Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:4-5 (NLT).
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.
Jesus said that there would be obstacles to our discipleship. However, John reminds us that “the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” When we accept the gift of the Holy Spirit that He sends, we can stand against worldly things.
In John 6:63 Jesus tells us “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” This teaches that living by the Sprit’s guidance is the way to be saved. We can do nothing apart from Him.
Later as Jesus prepares to give Himself up for us, He says “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). God the Father made a way for Jesus the Son to save us when we live by the Holy Spirit. It is not through any power we have, but it is by our own decision through faith and love.
Gracious God, Your love created us and Your love saves us. We are sorry for the times we have tried to do it on our own, when there is only one way, Your way. Amen.
