I John 4:4
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Often the world feels like a frightening place. We fear crime, disease, and threats from enemies at home and abroad. We have become aware of unseen threats to our, personal freedoms, income, security, identity, and privacy. We have serious concerns for our lives, livelihoods, and the future freedom and welfare of our families. The powers in the world seem so large that a rational person could be tempted to give up hope.
I am not going to lie to you and say that the condition of the world really isn’t all that bad. But, I also am not going to tell you to simply to give up. What are the alternatives?
I could tell you just to have a positive attitude. But, that would be wrong on two counts. First, the threats are real. Pretending things are just fine is lying to yourself. Secondly, a positive outlook that ignores reality is foolish. Like the old phrase, “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” such thinking is even more depressing. Just drowning our fears by numbing up with drugs or alcohol is perhaps the most common approach among fearful people. But, this only makes problems worse. Eventually the numbing effects of food, drink, and drug wear off and reality comes rushing back with a vengeance.
I actually have good news for you. This good news is real and comes from God Himself through his Word. Listen to God’s Word for today again. This is from I John 4:4.
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
As powerful as the threats in the world truly are, God is greater. And God isn’t far away. In fact, He is in you!
How is God in you? When you were baptized, God incorporated you into the body of Jesus. He took away the condemnation of your sins through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. God overcame your slavery to sin, and through His Gospel sets you free to live in faith towards God and love towards your neighbor.
God’s greater power is seen in the life of Jesus. How does the life of Jesus show God’s greater power? The world is all about retribution, and filling personal emptiness by taking from others. God is greater because God is abundant in all good things. Therefore, in the case of sin, God can do the impossible, God forgives. Jesus willingly subjected Himself to the reality of human sin and restores those who trust in Him as a gift through faith alone. The world is all about taking from others, because it has nothing of its own. Without robbing others the world is bankrupt. God, is the source of all things. God is full of underserved gifts, a grace to all who trust in Him. God comes to us with the gifts of life and even makes HIs gifts personal through Baptism, Holy Communion, and the preaching of His Word.
I think you are starting to get the idea, aren’t you? We are called from fear of the world to faith in God through Jesus Christ our Lord. As fearful as the enemies of Christ appear, their threats were broken when Christ rose from the dead. It is this true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, abundant in life and rich in every blessing, that is within us. God is truly greater than any evil in the world. And from His riches we are enabled to forgive those who sin against us.
Jesus sent His disciples into all nations with this good news. He sends those who believe in Him into this world as witnesses to God’s greater power and peace. May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Jesus today and always. And may God bless your witness that you may be a source of encouragement to all living in fear. Amen! He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Let us pray, Lord God heavenly Father, I thank you for your abundant mercy and grace that has saved me through my Lord Jesus Christ. Grant me your grace towards all people, that they may see my life, and give you glory for your love. In Jesus Name, AMEN