The god of This World

[jabcat]

I've divided this explanation I found (didn't write, found it online) - into 3 main sections with highlights.  Do you generally agree with this, or which parts, or none of it?  

I think it's interesting that many (me) believe God is ultimately in control, and even in control of our steps, yet there are scriptures that say satan is the god of this world.  I've even seen some say Jehovah God has totally gone hands off of the workings of this planet, He'll show back up at some point, and right now it's up to us to "bring it back", etc.  

Comments/thoughts?


(2 Corinthians 4:4)

1.  The phrase "god of this world" (or "god of this age" [NKJV]) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the mind-set expressed by the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His areas of influence also encompass the world's philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.

Similar titles are found elsewhere in Scripture concerning Satan. Satan is called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is called the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. These titles, and many more attributed to Satan throughout Scripture, signify his capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it.

2.  This is not to say that he rules the world completely; only God does this. But it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world (within the boundaries God has set for him) and has allowed Satan to operate with an agenda.

3.  When the Bible says Satan has power over the world, it must be made clear that God has given him domain over unbelievers alone. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1:13). Unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), lie in the "power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, the "god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." Satan's agenda includes pushing a false philosophy onto the unbelieving world—a false philosophy that blinds the unbeliever from the truth of the Gospel. Satan's philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, needing to be set free and brought captive to Christ in obedience to the truth.

[SQ]

I have come to believe That satan is the god of this world for now, his lease is almost up.
My understanding that God is in control yet satan has a lease that has to be completed.
I really don't like thinking that satan has control even though it may appear he does, however God sees it all and using satan to bring his plan to completion.
I am on the fence with this thought,but believe satan is the evil within man,how could one devil be so powerful to make such a mess,satan is in us and we all have had a part in the chaos going on here on earth.
God is still in control,if not we would all probably be annihilated by now. Just my thoughts.  :mblush:

[Paul Hazelwood]

Sometimes I consider that we do not understand what being a believer really constitutes.

Can one be considered an unbeliever if they do not believe that Christ will save all mankind?

Jesus seemed to give his most harsh warnings to the pharasees (believers???) I do not see Jesus addressing "common" people with anything but good news and blessing  (correct me if I am wrong).

Can a murderer be someone who is "poor in spirit"?

Is Satan the God of this world, where the "world" simply is those who think they believe and are in bondage to organized religion?


I know in my personal perspective, I was spiritually dead until I left religion and flushed it all out of my system.


Have not drawn any solid conclusions that I will debate or argue over, simply points to ponder.

[jabcat]

I believe it's both.  Either religious, or "non-religious", we need Jesus.

Some of the following Jesus said to the common man, some to the religious;


"You brood of vipers!"

"go and sin nor more.."

"Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

"For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."  john 9

"you refuse to come to me to have life..."

"Do not marvel when I say you must be born again"..

[jabcat]

God is still in control,if not we would all probably be annihilated by now. Just my thoughts.  :mblush:

I never thought of that quite that way, but you know, you're probably right  :mshock:  (Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour - I Peter 5:8)

[SQ]

If Satan is a real character,which I have always been led to believe,how can he do so much damage since he is not omnipresent?
The tree of knowledge of good and evil was in one tree that Eve partook, so maybe thats my answer.
God is still in control.

[thinktank]

If Satan is a real character,which I have always been led to believe,how can he do so much damage since he is not omnipresent?
The tree of knowledge of good and evil was in one tree that Eve partook, so maybe thats my answer.
God is still in control.

Satan has legions of demons under his control. These demons harass and lie to people. There are different ranks in the demonic army just as a human army. Very few people battle satan directly, some people include , Jesus in the wilderness and Job also faced him, although not visibly like Jesus. Most of us battle the demons. What authority is this, that even the unclean spirits are subject to him.
Our battle is not with flesh and blood but principallities and powers in high places.

I'm not sure how the tree of knowledge fits into this but I would say that the knowledge of evil is imprinted in our dna perhaps and as we grow up we start behaving more carnal minded compared with as a child. :2c:

[Cardinal]

 :cloud9: I'm on the fence too SQ....I am probably closest to thinking he is the "head" of a "many membered body" as well. I have seen and battled demons, but never (thank God) saw him, if "him" is a real being.

I read an account of Norvel Hayes, I think it was, who said Jesus came into his room one night and spoke to him. A few minutes after He left, Satan also entered his room (get thee BEHIND me, Satan?). He woke up again, said, "Oh it's you," and went back to sleep. Blessings...

