1 John 4:4: He Who Is In You Is Greater

1 John 4:4
[4] Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (ESV)

When you were a child were you ever afraid of monsters being in your room at night?  I actually believed there were tickle monsters under my bed that would tickle me to death if I got out of bed in the middle of the night.  That's a humorous story, but you can probably identify with having a very real fear as a child of some kind of monster.

Imagine, if you were terrified that there was some kind of monster in the room and you called out to your father.  Your dad came into your room and reassured you that there was nothing to be afraid of. There was no monster in your room, and even if there were a monster in the room your father would protect you. I want you to think of that kind of comfort that a father gives a young child. That is the kind of comfort the Apostle John gives to the church that was being harassed by spiritual monsters.

Demonic spirits. Antichrists. False teachers. These are ominous titles of those who have the intent to do great harm to believers in Jesus Christ. They seek to undermine the truth of who Jesus Christ is, and thereby destroy the believers confidence and security. John says, "Little children." I love that phrase.  He reminds us that there is nothing to be afraid of. Our father will take care of the evil monsters.  In fact, he has even given us his Holy Spirit to be with us in every scary situation.

Be aware of falsehood.  Don't ignore it. Study the Word of God and be prepared to counter the lies of the enemy. But do not be afraid, little one. Your Heavenly Father is with you. The monsters lose.