We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. – 1 John 5:19
Have you ever spoken before an audience? If so, then you understand the basic rule of public speaking: tell your listeners what it is you are going to tell them, then tell them, and finally, tell them what you told them. This is how the Apostle John deals with chapter 5 in his first epistle. It is his God-inspired goal that you understand and that, in understanding, you have confidence and assurance that what he has said is true. When John says, “We know,” he wants you to have no doubt. The preposition he uses for “of” is ek, indicating both source and possession. God is your source, and you belong to Him. The Apostle Paul said the same thing in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
There are two powers mentioned in today’s verse—God and the evil one. John carefully draws a sharp distinction between believers and the world. Pastor and author Steven Cole writes, “He does not allow for a middle category of true believers who keep one foot in the world. Either you are ‘of God’ and separate from the evil world, or you are of the world, and you lie in the arms of the evil one.”
There have been recent surveys of Americans concerning worldviews. Sadly, in a large portion of those who say they are Christians, there is little difference in morals and values from the general population. This is a time to dedicate yourself wholly to the Lord. This is not the time to be complacent. If you have been born again, God is your source, and if you have submitted to Him as His possession, you devote yourself to living according to His kingdom culture. Child of God, you have His power. Use it and stand strong. Pray for political candidates who have taken a public stand for the Lord.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 5:19
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 5:13-21
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
