How does 1 John 5:19 describe the world's relationship with the evil one?

Secure in God’s Family

“We know that we are of God…” (1 John 5:19)

• John begins with assurance. Believers have been born of God (1 John 5:1), possess eternal life (v. 13), and are kept safe by Him (v. 18).

• This identity is objective and settled—anchored in the finished work of Christ (1 John 4:9-10).

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A World Under the Evil One

“…and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19)

• “World” (kosmos) here refers to humanity organized in rebellion against God—culture, values, and systems opposed to His righteousness (1 John 2:15-17).

• “Lies in the power” pictures the world resting, almost lulled to sleep, in the devil’s grip—completely subject to his influence.

• Scripture confirms this sweeping statement:

– 2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers…”

– John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11: Jesus calls Satan “the ruler of this world.”

– Ephesians 2:1-2: unbelievers “follow the prince of the power of the air.”

• The verse draws a stark, literal line: there are only two realms—God’s kingdom and the devil’s domain.

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Living Set Apart

Because the world is under Satan’s sway, Scripture urges believers to remain distinct:

• Do not love the world’s system (1 John 2:15-17).

• Refuse conformity but pursue transformed minds (Romans 12:2).

• Resist the devil, knowing he must flee (James 4:7).

• Armor up daily (Ephesians 6:10-18), confident that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

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Hope in the Victor

• The evil one’s power is real yet temporary; Christ has already “destroyed the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8) and will soon crush him completely (Romans 16:20).

• Until that final defeat, believers walk in triumph: “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).