
The God of this world
“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”
—2 Corinthians 4:4
The devil is at work, and he is behind so many of the systems surrounding us today. The Bible describes Satan as “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT). In fact, Ephesians 2, referring to Satan, says, “He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God” (verse 2 NLT).
That’s why all attempts to reform this world, this culture, this country, or this society apart from a change of the human heart are basically futile.
Education won’t do it. Politics won’t do it. The economy won’t do it. Even morality, in and of itself, won’t do it. We need a change of heart that only God can bring when we follow Jesus Christ.
We need morality in our country, but how do we decide what is moral? How do we decide what is good? We need a greater foundation. The Bible teaches that God is truth. God’s truth is the only truth. And the only way to know whether what we are doing is true, moral, and good is to measure it by God’s standard.
When we look at this world and ask why God allows this or why God allows that, we must recognize that Satan, “the god of this world,” is the one to blame. He is the one who is responsible for the injustice, violence, and rebellion against God and His laws.
However, the Bible clearly says that “temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away” (James 1:14 NLT). The devil works with the combustible, sinful nature within every person. But he cannot bring us down unless we cooperate and give in to him.
Friends, I don't foresee things getting better in our world anytime soon. The world is being set up for the return of Jesus. Let's stay the course. Let's keep following Jesus. Let's keep seeking the truth and the high standard of God's Word. We will be okay because this world is not our home. Jesus has a home prepared for us.
All things are possible 2023
Pastor Larry