The One in you is Greater

"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." (1 John 4:4)

I've often heard this verse and found comfort in the truth that One in me is greater. That One being the Holy Spirit living in me.

But, I've often wondered why this verse says "overcome them"? Who is "them"? What does it mean here?

While the many situations I have heard this verse quoted in are times when it's still absolutely true that God in us is greater than power in the world, we've missed what John is saying in this verse. And when we see what he's saying, his word choice makes sense.

When we look at 1 John 4:1-6 we see the bigger picture. This passage is dealing with false teachers, with those who deny the incarnation, with those teaching deception.

When we come into contact with those who teach falsehood and are leading others astray, it can be quite intimidating. Somehow they have managed to convince people to follow them. This is why John reminds us of the power of the One who lives in us. That the One who is in us is greater than them - than the false teachers.

No matter what false teaching we face, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit in us is greater. We don't need to fear. We don't need to be intimidated. Jesus is greater.

There's reassurance in this. We're on the side of victory, even if the odds seem stacked against us in the moment. God's truth and His power will overcome the false teaching.