INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Revealing the God of this World
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson, we will discuss the theme of "Revealing the God of this world." This lesson will be essential for all seeking God's kingdom. Many cannot see the gospel's truth because they are spiritually blind. Spiritual blindness is caused by one's continual disobedience, rejection of God's word, and messengers: which we will see as the lesson unfolds. It will be surprising to many who permit this blindness and even send a strong delusion to them perishing because of their unbelief.
2. We might add that the disbelievers of the 2020 elections results, due to the "Big Lie," is also "blindness to the truth." Fortunately, this lie has been exposed by reputable sources, yet many hold to it rather than accepting the truth of a "free and fair election" void of fraud or malpractice. We will learn why this is so among unbelievers and many believers (in the Church).
3. The hardness of a person's heart against the truth of the gospel blinds their eyes: lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine unto them. Those that believe and obey the truth will be illuminated and enabled to see in the gospel of truth, the image of God: "in the face of Jesus Christ." It is the veil of blindness to the gospel's truth, which prohibits the disbeliever and disobedient from seeing and receiving: "salvation through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 2:4-10.
4. Paul wrote to the saints at Corinth, revealing who rightly can be called: "the god of this world." He did not limit this teaching of spiritual blindness to Israel, the people of God. He later expanded it unto all those who would not believe and be obedient to the gospel of Christ. To the Thessalonians, he wrote: "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness…Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions you have been taught, whether by word or our epistle," 2 Thessalonians 2:10-15. Let's consider this lesson with open minds and bibles.
BODY OF LESSON
I REVEALING THE GOD OF THIS WORLD
A. Preliminary study. We want to answer this question: "Who is the god of this world?" Before we investigate the text of emphasis. We will do a preliminary study on this question. I have confidently preached that "the god of this world" was the Devil or Satan himself for years. However, after careful study of this text and the closing verses of 2 Corinthians, chapter 3. In this position, I cannot any longer sustain myself. I no longer believe that Paul attributed the evil one to be "the god of this world." The previous verses, and the construction of the Greek, cannot permit us to affirm such is the case any longer. Observe,
1. The God of this world or the age(s) is God or the Lord, Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:1-3. We will provide supporting evidence that might clarify this for you, as it has me. Please understand I am not questioning the text; I'm investigating its translation. First,
a. Satan is never described as being the "god of this world" in the scriptures. The inference to the Devil as "the god of this world" is due entirely to the Committee's translation of 2 Corinthians 4:4a. We will notice why this is the case later in the lesson. But for now, let's look at how Jesus describes the evil one's deceptive works worldwide. Second,
b. The official title given to him by the Lord is: “The prince of this world," John 13:31. In these verses, Jesus describes him as such, John 14:30; and John 16:11. Not as the "god of this world," but as the: “prince of this world.”
c. That’s all I need to say because the Master called him such! However, my beloved brothers will want more supporting texts, references, and biblical examples.
d. So, we will humbly go to work to oblige them! Elsewhere,
2. The apostle Paul describes the Devil as: "The prince of the power of the air," Ephesians 2:2. Again, the "prince of the power of the air" and not "the god of this world."
a. Satan or the Devil has not been afforded the title: "The god of this world." He is responsible for all this world's evil, sin, and unrighteousness. The world's sinful condition is the work of Satan's hands. However, he is nowhere in the scriptures, described as: "the god" over heaven and earth.
b. The apostle John wrote:
1) First, “Satan, which deceiveth the whole world, was cast out into the earth…and his angels…with him,” Revelation 12:9. Jesus said: "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven," Luke 10:17-20.
2) Second, “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness,” 1 John 5:19. These verses in no way suggest that Satan: “is the god of this world.”
3) A deceiver of this world, “yes," but the "god of this world,” NO!
c. Peter describes the Devil as: "A roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Who resist steadfast in the faith," 1 Peter 5:8-9. He walks about seeking whom he may deceive.
