How can we live as "of God" in a world under evil's sway? Verse in Focus “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one.” — 1 John 5:19 Secure Identity: We Belong to God • God has literally transferred us “from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). • We are born of God (John 1:12-13), sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), and kept by His power (1 Peter 1:5). • Daily confess aloud who you are: redeemed, forgiven, and set apart (1 Corinthians 6:11). Clear-Eyed Awareness: Recognize the World’s Condition • The “whole world” currently lies in Satan’s grasp, not as myth but as factual spiritual reality (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). • Expect hostility toward God’s standards (John 15:18-19). This keeps surprise and discouragement at bay. Walking in Holiness and Love • “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7). • Holiness is practical: – Guard eyes and thoughts (Psalm 101:3). – Speak truth and grace (Ephesians 4:29). – Actively do good (Galatians 6:10). • Love is tangible: meet needs, forgive quickly, refuse bitterness (1 John 3:18). Staying Anchored in Truth • Scripture is fully trustworthy and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Develop a habit: read, meditate, and memorize. • Measure every philosophy, headline, and trend against God’s Word (Acts 17:11). Depending on the Spirit • “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). • Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17); yield moment-by-moment (Galatians 5:16). • Expect the Spirit to produce clear fruit: love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare • “Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18). – Belt of truth: reject deception. – Breastplate of righteousness: guard the heart. – Shoes of readiness: live the gospel. – Shield of faith: extinguish lies. – Helmet of salvation: protect the mind. – Sword of the Spirit: wield specific Scripture. Practicing Separation without Isolation • Jesus prayed, “not that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). • Befriend unbelievers, yet refuse to share in sin (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). • Influence without compromise; shine without blending in (Philippians 2:15). Building Up One Another • We need the church family for endurance (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Regular gathering, mutual confession, and practical support fortify us against worldly pull (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Courageous Witness • “You are the light of the world… let your light shine” (Matthew 5:14-16). • Speak of Christ naturally; live credibly (1 Peter 2:12). • Trust God’s sovereignty over results (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Hope that Fuels Perseverance • The evil one’s sway is temporary. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). • Fix eyes on the certain return of Christ (Titus 2:13). • Until then, stand confident: we are of God—safe, empowered, and destined for victory. |
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