The Greater One in Us
In I John 4:4, we find these familiar words, “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.” Many believers understand John’s words about the Greater One in them who helps them to overcome to be words that are truth about all areas of life. They understand these words to mean that they can be victorious in everything because no matter how great the external trouble, the Greater One, the Holy Spirit, is in them.
It is, in fact, true that the Holy Spirit is the Greater One in us and it is true that He can help us to overcome in all situations of life. It is very important, however, that we pay attention to the context of John’s words about the Holy Spirit. If we don’t, we will actually miss the important revelation he was delivering to believers. John had been writing about error, about spirits, about false prophets, about antichrists, and about the importance of believers testing everything to make sure they are true and sound. In this context, John said, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them...”
Who was the “them” John was referring to that believers have overcome? The “them” were ungodly spirits, false prophets, and antichrists. And how had believers “overcome them?” Because “greater is he that is in you — the Holy Spirit — than “he that is in the world” — the false prophets inspired by ungodly spirits and the antichrists.
So what is John’s real point in I John 4:4? His point is that the Greater One in us, the Holy Spirit, will enable us to recognize who and what is true and who and what is false. The Indwelling Spirit of Truth, the Greater One Who is in us will help us to stay sound in God, sound in doctrine, and not be overcome by the working of ungodly spirits, false prophets, and antichrists.