3. Jehovah is described as the God over: "heaven and earth," Matthew 5:34-35; Acts 7:49; Acts 14:15. These are but a few scriptures that declare Jehovah: as the Lord our God. The ruler over heaven and earth and all things therein. However,
a. There is a preponderance of evidence confirming the truth of God's authority and need no discussion in any circle: religious, political, or scientific! Has God blinded the eyes of disbelievers and the disobedient today? Has this nation, its people, and the believers been blinded to the gospel's truth, as was and is the case of Israel? Are we so set in our positions yet unclear in understanding the scriptures: regarding God's rule and sovereignty over the entire universe?
b. Let’s review some more supporting evidence, texts, and references before studying 2 Corinthians 4:4. I want to lay a firm foundation before diving into the text of emphasis. Let's consider some scriptures that established the God of this world. Investigating further, let’s review these references to understand this subject better. Notice,
c. Jehovah or the Lord. He is "the God of this world" and "the God of these people Israel." Paul used the definite article: "the" to establish that there is: "One Lord, One Spirit, and One God the Father. In his Letter to the Ephesians. The word: "one" and the definite article "the" could mean only one. God, is truly the "only God," revealed in Ephesians 4:4-6.
Heaven and earth are the works of the Most High God. Luke wrote,
1) Stephen preached to the people and said: "Howbeit the Highest dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what house will you build for me? Saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?" Acts 7:48-50.
2) Paul’s preaching in Antioch in Pisidia said: "The God of these people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm, He brought them out of it,” Acts 13:16-17. This verse somewhat mirrors the sentence: “The God of this world.”
3) Paul’s preaching on Mars Hill said: "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands,” Acts 17:24. Paul preached: God is Lord over Heaven and earth. Before digging a little deeper, we must do a word study exercise.
4) We will utilize BlueLetterBible's Application for this exercise. (You might want to open it now at https://www.blueletterbible.org/.) I will cover some basic information about it to acquaint you with its usefulness in understanding the Greek Language in your sermon preparation.
4. Word study exercise. In your Interlinear, you should highlight these reference scriptures during this exercise. We will use the BLB’s Interlinear for this online exercise.
NOTE: Open the BLB application if it is not open now. This exercise shows how the New Testament writers used the definite article: "the" before the noun: "God." We will note their use with the definite article: "the" and nouns: "God" and "god," in Greek Parsing. This exercise identifies the definite article and nouns used in a noun phrase or sentence. With your BLB open, follow these steps:
a. Type in the scripture to be studied, 2 Corinthians 4, and select "Go" next to the KJV down arrow. The Application should open in 2 Corinthians 4. Scroll down to verse 4.
b. Click on the Tools button next to 2 Co 4:4. The Application will open below the verse in the Interlinear Textus Receptus. If you click on the down arrow, you will have a selection of Interlinear, Bibles, Cross-references, Commentaries, Dictionaries, and Misc. For now, remain in the "Interlinear" view.
c. Under Textus Receptus, you will find verse 4:4 in the Greek text. Suppose you slide your mouse arrow over each word in Greek. In that case, it will give you basic information about the words: Transliteration, from the root, the number (G2316), its definite article, noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, etc., and the English translation.
Exercise: Place the mouse arrow over the Greek word: theos. Its transliteration is theos, root, theos (2316) is the Strong's G number; in Greek, it is a Noun, Nominative Singular Masculine (case, number, and gender); and finally, the English translation of the word: is God.
d. In our exercise, we want to identify the definite article and noun in the phrase or sentence in paragraph B. below for each of the scriptures in lines 1.) through 5.). See if your work agrees with mine below. Work through them slowly. Find the definite article and its corresponding noun. They should agree on their case, number, and gender.
e. Before beginning, we must illustrate one more part of this exercise. Identify the word Parsing on the right side of the table headings. [English (KJV); Strong’s; Inflected, Root & Transliterated; and Parsing.] While still in the Interlinear view 4:4, Textus Receptus.
f. Scroll down the table and find the word: “the” under the heading English. Move to the right on the page, and locate the Code, T-NSM, under the Parsing heading. Select and click on its tab. The Greek Parsing box will open. You can review the inflected root, Strong's G, English translation, Code: T-NSM, and Long: Definite article – Nominative Singular Masculine (case, number, and gender).
g. Now scroll down the table again and find the word: “god” under the heading English. Move to the right of the page, and locate the Code, N-NSM, under the Parsing heading. Select and click on the tab. The Parsing box will open. You can review the inflected root, Strong's G, English translation, Code: N-NSM, and Long: Noun – Nominative Singular Masculine (case, number, and gender). The word: Long, means the noun has a “long vowel” in speech.
h. Search results: the definite article: "the" is T-NSM, and the noun: "god," is N-NSM. Both agree with its case, number, and gender. With this brief instruction, it is your turn to look at the passages below using Greek Parsing. Please pay close attention to the definite articles and their corresponding nouns. If you need help, return, and reread the instructions. To begin this exercise, with the BLB still open, type in the scriptures for each of the verses in paragraph B. below. Follow the instructions provided to you for each reference. Work carefully!
