"The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one."
Text: 1 John 5:19
THE SALVATION WE HAVE IN CHRIST
Thank God for the salvation we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is so much to rejoice in. Our salvation must never be taken for granted!
THE INFLUENCE OF THE WICKED ONE
The Apostle John gave a solemn word of warning concerning the influence the wicked one exerts on the whole world!
“We know that we are of God,
and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
1 John 5:19
1. “We know that we are of God”
a) This is a glorious truth that John highlighted in 1 John.
b) The following truths may be singled out for special mention in review: –
i) God is our Heavenly Father and we are His children (1 John 1:3; 3:10).
ii) We can have fellowship with Him (1 John 1:6).
iii) Our sins are cleansed by the Lord Jesus (1 John 1:7, 9).
iv) Jesus is our Advocate and our Propitiation (1 John 2:1-2).
v) We have the anointing of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27).
vi) We have the love of God (1 John 3:1).
2. “And the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one”
a) This is a solemn truth that we must bear in mind consciously.
b) The influence of the wicked one in the world is sobering:-
i) The symbol of his influence in the world is “darkness” (1 John 2:9, 11).
ii) He influences through the world (1 John 2:16).
iii) He empowers the Antichrist that will be revealed one day (1 John 2:18).
iv) He empowers many antichrists (1 John 2:18).
v) He causes people to sin (1 John 3:8).
vi) He himself has sinned against God from the beginning (1 John 3:8).
vii) He will cause many wicked deeds to be done (1 John 3:12).
viii) He sends out many false prophets/ teachers (1 John 4: 1, 3).
ix) He has the whole world under his sway (1 John 5:19; Ephesians 2:2).