Monday: The Prince of this World
Read John 12:31, John 14:30, and John 16:11. Why does Jesus call Satan the prince of this world?
When God first established Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He entrusted them with the management of Eden (Gen. 2:8, and Gen. 2:15) , and the care of all creatures in the waters, skies, and upon the earth (Gen. 1:26, and Gen. 1:28) .
Image © Erik Stenbakken from GoodSalt.com
When Adam named all the animals, he demonstrated his stewardship over them. Usually the one with authority over something can give it a name; so, by naming all creatures, Adam was clearly demonstrating his status as the ruler of the world.
When Adam lost that dominion, Satan very quickly filled the vacuum. Part of the restoration of the human race, made possible by Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary, will be when the redeemed are given Adam’s and Eve’s privilege of reigning with God for the rest of eternity as “kings and priests” (Rev. 1:6, and Rev. 5:10) .
The opening chapters of the book of Job reveal to us just how extensive Adam’s loss was. As we are given a glimpse into the throne room of the universe, we can also see how subordinate to nature the human race has become since the Fall.
Read Job 1:6-7 and Job 2:1-2. Why does Satan introduce himself to the assembly of the sons of God as the one walking to and fro on the earth?
Walking “to and fro” or “walking back and forth” is not just the act of a tourist. In Scripture it is a sign of ownership. When God gave the land to Abraham, He told him to walk its length and breadth (Gen. 13:17) , and similarly to Moses and Joshua (Deut. 11:24, Josh. 1:3) . Satan, in a sense, is flaunting himself as “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) .
The introduction of Satan in the first two chapters of Job parallels what happened in Genesis 3. Satan initiates trouble in paradise and then leaves the human victims to suffer in his wake.
What evidence can we see of Satan’s work in this world? How can you draw hope from the promise that one day this whole mess will be over?
(46)
The saints sing, “This is my Father’s world…” to affirm the Creator’s authority as they express a sense of appreciation for the beauty of the earth and all the provisions to support life and well-being. In spite of the unsettled and hostile forces of nature, socio-political instability and broken lives, a power for good may be discerned at work defending the planet, and it is the Creator’s.
Still the earth as it currently is does not represent God’s original idea or His final plan. In fact the world is on ‘death row,’ awaiting final destruction (2 Peter 3:10). The legitimate stewards (Genesis 1:26), having failed the original test have allowed a usurper to hijack the planet, claim the territory and do sufficient damage to make this place fit for demolition (Luke 4:5-6).
This world has been so disturbed and so greatly influenced by Satan that the Creator has yielded ground to him and disowns much of what takes place here (1 John 5:19). God’s faithful are described as pilgrims and strangers on the earth (Hebrews 11:13). Believers ought to act like they do not belong and call others to live differently, as if heading for another place (John 17:14-16).
The Father has already accepted that some of His children will choose to separate themselves from Him and adopt the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) as their father (John 8:44). He would have these know the world has an expiration date, and the time to accept the call to leave the world and leave Babylon is now (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4).
The Creator still defends the planet because He retains an interest in those, albeit a few, who have a desire for something better. In this judgment hour the Lord is preparing a place for those who still love their Heavenly Father and would rather live in His world, forever (John 14:1-3).
Why does Jesus call Satan the prince of the world. Can someone advise?
Satan rules the world and its material wealth which is temporary and that is why Jesus calls him the prince of this world.
maybe because at the time he(Satan) is ruling....just like the lesson puts it the part were he was walking to and fro back and forth, a sign of ownership.
therefore prince of the earth.
Jehovah gave Adam & Eve dominion over the world - i.e. they were to rule the world, but then by listening to Satan instead of Jehovah they gave their dominion to Satan.
Because of the sinning nature that is within us now, and within the world itself. Thank God for Jesus dying on the cross, so we may be saved. If not death would be our only option.
I agree with those that have responded. It may be useful to realize also that the word, "prince", in the 3 KJV verses cited, is given in the NKJV, etc. as "ruler". (Even in the KJV the word #G758 is most often translated "ruler".)
In another place the Devil is called "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph 2:2), meaning, I suggest, that his influence is (so to speak,) in the very air we breathe : it is so insidious and pervasive, and the prince/ruler remains unseen and unacknowledged by his followers.
God's people would do well to remember that they will always be "strangers and pilgrims on [this] earth", passing through a foreign land on their way to an enduring, better, place. (Heb 11:13.)
In another version it says that "we are A COLONY OF HEAVEN, and we wait for the Savior that comes from heaven" (Phil 3:20 Moffatt). Our hearts and our citizenship (figuratively) should not be bound to this world. The "god of this world" (2Cor 4:4) works to blind the inhabitants of the planet with regards to the eternal realities before them. He is leading many on to a point of no return.
Satan is the prince of this world by popular vote. You could call it a landslide victory. Most in this world serve him, rejecting the Sovereign God who made all things, including Lucifer who rebelled.