B. Word study exercise. In the BLB, Interlinear, review each text for its "definite article" and "noun" in the fashion shown in the instructions earlier. The results below are what my search has yielded. Please make a note of your work to compare it with my findings. Review these scriptures in the BLB's, Interlinear. Notice,
1. In 2 Corinthians 4:4: "In whom the God of this age" is "O Theos," or (ho Theos) the God.
2. In Acts 13:17: "The God of this people" is "O Theos," or (ho Theos) the God.
3. In John 3:16: “For God so loved the world,” is “O Theos" or (ho Theos) the God.
4. In John 10:36: “I am the Son of God?” is “Yios tou Theos,” or (yhios ho Theos) the Son of God.
5. In Hebrews 1:1: "God who…Hath…spoken unto us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds: Who being the brightness of His glory." Notice,
a. “God, having spoken unto the fathers,” in Greek is “O Theos," or (ho Theos) the God.
b. The noun phrase: “the worlds" here is translated as “the ages.”
c. We will discuss this word later in the lesson.
6. Analysis of results: God, in these verses, refers to "the God." The definite article: "the" proceeds the noun: "God." Meaning the God of this world (heaven and earth).
a. Therefore, it was the Lord or the God that blinded their mind (Israel), which believed not the gospel of truth.
b. The New Living Translation (NLT) translates John 12:40 as: “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart—so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.” John was referring to Isaiah’s report, John 12:37-41; Isaiah 53:1.
c. Their blindness of unbelief was due to the hardness of their hearts, to the Lord,” John 12:38-40. Even after He had performed so many miracles in their midst, John 12:37. But, Israel could not believe them because of their blindness, Mark 4:12; Matthew 13:14-15. Paul wrote: It is written: “God hath given them (Israel) a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day,” Romans 11:7-10. See NRSV, page 684.
d. Still, so many confessing their faith in God, even unto this day, rejects the "plainness of Christ's message of salvation," Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20. They cannot see how "faith and baptism" are necessary for salvation, even though the Lord has commanded it.
NOTE: The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament has been our reference for the information below. Now let’s look at 2 Corinthians 4:4a. This scripture is our,
C. Text of Emphasis. Paul wrote: "But if our gospel is hidden or veiled, it is veiled to them that are lost: In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believeth not," 2 Corinthians 4:4a. Now, the KJV translates the word: "god," incorrectly. The God of this world is its rightful meaning, as seen in our exercise above. The article and noun: "the god" should have been translated as: "the God." Let's review some scriptures that declare Jehovah: as "the God of this world and creator of heaven and earth." Consider,
1. Hezekiah's prayer in the temple. Isaiah wrote: "And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, O Lord of the host, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou are the God, even thou alone, of (over) all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth," Isaiah 37:15-16; 2 Kings 19:15; Revelation 11:15. Notice, "thou are the God, even thou alone!" There is none other! Do I have some help with this assembly? Amen, brother Walls!
2. Solomon’s prayer of dedication. Standing before the altar of the Lord: "He said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on the earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart," 1 Kings 8:22-23.
a. Each of these references declares that "God" is the God of His people, He created the world, and He has allowed the veil of unbelief and disobedience to remain in the eyes of His people Israel. This (work) is the Lord's doing, and it is "right in His eyes," Luke 10:21; Matthew 11:25.
b. These scriptures show it is "the God," even God alone that hath made heaven and earth; who dwelleth between the cherubims and is the God of His people Israel. There is no other God over Heaven and earth. No other God is the God of this world, but Jehovah, "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," 2 Kings 13:23; Jeremiah 33:26; Matthew 8:11.
c. We have sought to lay a firm foundation on who is "the God" of Heaven and earth in this preliminary work and exercise. We will make an Application of these verses later in the lesson. As mentioned earlier in this lesson, the word "god" is misused in our text of emphasis. Notice how the noun: "god," is used elsewhere in the scriptures. Observe,
3. The noun: "god," in Greek: has no definite article: "the," where it appears in these scriptures. As you did earlier, look at these verses in the BLB's, Interlinear. Work carefully!
a. In John 10:34, "Ye are gods" is "este theos," or "are gods." The noun “gods” is plural in this text (i.e., more than one).
b. In John 10:35, "He calls them gods," is "ekeinos theos." Again, the noun "gods" is plural.
c. Acts 12:22, "It is the voice of a god," is "phone theos." The crowd cried out: "it is the voice of a god," not "the God."
d. In Acts 19:27, "The great goddess Diana" is "thea Artemis," or "goddess Diana."
