Greater Is He That Is In You {1 John 1-5}

There are many false prophets and false teachers in the world today. It can be confusing for believers, but greater is He that is in you.  #Biblestudy #1John #WomensBibleStudy #GoodMorningGirls

Good Morning Girls!

We are in the book of 1 John and today I want to do an overview of the entire book and then focus on 1 John 4:1-6.

If you struggle with certainty of what you believe – then 1 John is  a great book for you.  I almost always counsel new believers to start reading their Bible in 1 John followed by the gospel of John.

The author John is well-known as the disciple “Jesus loved”. He was commonly listed as one of Jesus’ three closest friends – Peter, James and John.  John was an outgoing, bold man which led to his imprisonment on the Island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation.  He also wrote the gospel of John and 1st, 2nd and 3rd John.

This book is a favorite for many because it is simple, brief and full of love and light.

But we see in 1 John a warning against false prophets and how in 1 John 2:19 – some who were with them, left and did not return because they were not true believers.

This caused the Christians to be uncertain of their own salvation and how to distinguish a genuine Christian from a false one.

And so the book closes in 1 John 5:11-13, with these assuring words: 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 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.

Do you have the Son of God?  Have you placed your faith in Him? Then you have eternal life –guaranteed!  Know this and be assured.

Another one of my personal favorites is found in chapter 4 verse 4 and it says:

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.

Oh such precious reassuring words.  We are God’s children.  We are overcomers not by our own strength but by the great and glorious God who is within us!!!!

And so that brings us to today’s video where I share more about this verse and one of my favorite childhood Old Testament stories from 1 Kings 18 that displays the greatness of our God.

(if you cannot see this video – click here)

John closes the book of 1 John with these words:

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. ~ 1 John 5:21

As the story is told in the video above – we see – the idols are dead.  They have no ears to hear. No eyes to see. No hands to help.  Idols are worthless.  And for us –  idols are anything that come between us and God.

Since we know we are children of God. Since we know we have eternal life. Since we know how to walk in the light. Since we know Satan will attempt to draw us away with false prophets.

Since we know “Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world.”

Since we know the one true God…

Do not fall for the devil’s schemes!  Keep yourself from idols!

It is hard to remember that this world is not the end game… This world is just the opener for real life  that will begin when we step onto the shores of heaven.

Everything in this world is a mirage – it is fleeting.

Only our souls and what is done for Jesus will last.

Do not let anything of this world come between you and your great God.  Keep yourselves from idols.

Walk with the King,

Courtney

**Chime in:

What is your favorite verse or section in the book of 1 John? What are you learning as you read chapter by chapter?  

Are there any idols that have come between you and your great God? Any worldly pursuits or darkness that the enemy has deceived you with?  

This week’s reading plan:
this week's reading plan
Next week’s reading plan:

GMG week 4

October’s reading plan – coming soon – we’ll be going through Genesis, one chapter a day!!!

28 Comments

  1. This is an awesome article! It makes me want to do an in depth study on my own through 1st John. I just found out I’m pregnant for the 1st time. I feel more now than ever, I can do nothing apart from Christ, including growing a healthy baby and becoming a godly Mama. Christ is more important than anyone or anything and I want Him to have 1st place in every aspect of my life. Please pray God will continue to work in my life and answer my prayer to know “how to” and then “live out” a deep abiding life with Christ.

    1. Congratulations Ashley! I’d say you have it right…God is definitely the best person to help you be a good Mama! Praying for you!

    2. I really enjoyed the article and video. Yes we serve an awesome God. Despite our wavry faith He still loves us.

    3. Love this message❤️ Much needed! Lovely❤️????????❤️ Glad I stumbled upon it???? GOD bless you Courtney????????????

  2. Thank you so much for your post. These studies have really helped me during a time that it has been difficult for me to do all the “digging” myself!

  3. I continue to be so encouraged by these daily readings, and your blog posts. I was able to buy an ESV Study Bible for this journey, and I feel like I’m getting a mini theology course! It’s a great resource.

    And congratulations, Ashley!

  4. Such a rich truth to know that God Himself is in us and is not the opposite of Satan. He is the creator of even that dark angel and no weapon formed against us will stand. None. Thank you for such a rich, encouraging word.

  5. Awesome and convicting Courtney! Yes, our God is powerful…I wrote about this in my own SOAP for our group. I have been through periods in my life where I have felt His Hand upon me. Thank you Lord!

  6. I love this book! It helped transform my walk with God just a few short months ago. I got sick with a chronic illness in January, which I still suffer from, but the Lord used the illness to speak so much spiritual healing into my life that, although I wouldn’t wish this illness on anyone, I also wouldn’t trade it for the world. The Lord showed me just how much idolatry was in my life and how I was carrying around bitterness and living for the wrong things. I remember Him leading me to a study on 1 John and it broke down all my walls. It led to a lot of repentance and tears! I love, love, love this book!!

    One of my favorite passages (though there are too many to choose) is 1 John 2:15-17. It talks about not loving the world and how the world and its lusts are passing away, but the one who does the will of God will live forever. It reminds me of my purpose here on earth, to serve and live for Him. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in “earthly treasures” but this verse keeps me focused on what is most important and how to live.

