Our God is Greater
1 John 4:4; Romans 8:31
Today I would like to conclude the series dealing with profound statements in the Bible by actually considering two statements from different Apostles. These two statements are personal favorites, having brought much comfort to my life over the years. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world; If God be for us, who can be against us?
Likely everyone here today will agree with the truth these statements reveal. As believers, we readily accept the power and preeminence of our God, even if we are unable to fully comprehend or convey such divine characteristics. We know, as long as God is on our side, we have nothing to fear. Yet, often we live as if these statements were not true. At times our lives tend to portray a lack of confidence that God will actually move in our situation. We know that He is sovereign, and yet we allow the circumstances of life to create fear and doubt within our lives. We sing of a resurrected Savior and live at times as if He were still in the tomb. We know the Bible teaches we are more than conquerors through Christ, already having obtained victory, and yet we often live in defeat.
I pray as we examine the attributes of God revealed in these verses, that our faith will be renewed and we will claim the victory we have in Christ. I want us to consider the thought: Our God is Greater.
I. The Sovereignty of our God (1 John 4:4) – Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. John reminds us that we can rest in the absolute sovereign power and authority of our Lord. Consider:
A. His Preeminence – We discover that our God is greater. Within the context of this passage, our Lord is greater than he that is in the world – Satan the god of this world. He is greater than those who possess the spirit of anti-Christ, doubting that Jesus was and is the Christ. Surely, we have reason to rejoice that our God is greater than the ruler of darkness, and those who promote his agenda; and yet we can rejoice that He is greater than all.
There is nothing that we will face in life or death that our Lord is not greater. He is greater that our doubt and fear. He is greater than the struggles we face and the disparity in life. He is greater than our physical limitations, and even greater than death itself. We have nothing to fear. Our Lord already overcame and provided every believer victory! Eph.1:20-21 – Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. 1 Peter 3:22 – Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
B. His Power – greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. As I read that statement, I am reminded of the battle that has been waged for centuries – the fight between good and evil, sin and righteousness. After being cast out of heaven for desiring to be equal with God, Satan has fought against the plan and will of God. With the first of creation he came in deception, tempting Adam and Eve to question the Word of God and rebel against His commands. Because of their disobedience, sin entered the human race, resulting in death. Until Christ offered Himself the atoning sacrifice for sin and rose triumphantly in resurrection life, death had reigned supreme within humanity. As Jesus willingly laid down His life on the cross to atone for our sin, He declared: It is Finished. This served notice to Satan that sin, death, and hell had been defeated. The devil did all he could to prevent Jesus from providing salvation and eternal life for humanity, but his efforts were in vain. Jesus fulfilled the plan of redemption, eternally defeating Satan and his diabolical plan.
Satan still walks about the earth, seeking whom he may devour through his deceptive ways, but he has been defeated. We continue to deal with the effects of sin, living in a sin cursed, fallen world. However, Satan knows he is a defeated foe. Christ secured victory for every believer upon the cross and by rising from the grave. Greater is the Lord within us, than he that is in the world. Rom.6:9 – Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Rev.1:18 – I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
C. His Presence – greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Such an eternal truth is impossible to fully comprehend or adequately convey, but every believer has the Spirit of God abiding within. It would be comforting enough to know that we had access to one as powerful as our Lord, being able to make an appointment and secure His provision. Thankfully, we don’t have to make an appointment, nor do we have to stand in line for access to Him. In fact, we have unlimited access to the throne of grace, able to take our petitions before the Lord at any time.
That, in and of itself, is amazing, and yet we have more through which we can rejoice. The Lord abides continually with every believer through His indwelling Spirit. The one who created the universe, holding it all together by the word of His power, the one who provided for our salvation, conquering death, hell, and the grave, the one who possesses a name above every name, abides in us through His Holy Spirit. The believer has a continual presence with them at all times – the presence of none other than the Lord Himself through His Spirit. 2 Cor.6:16 – And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
D. His Provision (4a) – Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Before we conclude discussion of this profound thought, we must also consider the divine provision it reveals. John had spoken of the those who opposed the Gospel, as well as those who embrace it. Although he didn’t imply that troubles would cease upon receiving salvation, he did declare that we would be equipped to overcome the world and those who oppose us. Certainly, with all we have discussed, you would agree that we are more than overcomers through Christ our Lord. Through His power and abiding presence, we can face and overcome any obstacle that comes our way. There is no reason for the child of God to live in defeat. Christ already secured our victory, and He will provide all we need to enjoy a victorious life in Him. 1 John 5:4 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Rom.8:37 – Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
II. The Security in our God (Rom.8:31) – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? The final statement I want to consider is this familiar one found in Paul’s letter to the Roman church. He wanted the church to enjoy the same comfort and security he had found in Christ. Paul knew if God was for us, abiding in us and providing for every need, no one or nothing would be able to defeat us. In the context of this passage, we are reminded that:
A. He is our Sustainer (31) – Paul had spoken at length about the believer’s position in Christ and all that one receives in salvation. While he had not provided an exhaustive list of everything we enjoy, what he had spoken about was quite impressive. He then asked two rhetorical questions – how will we respond to all of this? If God is for us, abiding in us, who can come against us bringing our defeat? He reveals that Christ is our Sustainer. He has saved us by His grace and secured us within His grasp. Those who are in Christ have nothing to fear. The enemy will continue to come against us, seeking our defeat, but he will not be successful as long as we abide in Christ. We may succumb to the enemy’s temptation from time to time; but even then, we remain secure within the hand of our Lord. It is comforting to know that the Lord is not just on our side, but sovereignly keeping us within His care!
B. He is our Savior (32a) – He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? In case there was any doubt about God’s commitment to the church, Paul reminded them that He had not spared His own Son, but freely offered Him as the sacrifice which atoned for our sin. If God was willing to offer His only begotten Son to die in our place, paying the penalty for our sin, I think you would have to agree that God is for us, offering His unlimited favor and grace! Rom.5:6 – For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom.5:8 – But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
C. He is our Provider (32b) – He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? If God was willing to offer the very best He had, His only begotten Son for our sin, why would He withhold any good thing from those whom He has saved by His grace. We could not possibly need anything that would cost the Father more than He had already given. His love and provision were proven at Calvary, and we can rest in the divine provision of our God. (This does not provide a basis for the prosperity gospel, but it does promise the Lord will meet the needs of those who are His. We can rest assured of His care for us!)
D. His is our Justifier (33) – Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. For me, this verifies the truth of verse 31 – If God be for us, who can be against us. Paul asked a profound question. Who is worthy or justified in laying any charge to those God has chosen? It is God alone who justifies. Those who are saved by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross, are justified in the eyes of God. Simply, we are now declared righteous by the Father. He no longer views our sin; we are viewed in light of the righteousness of His Son. If God has declared us righteous, and He has those who are saved, what charges could anyone possibly bring that could alter our standing with God? If God be for us (if God has declared us righteous,) who can be against us (who can alter our life in Him?) Phili.1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: I hope you have been encouraged by the message today. Our God is greater than anyone or anything we will ever face. If He is for us, and we know He is, who or what could come against us? Are you resting in His provision today? Do you know Christ as your personal Savior? Maybe you have been saved, and yet you feel defeated. Whatever your need is, bring it to the one who is more than able to provide!
