“This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith” (v. 4). We do not overcome the world with force or through fighting; we overcome the world with faith. Faith is the fuel of a changed life. It provides the power we need to live with love.

But there is a great opponent to faith – idols. Other things want our faith. We are tempted to put our faith in self, in power, in money, in government, and in success. But you cannot overcome the world by putting your faith in what is worldly. The victorious life is only possible when you “guard yourselves from idols” (v. 21). Be on guard and put your faith in God.

What are things you are tempted to put your faith in instead of God?