[Nancy]

Hi there Jabcat and all who replied,
I am starting to believe that the god of this world is the ego. The devil is diabolos if i'm correct, the slanderer. Who but the ego slanders so brilliantly, you're this, you're that, etc.
When Christ speaks of being born again, i believe He is saying that we must embrace a new consciousness where all mindless egoic thinking ceases and only Christ mind is left.
A few thoughts
Godbless
Nancy

[SQ]

:cloud9: I'm on the fence too SQ....I am probably closest to thinking he is the "head" of a "many membered body" as well. I have seen and battled demons, but never (thank God) saw him, if "him" is a real being.

I read an account of Norvel Hayes, I think it was, who said Jesus came into his room one night and spoke to him. A few minutes after He left, Satan also entered his room (get thee BEHIND me, Satan?). He woke up again, said, "Oh it's you," and went back to sleep. Blessings...

Yes this makes sense, that satan would have his governed body of little foot soldiers.
I had found myself thinking possibly satan was the devil within since eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We have knowledge of both, thanking God the devil is not hanging around much anymore to torment. :bgdance:

I agree with You and ThinkTank you guys are amazing!

[SQ]

Hi there Jabcat and all who replied,
I am starting to believe that the god of this world is the ego. The devil is diabolos if i'm correct, the slanderer. Who but the ego slanders so brilliantly, you're this, you're that, etc.
When Christ speaks of being born again, i believe He is saying that we must embrace a new consciousness where all mindless egoic thinking ceases and only Christ mind is left.
A few thoughts
Godbless
Nancy

I think possibly satan is both, not long ago I felt I needed to let go of pride and ego stuborness, I was putting myself on a throne.
I knew it was Holy Spirit helping me, so yes satan could very well be both.
Thank you Nancy... this thread is teaching me.

[jabcat]

Hi back at cha Nancy (and everyone  :bigGrin:).  

One thought to ferret out...what do you think about 2 highlighted things in the verse;

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: I Peter 5:8

Also Job 2:2 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it."

[Beloved Servant]

Walking on the earth???
OMG, who could that be?

[jabcat]

I imagine there's at least 20 different interpretations.  Do you have one?  :winkgrin:

[thinktank]

Hi back at cha Nancy (and everyone  :bigGrin:).  

One thought to ferret out...what do you think about 2 highlighted things in the verse;

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: I Peter 5:8

Also Job 2:2 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it."

Hello jabcat, one thing Satan is called the prince of the air and in Jobs day, from that scripture indicates that he's busy going about the Earth as a lion, learning about people and so forth and then going to heaven to accuse them before God about their faults. Hence the term the accuser of the brethren is cast down in REv12. But if you read the gospels, Jesus said that he saw Satan fall as lightning. In Rev 12 the dragon is cast down and now is come salvation, the exact time when Jesus came upon the earth and took our sins. So Satan can no longer accuse the brethren of their sins, because the blood of Jesus washes us clean, so God no longer has to allow Satan into heaven and kicks the accuser out.

In the book of ezekiel there is a chapter that describes a place in the seas, loaded with all kinds of riches, I think that this could be Satans throne upon the Earth. There is also mention of him having a seat of power in a place called Smyrna in Revelation, but that is a different story I just want to show you that scriptures show that he does have some kind of throne or seat upon the Earth. :2c:

[Beloved Servant]

I can only name one whose thoughts have grown from serpent to dragon.

[willieH]

willieH: Hi Nancy...   :cloud9:

Hi there Jabcat and all who replied,
I am starting to believe that the god of this world is the ego. The devil is diabolos if i'm correct, the slanderer. Who but the ego slanders so brilliantly, you're this, you're that, etc.
When Christ speaks of being born again, i believe He is saying that we must embrace a new consciousness where all mindless egoic thinking ceases and only Christ mind is left.
A few thoughts
Godbless
Nancy

:goodpost: Nancy!  IMO, the closest view to the truth...

"satan" is ADVERSITY/ADVERSARY to CHRIST... for every thought as well as action is to become subject to Him... in HIS "captivity"  :thumbsup:

It is my belief that MAN within his "SIN choosing" ...will... is that which is "satan"/adversary, and that with which we do battle, and that which is to be subdued unto CHRIST and YHVH,

For the WORD of YHVH is GOD... And it is our will which began to be fallibly used by Adam & Eve which acted ADVERSE to the COMMAND given of the WORD...

