The One Who Is in You
“1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 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.
4 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. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 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[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
The First Epistle of John was written primarily to the churches in Ephesus and the region of Asia Minor, reflecting the theological debates and challenges faced by the Christian community of that time. In today’s passage, John warns that the spirit of the antichrist seeks to deceive believers within the church, urging them to stand firm in their essential faith.
A central truth in 1 John is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Acknowledging that Jesus came in the flesh is the key standard of true faith. During that era, Gnostic influences attempted to deny Jesus' incarnation and suffering on the cross, emphasizing only the spiritual realm. However, through the incarnation, God dwelled among humanity, bore our sins, and ultimately fulfilled the hope of a new creation.
In the face of such deception, believers need not fear. John proclaims, "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4), assuring us that the Holy Spirit guides us into truth. Despite the false teachings and temptations of the world, God's people must boldly confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
Our faith should not be swayed by complex philosophical arguments or worldly values but should stand firmly on the simple yet profound confession that Jesus is Lord. When we remain rooted in Christ, those who belong to God will hear and accept the truth of the gospel through our witness. Let us proclaim the lordship of Jesus in our homes and workplaces, living a victorious faith that overcomes the world.
Prayer: Lord, the Spirit of Jesus leads and guides our path, granting us victory in faith to overcome the world. Work in us this morning so that we may live with boldness, fully trusting in Your lordship. Pour out Your promised Spirit upon Your people, filling our hearts with hope, love, faith, and courage. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)