Who are we serving?
I find it interesting that although Satan fell from his position in heaven, God has still allowed him to have the same position of power in relation to the other fallen angels. God could have taken away that "dominion" because of his "original sin". The mercy of God is mind-blowing. He still sends the rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45).
Did God give Satan dominion over the angels or did they surrender their wills to him by listening to him?
All God's creatures have free will, the fallen angels were deceived by Satan, but the exercised their free will by choosing to believed satan's lies instead of God. Just as many people today choose to live a life for self and not to honor God, they are exercising their free will and on day they will realize that they have been deceived.
Knowing that satan is the Prince of this world we must be sober-minded and always prepared for battle. God allows some bad things to happen to good people to strengthen their character and set thier heart and minds on JESUS awakening in them a longing for eternal life in paradise with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Well the prince of this world knows that his time will soon expire and so he is out like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, never sleeping never slumbering, working overtime top rob God's precious children of their gift of salvation because the only one who is not offered salvation is him (SATAN). Let us always call on the power of God to overcome Him, for great is our reward.
Matthew 24:29 need clarification,has these signs happened or are they to come.
Hello Aletha,
I believe those signs have happened.
Matt 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken".
Some notes might be of use -
"Immediately after", can also be translated "soon after" or "shortly after".
"The tribulation of those days" : According to our old writers, even though the 1260 years ended in 1798 (when the Papacy received its "deadly wound"), the TRIBULATION OF THOSE 1260 YEARS ended in 1773 when the Jesuit order was abolished.
"Shortly" (i.e. 7yrs) after that tribulation, the Sun was literally darkened over large areas of the northern hemisphere, in what was called the "dark day". This occurred on May 19, 1780. (It was a Full Moon on the 18th, but the Moon gave no light on the 19th.) We have little appreciation now, just how much of a stir the "dark day" caused, and no reason for it has ever been discovered.
"...and the stars shall fall from heaven". This took place 53 years after the dark day, in what was the greatest show of "falling stars" EVER recorded. (November 13th, 1833).
Thanks for confirming the information on Matthew 24:29
You're welcome Aletha.
Hi,
How about the celestial powers shaken? Or like revelation 6:14 puts it;the sky separated as a scroll?
Has this happened or yet to happen?
You will know when the sky is opened like a scroll when it happens. There will be no question on this event.
While I accept the literal manifestations of the signs given in Revelation 6 concerning the dark day, moon as blood, the great earthquake and falling stars, I believe there will be a world-wide manifestation of these events which are symbols of literal events to take place.
For example, the darkened sun could be the night coming "when no man can work", with no mediator between sinner and offended God when Jesus proclaims: "It is finished!". The moon as blood might be the famine for the Word of God when the last call is finally rejected, and that Word is no longer to be offered. The earthquake could represent the great shake up that will affect every nation as their governments collapse when the stone of Daniel 2 strikes the nations at the end, and the falling stars, the many "lights" that will seen to fall in apostasy as the voice of God blesses those who are about to be destroyed, and the false leaders are then exposed. (I acknowledge that each of these needs further elaboration than space here allows.)
The whole world will be affected by these signs, not just a few in limited regions. This is how the prophecy seems to read as I study it.
Just my personal interpretation presently, while I continue to study to understand what God is revealing to His servants (Rev 1:1).
Irrespective of what is happening in the world Jesus is still in charge and controls the affairs\' of men. Just claim the promises given the bible
Isaiah 40:31
Who were the SONS of God that was mentioned twice in Job?
I think they are like Adam from other worlds
In reply to the question, who were the sons of God, I believe that there has always been a remnant in each generation who has remain faithful and true to him and they were the ones that the bible refers to as the Sons of God who are mentioned in Job
Shirley, i like the way you are thinking; in fact you are right. It is evident from Hebrews 1:2 which says that God" Hath in the last days spoken to us by his son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom he has made the worlds":KJV. Since Adam from this Planer Earth had fallen in sin, Satan had to go to represent the earth. The parable of the lost sheep shows that God has other planets which are inhabited by human beings who are not fallen and thus we can be sure that the inhabitants of the this planet; you and me inclusive, are the lost sheep which Christ came to look for(Matthew 18:10-14). Have scientists discovered the planets where there could be presence of living beings?
I don't think God will let our world contaminate the other worlds
True Shirley, but haven't the other worlds taken a stand already? The casting out of the dragon in Revelation 12 is the decision of unfallen worlds once Satan exposed himself by putting the Son of God/Man to death on the cross. They want no part in his deceptions and lies, while on earth many still embrace the principles of this rebellion against God. Yet, those worlds are sympathetic to the needs of sinners and rejoice with the angels when a sinner repents and receives Jesus by faith.
Keep in mind, Satan did not intrude here, but was invited, and still is today.