Which is that which is to become subject unto the [captivity of CHRIST] which is the WILL of YHVH, for that is the WILL which CHRIST Himself enacted...

...willieH  :cloud9:

[Beloved Servant]

And THAT SAME SIN
is still at work in man today.
Trying to be like God by our own works.

if you eat; you surely will be like gods

But not our will but His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We are to enter His rest, His Sabbath, the 7th day is eternal.

Not by might, power, but by My Spirit.

He Who has started this good work in you will complete it.

[Cardinal]

:cloud9: I'm on the fence too SQ....I am probably closest to thinking he is the "head" of a "many membered body" as well. I have seen and battled demons, but never (thank God) saw him, if "him" is a real being.

I read an account of Norvel Hayes, I think it was, who said Jesus came into his room one night and spoke to him. A few minutes after He left, Satan also entered his room (get thee BEHIND me, Satan?). He woke up again, said, "Oh it's you," and went back to sleep. Blessings...

Yes this makes sense, that satan would have his governed body of little foot soldiers.
I had found myself thinking possibly satan was the devil within since eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We have knowledge of both, thanking God the devil is not hanging around much anymore to torment. :bgdance:

I agree with You and ThinkTank you guys are amazing!

:cloud9: Well, I think that's true to an extent also, ie. that he is the devil within. Not sure how much so, though. Waiting on some more pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. Maybe both is accurate, as Jesus said to the Pharisees to wash both the outside and the inside of the "cup". Blessings...

[SQ]

Have you ever wondered when people do some things that would be almost unreal to some that it is Satan baderging until he gives in and does the act?

When this happens the person likes evil more than good,They want to do it.
L Ray smith said something to this effect.

[Cardinal]

 :cloud9: I think there is oppression (on the outside) and possession (on the inside). It's as if evil spirits, if "fed" enough by being given free reign, become demons. Hard to describe.

I witnessed a friend who was nearly possessed, in the act of possession. Several months later when she turned her life over to the Lord completely, she asked Him where it had come from.

He said, "It was formed out of the hate and murder in your own heart." And so necessitating cleaning the inside of the cup? Blessings...

[Molly]

I am probably closest to thinking he is the "head" of a "many membered body" as well. I have seen and battled demons, but never (thank God) saw him, if "him" is a real being.

Yes, he's an imitator, a deceiver.  Everything that God does, he has to try to do, too.

The many-membered body would be the men he recruits spiritually to his cause.

Thus, we are fighting a spiritual battle, a battle for truth.


4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
--2 Cor 10


Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.


We are vibrating [with a new song] against... power,  superhuman force,  the world ruler [satan], the darkness of this world, and celestial demonic depravity.  We can't do this, in this physical body, without Christ. 


Hebrews 2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;



15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

--Heb 2

[Beloved Servant]

The head and many-membered body would be the exact imitation of Christ.

How simple is that?

[thinktank]

I am probably closest to thinking he is the "head" of a "many membered body" as well. I have seen and battled demons, but never (thank God) saw him, if "him" is a real being.

Yes, he's an imitator, a deceiver.  Everything that God does, he has to try to do, too.

The many-membered body would be the men he recruits spiritually to his cause.

Thus, we are fighting a spiritual battle, a battle for truth.


4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
--2 Cor 10


Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.


We are vibrating [with a new song] against... power,  superhuman force,  the world ruler [satan], the darkness of this world, and celestial demonic depravity.  We can't do this, in this physical body, without Christ. 


Hebrews 2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;



15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

--Heb 2

"The many-membered body would be the men he recruits spiritually to his cause."

You are right he does recruit men, some examples include witches and warlocks (false Christs, false apostles, religious folk, e.g pharisses, who Jesus called their father the devil) who are probably top rank, then men in high places politicians, kings and bankers. Then ordinary folks, then Christians probably last.

His power is so great it seems that he can cause a christian to cause offense to another. E.g Peter the apostle offending Christ because of his ambition to be the leader, notice that he only went to the front once, despite being an ambitious man throughout the lords ministry, and that once was when Christ called him Satan.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:26-27

But even so the real enemy as scripture says is not flesh and blood but satan and unclean spirits.

Daniel 10:13, "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."

Matthew 17:14-21

Satan is also known as the lord of the flies (Beelzebub), because there are so many evil spirits that are under his rule in the kingdom of darkness:

Matthew 12:24, "But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."

[Molly]

2 John 1:7
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.



Ezekiel 28:2
Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:



1 John 4:3
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.