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It is easy to be frightened by the wickedness we see all around us and to be overwhelmed by the problems we face. Evil is obviously much stronger than we are. John assures us, however, that God is even stronger. He will conquer all evil---and his Spirit and his Word live in our heart!--- Life Application Study Bible notes‘Greater is He who is in you - Believers need to be aware and alert to false teaching, but not afraid, since those who have experienced the new birth with its indwelling of the Holy Spirit have a built-in check against false teaching (cf. 2:20,27). The Holy Spirit leads into sound doctrine for genuine Christians, evidencing that salvation has actually occurred (cf. Romans 8:17). True believers have nothing to fear, for even Satan’s hosts with their perversions can’t take them out of the Lord’s hand. Here, as in 2:18-27, protection against error or victory over it are guaranteed by sound doctrine and the indwelling Holy Spirit who illuminates the mind.--- MacArthur Study Bible notes