SUNDAY 17TH MAY, 2020

MEMORY VERSE: - “But if our gospel be hid; it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2Corinthians 4:3 – 4).

INTRODUCTION: -

The god of this world refers to Satan (Josh.12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph.2:2; 1Jh.5:19), who holds power over much of the activity in the world at the present time. His power is, however, temporary and conditional. He continues only as God allows, which presents people with the real choice of whether to accept and follow Christ or to continue in their ways and follow evil.

1) The God Of This World

Satan is the god of the present world system, he controls it, along with a host of evil spirits who work their destruction under his limited authority (Dan.10:13; Lk.4:5-7; Eph.6:12-13).

Satan has long had a foothold in the world’s political, cultural, economic and religious system that are inherently hostile toward God and his people (Jh.7:7; 15:18; Js.4:4; 1Jh.2:16). This system and those who are part of them refuse to submit to God’s truth (Jh.7:7).

The world and the true Church are two distinct groups of people. The world is under Satan’s authority and control (Jh.12:31); the Church belongs exclusively to God (Eph.5:23-24; Rev.24:2). For this reason, true believers must separate themselves from the ungodliness and corruption of the world (2Corint.6:14 - 7:3).

Satan has the power and control over the present world but his power is temporary and conditional. He continues only as God allows, and it will end at the close of history when he is thrown into the lake of fire (Rev.19:11-20; 10).

Yet, at the present time, Satan continues his evil work and those who do not submit themselves to Jesus Christ remain under Satan’s influence. He deceives them and blinds them to the truth of God’s Word so that they do not understand their need for Christ and Saviour (2Corint.4:3-4).

Those of us who are in Christ though still in the world but not of the world (Jh.17:14-16), must realize that because people are blinded to the truth, we need to view them through God’s eyes of mercy. Although it may be easier to become discouraged or angered by their rebellious ways, (due to the work of Satan in their lives to keep them in his hold and influence) Christians must continue to pray and share Christ’s message of salvation to them with love, humility and active compassion.

Actually, the Holy Spirit empowers and enables us to do so (Acts 1:8), in order that all may hear, understand and choose to believe, or disbelieve the truth – to accept or reject Christ.

Satan – the god of this world is our greatest enemy. We must constantly be aware that we are engaged in spiritual warfare with unseen but very real powers of evil (Lk.10:19; Eph.6:12). These powers want to change the course of God’s plan, destroy lives and make sure that people remain in spiritual darkness and are condemned for eternity.

This, we must beware of them as we pass through this world not allowing them to influence us to let the world pass through us.

1) How is Satan the god of this world?

2) What should be our response to those blinded by Satan?