4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
4 My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
14 I gave them your word; The godless world hated them because of it, Because they didn't join the world's ways,
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
(Read John 17:11-16)
Christ does not pray that they might be rich and great in the world, but that they might be kept from sin, strengthened for their duty, and brought safe to heaven. The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity. He pleaded with his holy Father, that he would keep them by his power and for his glory, that they might be united in affection and labours, even according to the union of the Father and the Son. He did not pray that his disciples should be removed out of the world, that they might escape the rage of men, for they had a great work to do for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind. But he prayed that the Father would keep them from the evil, from being corrupted by the world, the remains of sin in their hearts, and from the power and craft of Satan. So that they might pass through the world as through an enemy's country, as he had done. They are not left here to pursue the same objects as the men around them, but to glorify God, and to serve their generation. The Spirit of God in true Christians is opposed to the spirit of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
15 Just as I didn't join the world's ways. I'm not asking that you take them out of the world But that you guard them from the Evil One.
15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
15 I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
(Read John 17:11-16)
Christ does not pray that they might be rich and great in the world, but that they might be kept from sin, strengthened for their duty, and brought safe to heaven. The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity. He pleaded with his holy Father, that he would keep them by his power and for his glory, that they might be united in affection and labours, even according to the union of the Father and the Son. He did not pray that his disciples should be removed out of the world, that they might escape the rage of men, for they had a great work to do for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind. But he prayed that the Father would keep them from the evil, from being corrupted by the world, the remains of sin in their hearts, and from the power and craft of Satan. So that they might pass through the world as through an enemy's country, as he had done. They are not left here to pursue the same objects as the men around them, but to glorify God, and to serve their generation. The Spirit of God in true Christians is opposed to the spirit of the world.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 John 4:4
Commentary on 1 John 4:1-6
(Read 1 John 4:1-6)
Christians who are well acquainted with the Scriptures, may, in humble dependence on Divine teaching, discern those who set forth doctrines according to the apostles, and those who contradict them. The sum of revealed religion is in the doctrine concerning Christ, his person and office. The false teachers spake of the world according to its maxims and tastes, so as not to offend carnal men. The world approved them, they made rapid progress, and had many followers such as themselves; the world will love its own, and its own will love it. The true doctrine as to the Saviour's person, as leading men from the world to God, is a mark of the spirit of truth in opposition to the spirit of error. The more pure and holy any doctrine is, the more likely to be of God; nor can we by any other rules try the spirits whether they are of God or not. And what wonder is it, that people of a worldly spirit should cleave to those who are like themselves, and suit their schemes and discourses to their corrupt taste?