James Smith

God-given grace is sure to be victorious. It may be overcome for a time--but it shall overcome at last. Just so the Christian, having . . .
God on his side;
Jesus, as his Intercessor; and
the Holy Spirit in his heart--
he is sure to be a conqueror.

This led John to write, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you--than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4.

"YOU ARE of GOD." They were born of God, by a new and spiritual birth, and were thus brought into a new covenant relation. They were therefore related to God as their Father, Redeemer, and Comforter. The image of God was stamped upon them, and they were conformed to Jesus, by the renewing of the Holy Spirit. God claimed them as his portion, possession, and property, and as such highly prized them. They were greatly loved, and tenderly cared for by the Lord, therefore they are called," little children."

"YOU HAVE OVERCOME THEM." Overcome who? The false spirits which were gone forth into the world, tempting men to deny Christ, reject the evidences of his Messiahship, and forsake his cause. The false teachers, sent and equipped by those false spirits, who preached against the godhead, mediatorial character, and saving work of Christ. These were numerous, crafty, and powerful--but genuine believers had grace and wisdom to overcome them.

"BECAUSE GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN YOU, THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD." Satan, the god of this world, was in these deceivers--as in all false teachers and preachers. Jehovah, the God of Israel, was in the saints--as he is in all true believers. He is greater than the world and its god, and greater than all pretenders.

Greater in wisdom--to counsel, instruct, and direct them.

Greater in authority--to command, arrange, and rally his forces.

Greater in power--to strengthen, support and animate.

Greater in operation--overcoming the principles of evil, and bringing all the powers of the soul into subjection to his will.

Hence we can understand why the simple, weak, and unlettered believer can and does withstand the sophistry of earth and Hell. Hence we find encouragement to believe that we shall overcome, though Satan, false teachers, and the world are all banded against us. At best, they are but mighty--but he who is in us is ALMIGHTY, therefore we should not fear. Never therefore be discouraged by looking at your foes, the obstacles and difficulties in your path--or for one moment forget that the Omnipotent One is in you.

Remember, O believer, you are of God, a child of the Most High, the dwelling-place of the Almighty--therefore watch against sin, Satan, and false teachers.

Reader, ask your conscience, Does God dwell in me? Do I bear the image of God? Am I looking to him that I may overcome every foe?