The sermon, titled “He Is Greater,” based on 1 John 4, explored how we can verify if someone is truly of God. The message emphasized the importance of testing the spirits, examining what they say about Jesus, what they believe about the Bible, and how they demonstrate love for the Church.

From verses 1-3, we learned that not everyone who speaks of Jesus or quotes Scripture is truly of God. Even Satan acknowledges Jesus and can quote the Bible fluently, yet his heart remains unchanged. The most crucial question in the world is: Who is Jesus? Various religious groups present differing views of Jesus—Buddhists consider Him a wise and enlightened man, Islam regards Him as a prophet lesser than Muhammad, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe He was Michael the Archangel, while Mormons teach that He was Satan’s brother. However, the Bible affirms that Jesus Christ came in the flesh and is of God. In John’s time, Gnostics denied Jesus’ true humanity, whereas today, some attempt to strip Him of His divinity. Jesus, however, is fully God and fully man, a truth evident in His titles: “Son of Man” and “Son of God” (Matthew 16:13-16).

Verses 4-6 focused on the authority of Scripture. John assured believers that they had overcome false teachers because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Faithful believers accept the Bible as God’s inspired Word, from Genesis to Revelation. However, surveys show that many pastors do not hold a biblical worldview, rejecting key doctrines such as the sinless nature of Christ, the existence of Satan, and salvation by grace alone. A biblical worldview includes believing in the Trinity, the reality of heaven and hell, and that Jesus is the only way to salvation. The key to overcoming Satan is not in what we do but in who is within us. Just as immense pressure can crush a submarine in the ocean depths, Satan tries to pressure believers, but God is greater. As Jeremy Camp’s song “Same Power” declares, the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us.

Verses 7-11 highlighted the necessity of love for the Church. Many claim they avoid church because it is full of hypocrites, but Jesus Himself associated with sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes. The Church is composed of broken, weak, and lost people seeking God’s restoration and grace. Loving God means loving His people, and true love is demonstrated through fellowship and care within the Church. Paul’s words in Galatians 6:1 remind us to restore those who stumble with gentleness. If we do not love God’s people, we cannot claim to love God.

Verses 12-16 revealed the Spirit’s presence as a mark of true faith. The Holy Spirit within a believer produces outward signs: confessing Jesus as Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3) and bearing the fruit of love (Galatians 5:22). While believers do not approve of sin, they must love sinners just as God loves them. Hatred is incompatible with a Spirit-filled life.

Verses 17-19 assured us that those who abide in God’s love have no fear of judgment. Fear involves torment, but perfect love casts out fear. Those who do not know Jesus, fear judgment, while those who do are secure in His love. The analogy of a police officer illustrates this: a stranger fears a police car behind them, but a friend of the officer feels no fear. Knowing Jesus removes the fear of judgment.

Finally, verses 20-21 emphasized that those who truly love God will follow His commandments. Disputes among believers are inevitable, but love compels us to resolve them. If someone claims to love God but hates their brother, they are a liar. Love must be active and evident in a believer’s life.

This message was delivered at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville by Pastor Allen Victor.

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