Revealing The God Of This World Series

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: