Luke Skywalker laser swords, bendy foam swords . . . he’s even had a few balloon swords. Whenever he holds a toy sword in his hand, he is ready for battle!
On his bed, he has a teddy bear. He likes to cuddle that bear at night. But if he feels afraid, he will still put one of his swords beside his bed. Just in case.
The “them” John refers to are the false teachers that represent the world’s point of view. The world – those living without God in their lives – will never be comfortable with God’s Word. According to Hebrews 4:12, “the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Such a powerful weapon is not meant to make people comfortable; it is meant to set people free!
But many people in the world are comfortable in their bondage to sin, and they don’t really want to be set free. So they’ll love listening to false teachers who tickle their ears, telling them they are okay and that they don’t need to change. Those teachers are like warm, cuddly teddy bears. Of course they will be loved.
But if you were entering into battle, which would you choose to take with you? A teddy bear, or a sword? There is a battle going on for our souls, my friend. And when we have the Spirit of God in us, we are on the winning team. For greater is He that lives in us than he who is in the world!
Dear Father, Thank You for Your Word, which sets us free. Help me to learn more and more of Your Word, hiding it in my heart, so that I will be ready for battle! Please be with those around me who are blinded by false teaching. Use my life as a light to guide them out of their darkness, to You.
Amen
Very true!
Hi Alisa! Great to see you here. Thanks for stopping by. 😉
The comfort of his sword is what helps your little one to sleep peacefully, isn’t it? Me, too. The comfort of of God’s Word helps me to sleep at night, too, Renae.
Grace and Peace to you,
Jean
Hi Renae ! I’ve enjoyed your daily scriptures ,for quite some time now.
I think ….your titles are cute and to the point.
Congradulations to you and Rev. Mark,
hope you have a Wonderful day !
Thanks Jean and Teresa Marie.
Teresa Marie, I’ll tell my web-guy! Thanks. 😉