1 John 5:19, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
1. Like the previous verse, John reminds his readers of what we know -- a fundamental tenet of our faith: "that we are children of God", both spiritually and relationally through our Savior Jesus Christ. This fact will put us in direct conflict with the World around us, which is currently under the control of our spiritual enemy.
2. John’s note that Satan has spiritual control over the entire world has already been tempered in 1 John 2:13-14 (we believers have overcome the evil one) and in 1 John 2:15-17, he spoke against loving the world for this reason. In fact, Jesus prayed to the Father to protect us believers from Satan (John 17:15) while Paul reminds us believers are to use the armor of God against him (Ephesians 6:16) knowing God will guard us against him (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Lastly, in John 1:9-10 and 29, John captures that Jesus created the "world" and took away its sins (John 1:9–10, 29).
Application:
Brothers, as we get up each morning, how do we go about preparing for the day ahead? Do we give much thought to the spiritual battle that each day will bring as we seek to draw closer to God and do as He says? Do we shape the battlefield of each day through prayer, asking Almighty God to defeat our enemy’s schemes, open opportunities to evangelize and remove our appetite for sin?
This verse reminds us that our enemy has control in the world and although we are “operating” behind enemy lines, we are under the authority and the power of God Almighty who has designed and equipped each of us for a purpose and a mission.
As we prepare each day for battle against the evil one, let us not forget that the Word of God is our sword and our sustenance. May we digest it and learn to wield it effectively by immersing ourselves in it daily!