NOTE: Here are a few more references you might review later, Acts 8:10; Acts 12:22; Acts 14:11; and Acts 28:6. My study revealed that Paul and Luke were careful in their Letters when they used the definite article and nouns, referring to "the God." As opposed to "a god or gods."
e. Conclusion: The article and noun in 2 Corinthians 4:4a; is “O Theos," or "the God." The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: "In whom the God of this age blinded the minds of the ones unbelieving,” Page 622.
NOTE: Reference is, The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), New Testament.
1) In the exercise above, we did not find the exact noun phrase that matched in case, number, and gender to the one in 2 Corinthians 4:4a.
2) Therefore, we have concluded the word "god" is improperly translated in the KJV of this text.
3) We will move forward in this lesson and discuss the word "age," as mentioned in our text of emphasis. Exploring now,
4. The God of this age. As promised earlier, we now return to the word "age" regarding the Lord or "the God of this world," 2 Corinthians 4:4a. The NRSV translates the Greek word "aiov" in this text as "this age," Page 622. See also Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Timothy 1:17.
a. The translation of "aiov" as the "age" is also found in Hebrews 1:2-3: "By whom also He made the ages," not the worlds. Paul also uses the word "age" and the "ages" in Hebrews 13:8 and Hebrews 13:21. Let's now review Hebrews 1:1-3. Remarkably,
b. The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: "At the end of these days, He spoke to us by the Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through Him also He made the ages. Whose being is the radiance of the glory and the representation of the essence of Him, sustaining all things by the word of His power. Having made purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," Page 749.
c. B. W. Johnson states the word "aion" to mean the “age and the ages,” Ephesians 3:20-21.
d. He wrote: "Let the Church in all ages manifest his glory by its light. Throughout all ages. Literally, "Unto all the generations of the age of ages." The idea is, through the endless succession of ages, or through all time," Page 532. "Throughout all generations (genea), ages (aion) without end (aion). Amen," Ephesians 3:21.
5. Now, let's consider the phrase: "the course of this world," similar to Ephesians 2:2. Paul distinguishes between "age" and "world" in this text. Observe,
a. The word: "aion" is translated as "age," and the word: "kosmos" is translated as "world."
b. The NRSV translates this phrase as: "the age of this world.” Notice: “In which you once walked according to the course of the age of this world…now working in the sons of disobedience,” Ephesians 2:2; Romans 1:20-22; Romans 1:25. Therefore,
c. It is in the age of this world we once walked as the sons of disobedience. Thanks to the Lord for the riches of His grace, Ephesians 2:4-10. He has "Rescued us out of the present evil age, according to the will of the God and Father of us," Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:13. The NRSV.
d. Therefore, it is the "course of this evil age," the Devil might be called: "The prince of the power of the air" and not the "god of this world." I wish I had some help right about now!
e. Summary: Beloved of the Lord, here is the: "long and short of it." Paul was not writing to emphasize the devil "being the god of this world." But, to establish "the God of this world," Jehovah hath permitted the "blindness of Israel" to the gospel of Christ. They will continue in this blindness: "until their hearts are turned to the Lord" when reading the New Testament, which is far more glorious than the Old Covenant. Which "the veil is done away in Christ," 2 Corinthians 3:14.
1) For in the New Testament is found the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, which Paul has been permitted to believe, obey, and now preach as the servant of the Lord.
2) As we move to the conclusion of this lesson, we have one more piece of work to accomplish.
3) We must analyze the definite article: – "the" – and their corresponding: - "noun," – Lord or God. Observe,
D. Analysis in Greek Parsing. I am confident that the Lord or the Father is the God of this world, in 2 Corinthians 4:4a. I have made a comparison using Greek Parsing to understand the articles and nouns used in each reference, along with "the God of this world." Notice each article and noun usage in the verses. Review each text in the BLB, Interlinear, Textus Receptus, of 1.a. to 1e., below.
