Evil is in the World, But We Know He Who is Greater

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

This promise in 1 John that gives us incredible peace (blessed assurance) in the midst of anything that we’ll ever encounter in this world.

And, as we’re all keenly aware, the world is broken. It is a jacked up, messed up place.

Evil is very real, and Satan preys upon the innocent--seeking to kill and destroy every human that bears the image of God.

But, He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

In America’s most recent mass shooting, evil showed itself by taking innocent life at a small church in Texas.

It’s a horrific tragedy that doesn’t make any sense. It’s tempting to react with fear, and even be angry at God. This past week, the world’s reaction to this particular tragedy has been anger--and this anger has been directed to those who have faith in God. To those who respond to tragedy, with prayer.

They mock the promise “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world,” saying that it can’t possibly be true as long as there is evil in the world.

You know what, there are a lot of promises in the Bible, and tomorrow isn’t one of them.

As long as we live in a fallen world, we are vulnerable to evil. Tragedy can befall this little church just like anywhere else. But, despite the reality of evil, we believe that God is greater, and therefore, we’re free from anger and fear, and we can take refuge in God by communing with Him, in prayer.    

Admittedly, the innocent dying at the hands of evil is painful and can’t be easily explained and. 

Yet, God identifies with our sorrows because He experienced the full brunt of this evil when his innocent Son, Jesus Christ, was murdered on a cross.

For the sake of our sins and BECAUSE the world has a problem with evil, God sent Jesus to redeem the world by subjecting him to the worst that Satan and evil could do.

Nails pierced his hands and feet. Thorns were pushed into his head. He was severely beaten and mocked, and he died a slow, agonizing death hanging from a cross. All this done to a man that was on a mission to heal a broken world.     

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 

This is not an empty promise.

Jesus overcame evil for all of us when he rose victoriously from the dead.

And now, the same power that raised Christ literally dwells “inside of us,” so that we too can overcome the world and all of its evil.

So tonight, if the world has made you angry, or sad, or if you’re hurting or offended, then come to the table, identify with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Tonight, seek out the powerful prayers of the saints, and find healing in a power that is greater “than he who is in the world.”

From the Anchor sermon series "Blessed Assurance," Message: "Test the Spirits."