    1. Christine,
      As I read the opening paragraphs you wrote, I could sadly relate to you as I too, have been diagnosed chronic illness that brings upon it depression. I been fighting this disease since 2012 and would not wish it on anyone. The enemy has come boldly at times with a lot of temptation and has tried more times than I can count to take me out. My strongest and guaranteed victorious weapon to fight the strongholds is rebuking him with the Word of God! My favorite one that has saved my life is Greater is He that is within me then he who is in the world. 1John4:4
      Prayers for God’s healing power over your mind, body and soul!

  7. I have been thoroughly enjoying going through: Esther, 1,2, 3 Peter and now 1 John. Thank you so much for your awesome post!! I can’t believe you tackled a summary of John and pulled it off so totally well. I couldn’t figure out how to do that (because almost each verse has been encouraging my heart – I’d end up with an e-book instead of a post) so I settled on just one chapter. This study is a challenge since I have been away for 3 weeks and with 2 more to go. I am way busy all day and yet, I am seeing God allowing me the time, even if I am doing the finishing touches into the night when I am beyond tired. God is so good!! I am catching your excitement, Courtney, for the Lord in your video. Have a wonderfully blessed day!!

  8. I keep seeing the same theme running throughout 1 John. Well two, really…

    1) Loving my brethren means I’m in the Light.
    2) Do not love the world, and the things (and thinking) of the world.

    I love this, I can’t remember the last time I read 1 John. As I’m reading, I’ve noticed several popular quotes from it, and wow, just wow!

    Peggy

  9. So many verses jumped out at me in this book of 1 John. It’s hard to pick one verse that’s made the most impact.

    I have sensed the Lord changing my own heart. A theme is continually coming to mind as we study through the bible and that is my need to forgive as God forgives, in love. To love as God loves by forgiving with a loving heart. Accepting others imperfections and faults and loving them as myself, a child of God. I’m currently struggling with this in friendships and my marriage.

    Finally, I’m beginning to see that I MUST stop judging if I am EVER to love as God calls me to.

    So, I am thanking God for wiping the muck from my own eyes and asking him to help me love others “in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18) through prayer and love when I find myself upset by someone’s words or actions. That my heart may be freed from condemnation and I can truly serve as God calls me to in my relationships.

    I do have a question for you, Courtney. I have a hard time understanding verses such as 1 John 3:9 — “No one who is begotten by God commits sin.” My struggle in understanding this is, if we are sinners and incapable of perfection, doesn’t this apply to us? Aren’t we ALL sinners while here in the world? I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to read how God explains this type of verse to you as I’ve been really struggling to understand it from him in the bible. Thanks in advance for your time and fellowship!

  10. I’m still reading, just behind on posting on here, but plan to play catch-up this weekend. 1 John 1:5 really stood out to me while reading this chapter, mainly because of late I here believers saying it was God’s will when bad things happen. But there is no darkness in God, as the scripture states. All evil, all bad, all darkness is of Satan. I know this light is in me, and I pray for help to bring it into my marriage, community, and relationships.

    Also, worldly idols that I find often between me and God, doubt, fear, and worry. I am not materialistic by any means, but I find these 3 things to hinder my giving to charities or people in need….asking myself do they really need or are they using it for evil? I’ve seen a lot of bad and find it hard (at times) to see the good in those who truly need help.

  11. I am so thankful to have come across this website, while searching, in the very early hours of the morning, due to having had surgery, today, and the inability to sleep, due to restlessness.
    I have been quite ill, for 5 months, and am SO thankful for this illness, as I have grown so close to the Lord and through continued prayer and fellowship, with Him, have a true friendship with God. Praise Be His name!
    I continually praise Him, that He did NOT heal me, all at one, but gradually, faithfully, when I prayed for specific areas of need, as they came. I see now, that this allowed for my faith to be strengthened and for a more intense friendship and relationship, with the Lord. I want so much, to share this relationship, that I have, with others, so that they too, can have this relationship.
    I see throughout scripture, Christ’s ministry, on earth, his LOVE for all men and I have been convicted that I have not always loved others, especially those who may have hurt me -and through prayer, God is bringing about change, in my heart! Praise God!
    This year, 2020, has brought so many tribulations, upon our country and the world, and I believe that the constant theme, is the need for salvation, for ALL men, through LOVE and a call for PEACE, and HOPE, through the words of Believers of Christ! Let us ALL reach out to our neighbors (social distancing, of course) and share the Love of Christ!

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  13. Hello Women Living Well, In the body of your notes here… you asked, “If you struggle with certainty of what you believe…” – then further down, “Do you have the Son of GOD?”. Would it be good to remind your listeners__ What is the underlying premise “to have”, the Son of GOD”. I remembered on my wedding-day, the words, “to have and to hold…”. What am I having and holding?

    The Father inspired written in Scripture… [paraphrased]: “if” you receive Him (the Person of Jesus, alive/existing); it’s to those who will believe in and on His Name – only to them, He (Jesus) gives the power to become “daughters/sons of GOD”. Ergo: “become” being a transitive verb; shows the key to becoming is not about the now. It’s coming. If you have received HIM (Jesus) you will be made a daughter of GOD – at that time when you are fitted with your new body.

    Kindly, Steve M.

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