1. Review and study these noun phrases carefully. Consider,
a. In 3:4, The Christ: “The” is T-GSM, and “Christ” is N-GSM. (Through the Christ).
b. In 3:17, The Lord: “The” is T-NSM, and “Lord” is N-NSM. (The Lord is that Spirit).
c. In 4:4a, The God: "The" is T-NSM, and "god" is N-NSM. (The God of the world).
d. In 4:4c, The God: "The" is T-GSM, and "of God" is N-GSM. (The image of [the] God).
e. In 4:6a, The God: “The” is T-NSM, and “God” is N-NSM. (For the God, who commanded).
2. Two inferences can be drawn from this summary: in 2 Corinthians 4:4a, either one of the conclusions below is more likely to be the text's real meaning. They are:
a. The noun "god" should have been translated: as "God."
b. The noun “Lord” should replace the word "god" in this translation.
c. I would choose the latter because in Greek Parsing, both 3:17 and 4:4a, their articles and nouns agree, in case, number and gender: i.e., the definite article "the" is T-NSM. The noun "Lord" and "god" is N-NSM. In other words: "In whom the Lord or (God) of this world," 2 Corinthians 4:4a.
d. What is certain, translating the noun phrase: "O Theos" as "the god" is incorrect in either case. The noun “god” is not translated with the definite article "the" but as "a god" or "gods" plural in number, as we witnessed in the exercise: The noun "god," in Greek, in paragraph C.3., above.
3. Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians. Our final work will review Paul's use of the definite article: – "the" – and the noun: - "God and Lord" - in this Letter. Again, use Greek Parsing in the verses below. In,
E. Paul’s Letter to Thessalonica. He wrote them of a strong delusion regarding spiritual blindness due to God sending them (the disbelievers of the truth). As you worked through the exercise earlier, use now what you've learned to review my work in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-16 below. Observe,
1. First, "And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they might believe a lie: That they might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness,” 2 Thessalonians 2:11. Observe,
a. In Greek Parsing, the phrase "God shall send them." The definite article: "the" is T-NSM, and the noun: "God" is N-NSM. The article and noun are the same, as in 2 Corinthians 4:4a. Please note that God is sending them "strong delusion," not the "evil one." Because of the evil one's deception and the people's rejection of the truth, "God sent them a strong delusion." The word delusion means error. We discussed this verse in the last thought of the lesson: "If Our Gospel is Veiled," now available on SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
b. Application, if one rejects the truth of God for a lie, He will send them a "strong delusion" to harden their heart to believe the lie as the truth. Could this be the case with many today, not believing the health and medical advice regarding COVID-19?
c. Many also reject the truth that “Joe Biden” is the President of the United States, and the “Big Lie" that the Democrats stole the 2020 election from Donald J. Trump is their strong delusion.
d. Sadly, I say this is so, and it is “right in God’s eyes.” Worst still, men and women of faith believe both these lies! Why? They, too, enjoy unrighteousness, and their hearts are void of any truth outside their Party Leadership (rather than in their spiritual leaders).
e. However, even members of the Lord's Church have bought into these lies. If they have accepted the lies, they deny God's truth to enjoy the works of unrighteousness. Sadly, many believers espouse the same hate and bigotry in their hearts as others who disregard “the truth and righteousness” founded in the teachings of Christ: “To love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself,” Matthew 22:37-40. This is the “Royal Law of love,” James 2:8-10.
f. Conclusion: We are in troubled times when even the foundation of our Democracy is being weighed in the balance. We will be voting for our next elected officials. How will the righteous vote? The people of God should vote during times of dysfunction and political confusion. They should vote for what uplifts and sustain our Democracy! These freedoms are not guaranteed; they must always be protected. What will the righteous do? I pray the right things: to preserve the Union!
1) We have become divided along party lines (red and blue states) and over the truth in the past Presidential Election. Some claiming faith in God has embraced the "Big Lie" (that Donald J. Trump won the 2020 election).
2) The election results have been settled in Congress, the Courts, and in the admission of the former President: that he lost the election.
3) What more would the righteous need to settle this matter in their hearts? Why are faithful members of the Church still disputing "the decision of the people?"
4) The people of America rejected the former President; why are we still debating their decision?
NOTE: Download our lesson "What Will the Righteous Do?" From SermonCentral.com. It discusses this issue more thoroughly. Paul now continues,
2. Second, "But we are bound…brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth," 2 Thessalonians 2:13. Paul states that it was “God who has chosen the Thessalonians to salvation from the beginning.” Notice,
NOTE: In Greek Parsing, the phrase "God hath from." The definite article: "the" is T-NSM, and the noun: "God" is N-NSM. Please look at these verses also in your Interlinear.
