Our God Is Greater

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.