Greater Is He

Greater Is He

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
 
Perhaps Satan’s greatest trick concerns his own identity. He has enabled the world to think of him as an impish demon, dressed in red, with a pitchfork and a pointy tail. He is pictured as sitting on one’s shoulder, whispering suggestions into the ear—a cartoon character worthy of a laugh. But nothing could be more wrong.

Instead of a red-dressed imp, Satan is a powerful being, portrayed in Scripture like a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He can destroy, divide, and discourage using that which reveals his character: lies, counterfeits, and deception. He was given the name “devil” (diabolos—accuser, slanderer) in Scripture because of his tactic of slandering us before God and slandering God before us. But for all his schemes and power, we do not need to fear him. For the God who is in us is greater than the devil who is in the world.

Be ready for spiritual battle by submitting to God and resisting the devil—and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

I fear not the tyranny of man, neither yet what the devil can invent against me.
John Knox