3. Third, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” 2 Thessalonians 2:16. Consider,
NOTE: In Greek Parsing, the phrase, “Now our Lord…and God.” The definite article: “the” is T-NSM, and the noun: “Lord” is N-NSM. In like manner, the definite article: “the” is T-NSM, and the noun: “God" is N-NSM. Both the article and nouns for "the Lord" and "the God" agree in case, number, and gender (i.e., nominative, singular, and masculine).
4. Conclusion: As I mentioned earlier, in 2 Corinthians 4:4a, Paul referred to the Lord, or God the Father: as "the God of this world." We will now compare articles and nouns with Paul's charge to Timothy. Finally,
5. To Timothy. Paul wrote: "That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in His time He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords," 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Revelation 19:15-16.
Observe,
NOTE: In Greek Parsing, the article: “the” is T-NSM, and the noun: “King” is N-NSM. Likewise, the noun: “Lord" is N-NSM. The article and the nouns agree in case, number, and gender (i.e., nominative, singular, and masculine). He is the King and the Lord over all other kings and lords [ N-GPM, or Genitive, plural, and masculine]. Therefore,
a. This verse validates that the translation of 2 Corinthians 4:4a should have been: "The Lord."
b. Let’s not forget Jesus’ affirmation: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying: All power is given unto me in heaven and earth,” Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23.
c. My beloved brothers should be satisfied now!
6. Grand conclusion. In this word study, we have sought to establish that in the scriptures where God, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit are mentioned, the "definite article" proceeds their corresponding "noun," forming a: noun phrase. Therefore, the definite article in 2 Corinthians 4:4a refers to: "the God" or "the Lord" and not to: "a god" or the Devil.
a. The evil one is still "the prince of this world." He cannot be granted the title of: "the god of this world." The truth is simply this: only God the Father, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit, can be afforded the position of "the God of this world." Amen!
NOTE: The pronoun "us" defines the God of heaven and earth, Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7. The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost co-existed before the world began. Each shared a part in the "creation of heaven and earth." Therefore, any one of them can be called: "the God of this world." I wish I had some help somewhere in this house! Finally,
b. God’s purpose in sending Jesus into the world: "Was to save us, and call us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began: But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," 2 Timothy 1:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Titus 3:4-7.
c. Christ came that we might have: “life and have it more abundantly,” John 10:10; 1 John 5:11-13. Through our obedience to the gospel of Christ, we can enjoy life now and eternal life hereafter. Let me explain how this can be possible for you and your family. Thank you for being patient in my presentation of this truth of God. As I conclude, let me review what we have discussed….
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Revealing the God of this World
B. Summarize Main Points.
1. In our lesson, we discussed the theme of: "Revealing the God of this world." This lesson was essential for all who are seeking the kingdom of God. Many cannot see the kingdom of God because they are spiritually blind. Spiritual blindness is caused by one's continual disobedience, rejection of God's word, and messengers: which we saw as the lesson unfolded. It was surprising that who had permitted this blindness and even sent strong delusions to them perishing because of their unbelief and disobedience to the truth.
2. The hardness of a person's heart against the truth of the gospel blinds their eyes: lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine unto them. Those that believe and obey the truth will be illuminated and enabled to see in the gospel of truth, the image of God: "in the face of Jesus Christ." It is the veil of blindness to the gospel's truth, which prohibits the disbeliever and disobedient from seeing and receiving: "salvation through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 2:4-10.
3. Paul wrote to the saints at Corinth, who rightfully can be called: "the God of this world." He did not limit this teaching of spiritual blindness to Israel, the people of God. He later expanded it unto all those who would not believe and be obedient to the gospel of Christ. To the Thessalonians, he wrote: "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness…Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions you have been taught, whether by word or our epistle," 2 Thessalonians 2:10-15.
C. Invitation, explain the pattern of conversion: HBRCB.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
Acknowledging Commentators and Authors.
I, therefore, "Render to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor (is due)," Romans 13:7. I thank and acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References.
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory, and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
10. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, @ 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
To the BlueLetterBible.org,
Thank you for this valuable tool of study, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
Contact me at: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
This lesson was updated on 1/11/2023.
Visit and worship with the Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, every Sunday at 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The call-in number is: 1-302-202-1110, Pin # is 214733. These men “know the Shepherd!”
