How God Protects You (1 John 5:18 Explained)

Discover the powerful truths of 1 John 5:18 and how they offer divine protection and freedom from sin's grip. What if you could walk through life's challenges with absolute confidence, knowing that nothing can cause you permanent spiritual harm? Join me, James Long Jr., as we explore the spiritual armor provided by God, ensuring that despite temptations and trials, the evil one cannot touch us. This episode is a guide to understanding and embracing our new identity as God's children, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist sin and live in righteousness.

Gain practical insights into living confidently under the protection of our Savior. Learn how to resist temptation, trust in God's sovereignty during life's storms, and experience the joy of forgiveness. Our discussion not only highlights the assurance of God's love and protection but also provides actionable steps to face life's spiritual battles armed with peace and hope. Let this conversation be your encouragement to navigate the path of righteousness with the boldness that comes from being securely held in the hands of our loving Father. Join us for this transformative journey and find more resources at jameslongjr.org.

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:26

We live in a world where spiritual battles are real and the challenges we face can feel overwhelming. In the midst of these battles, it's easy to question whether we're truly protected from the forces that seek to harm us. However, 1 John 5, verse 18 provides us with a powerful assurance as children of God, we're not only freed from the grip of sin, but we are also protected from the evil one. This truth invites us to walk in confidence of our new identity and the protection that comes with being born of God. Well, hello, my name is James Long Jr. I am a pastor, counselor and university professor. Welcome to Lessons for Life, where I help people whose pain from their past or their present is influencing their perspective on life Through teaching them about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, principles and promises from God's Word, and giving them a pathway for change. My goal is to guide you towards peace, hope and joy. In today's lesson, we will be exploring how God's truth can transform your life and how to experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. Here's the passage of scripture that we will be looking at today. It is from 1 John 5, verse 18. It says this we know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. Here's the devotional thought. The Apostle John reminds us of a vital truth those who were born of God do not continue in a lifestyle of sin. This does not mean that believers never sin, but rather that sin no longer dominates their lives. Sin's power has been broken and believers have been given the strength to resist it. The transformation that comes from being born of God enables us to walk in righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. But John's encouragement goes even further. He assures us that Christ himself, the one born of God in physical birth and resurrection, protects us. The evil one, satan, cannot touch us in any way that causes permanent spiritual harm. Though we may face temptations, trials and attacks from the enemy, god's sovereign protection keeps us secure. The same God who protected Job by setting limits on Satan's influence also guards us today. Satan's power is restricted and we are safely in the hands of our loving Father. This protection does not mean that we will never face difficulties or temptations. It means that, as God's children, we can face life's challenges with the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We see this in Romans 8, verses 38 and 39. Satan's attempt to harm us are ultimately futile because God's protection is sure and steadfast. We are safe in his care, not because of our own strength, but because of the one who holds us in his hands, bringing it home.

Speaker 1: 3:34

Here are three practical ways to live out the truth that you are born of God and protected. Number one walk in confidence, not fear. As a child of God, you are secure in his protection. When fear and anxiety tries to creep in, remind yourself that the evil one has no power over you. God's protection is your shield.

Speaker 1: 3:56

2. Resist Temptation, knowing that sin no longer has control over you. Resist the enemy's attempts to draw you into old patterns. Depend on the Holy Spirit's strength to walk in righteousness. Number three trust God's sovereignty in trials. When you face spiritual battles or difficult circumstances, trust that God is in control. Nothing can harm you beyond what God allows, and even then he will use it for your ultimate good.

Speaker 1: 4:25

Well, let us pray.

Speaker 1: 4:26

Heavenly Father, thank you for the assurance that, as your child, I am protected from the evil one.

Speaker 1: 4:32

Help me to walk in the confidence of your protection and resist the power of sin. When I face a challenge, remind me that nothing can separate me from your love or take me out of your hands. Strengthen me to stand firm in the freedom you have given me. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. As God's beloved children, let us walk with boldness, knowing that we are protected by the one who has already won the victory. Satan may try to attack, but he cannot touch us in any permanent way because we are held securely by the hands of our Savior. Well, thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, jameslongjrorg. That's jameslongjrorg. There you can also join our Lessons for Life, monthly membership or our online group coaching program, where you will find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation. Remember that true change is possible when you walk in God's grace and for his glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope and joy in Christ alone. Blessings.