GOD OF THIS WORLD

                                                                      GOD OF THIS WORLD

Scripture declares that Satan is the ‘god of this world’ (2 Cor. 4:4), and ‘the prince of the power of the air’ (Eph. 2:2). This means he is alive and active in the world!  He exerts controlling power and influence over the knowledge, beliefs and behaviors of the world that has followed him in his sin and rebellion against God (John 8:44).

Satan began his rebellion in heaven by seeking to overthrow God’s position and power.  Pride fuelled his evil appetite to be greater than his Creator! (Is. 14:12-15; Ez. 28:15-17)  There was war in heaven between Michael the Arch Angel and his angels, and Satan and his. He led a third of heaven’s angelic hosts to join him in his revolt. Satan was overthrown and cast out of heaven along with all those who rebelled with him.  (Rev. 12:4, 7-9)

Some of his angels were directly bound and imprisoned by God until they are thrown into the Lake of Fire on the final judgment day.  They must have been too extremely evil, dangerous and violent to be allowed to roam the earth.  The rest of these fallen angels have been free to roam the earth along with Satan, until they as well will be cast into the lake of fire forever (Jude 6; Rev. 20:10).

Since his ejection from heaven, Satan has continued his rebellion against God by ravaging the world and manipulating humanity to join him in his opposition to God.  Both now and in the future, his brutal wrath is being unleashed upon the world...

What is Satan doing in the world today?  What is his plan and purposes?  What is he seeking to accomplish?  What tactics are he and his demons employing to oppose God and wreck His world?

tan’s plans as revealed in the Bible;  He seeks to…

• Tempt and deceive people into questioning God, disobeying Him, and following their own evil desires, just as he himself did when he rebelled against God   (Is. 14:12-15; Gen.3; 1Tim. 2:14)

• Lead humanity into a pattern of life that is driven by sin, selfishness and rebellion against God (Eph. 2:1-3)

• Snatch away the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from those that hear it  (Luke 18)

• Blind the minds of the unbelieving world to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ  (2 Cor. 4:3,4)

• Instigate false beliefs, false speculations of truth, and anti-God knowledge.  He initiates and promotes false religion and worship  (1 Cor. 10:19,20; 2 Cor. 10:3-5)

• Control and dominate those who reject Christ in order to accomplish his purposes (John 13:27; Acts 5:3)

• Use his power to inflict sickness, suffering, physical death, and the fear of it upon the world (Job 1,2; Luke 13:16; Hebrews 2:14-15
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What is God doing in this world in regard to Satan and his plans?

• God has already set in motion the defeat of Satan’s power by the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ!  (Gen. 3:15; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; Col. 2:13-15; Heb. 2:14)

• Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came into this world to destroy the works (workings) of the devil!  (John 12:31; 1 John 3:8)

• Jesus Christ Himself will bind Satan and cast him into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 19:19-21; 20:10)

What must people do for protection against Satan in this world?

• Trust in Jesus Christ for our eternal salvation, deliverance and protection  (Gal. 1:3-5; Col. 1:12-14)

• Rely on the strength of the Lord and His spiritual armor    (Matt. 6:13; Eph. 6:10-13)

What must believers in Jesus Christ do in regard to Satan’s plans for the world?

• Proclaim the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world    (Matt. 28:16-20; Luke 24:44-48; Romans 10:14-16)

• Live Christ-like lives in this world dominated by Satanic influence      (Matt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:12-16)

What Can You Do?

Even though Satan’s power, plans and purposes seem overwhelming, there is hope!  There is overcoming power available to all those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  He was declared with power to be God’s Son by His resurrection from the dead (Rom. 1:4)!  When a person believes in Jesus, they share in His victory over sin, death, hell, and Satan forever!  The Apostle John made it very clear;

Be an Overcomer!

Whatever struggles you may be facing today; whatever fears you face; however hopeless life may seem; Jesus Christ can bring you new purpose, new hope, new strength, and overcoming power for your life…forever!  Open your heart to Jesus Christ right now!  Believe that He is the only one who can forgive your sinfulness and deliver you from Satan’s power.  Acknowledge your sin and place your faith and trust in Christ alone.  You can know Christ’s overcoming power even right now!  Remember…the Bible says; ‘All who call upon the Lord shall be saved’! (Rom. 10:13)  And ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed’! (Rom. 10:11)

Satan is still trying to wreck the world!  Don’t let him wreck your life!  Trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!  Let Jesus show you His overcoming victory for your life!