Robert,
Maybe it is intended a little differently than it sounds. Can you clarify with scripture and/or SOP "Keep in mind, Satan did not intrude here, but was invited, and still is today." for us?
Why was it necessary for Satan to disguise himself as a serpent if he was an invited guest? Was he an intruder in the Beautiful Garden, or granted access by the Creator or invited otherwise? Was Satan allowed to stalk Adam and Eve all around the Garden, or was the invitation or access limited?
As well how did Satan actually make contact with the loyal angels after he was cast out the first time?
I will simply ask this; what if Adam and Eve had obeyed God's statute, would Satan have been able go "to and fro upon the earth" wherever he pleased? Satan did not intrude upon this world uninvited.
By yielding to temptation, we invite the enemy of souls to rule over us don't we? We are promised that if we resist the devil, he will FLEE from us! How simple is that?
In fact l really enjoyed all the contributions that came out of the study , God bless each and everyone .
As Christians who read the Bible and being guided by the whole spirit, we need to seek His guidance when we're reading the Bible or else we will take it for granted and interplate it in our own ways. Other good friends are talking about other worlds where intelligent beings that are not contaminated live. The word worlds in plural hence the reason why you might think that there are many other worlds out there. When the bible talks of worlds, does it come to your mind that heaven is a world plus earth it makes two worlds? We're clearly told that Satan sinned in heaven and that is when he was thrown to the world which is earth. Then why didn't God allow him to go to this other worlds? I don't believe God is playing mind games with His beloved human beings.That is why God is love and that is why i don't believe there are other worlds out there other than the earth and heaven. If you believe that there are other worlds out there then you should as well believe there Aliens are real and they are coming to invade the earth soon as scientists say. Blessings.
Orina,
"The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5. (Acts of the Apostles 472.1)
Scientist have confirmed that there are other earths very similar to this earth, see from NASA
Orina,
I believe you are a Seventh Day Adventist who believe in the Law and the Testimonies.
If you read the spirit of Prophecy books, especially the fall of satan- Patriarch and Prophets and Early Writings, you will find that the Devil after influencing other angels to rebel against the government of God, he went to 'other Worlds' trying to influence them too, but failed.
In short, other worlds are there where humans have not fallen.
In my life the conflict I have with others and knowing that I will one day be free from the heart aches and disappointment that comes with conflicts. Jesus will come he promise and in that lies my hope. In John 14:1-3
the response given by stewart craft was the only answer that remotely addressed the original question of "why does Jesus call Satan the [prince]of this world." ask your self if Jesus calls Satan the prince of this world would that also mean that Jesus said he (satan) was RULER of this world?
where in the bible is taught that walking to and fro is a sign of ownership. a lion may prowl any piece of ground and you may not want to challenge that but really how is it that he owns that ground, given time the lion will move on.
Sandy, perhaps the walking to and fro is simply to show free access to a world that has invited him in. Satan was restricted to one point of access, until the sinless pair gave in to his suggestions and sinned against God, thus inviting Satan to rule the earth they had been given dominion over. It's not true ownership since it is God's by creation and soon by redemption.
Thank you Robert for your precious response, the insight you have displayed over knowing deep inside that Satan could not have "true ownership" is in a way redeeming the people of God, at least for me it is. I have a sickening feeling "THE people of the Book" are becoming completely unfamiliar with the Word of God. 1 John 5:19 says the whole world lie in wickedness. Matt. 28:18 says All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Dan. 4:17 agrees, Gen.14:22 declares God to be the possessor of. Matt. 6:13 We declare the kingdom is God's. Ps.24:1;50:12;66:7 all claim the earth is HIS. What the Devil claims in Matt.4:9 was a lie! The Devil can't give what is not his and this is why Jesus called the Devil the "prince of this world" and not the "Ruler" as some have suggested. The devil is the "prince of DARKNESS." The AIR if you will, but not the ruler. If ruler then perhaps God is ?, and we know God is not, you know that deep inside.
Pheobe Johnson asks; Why does Jesus call Satan the prince of the air, the lesson asks; Why does Jesus call Satan the prince of the air, why can no one seem to answer the original question. This should be an easy question for the people of the book,unless?
Another aspect relating to Satan's claims. This may be of interest to some.
When, for the very first time, Christ was about to bring a dead person back to life, Satan challenged His right to do it. Christ came to raise up Moses from the dead, and Satan met Him and "disputed about the body". (Jude 9.)
From Patriarchs & Prophets : "The great adversary declared that the divine sentence - "Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return" (Gen 3:19) - GAVE HIM POSSESSION OF THE DEAD." (PP 478)
He believed that Adam's dominion had passed to him by right of conquest, and that this included all that comprised the dust of the earth. There was some validity in Satan's claim. But when dominion was originally given to Adam, this did not extend to the earth itself. Adam was given dominion only over the creatures that inhabited the earth. (Gen 1:26, Gen 1:28)
(Note that even though Gen 1:26 includes "dominion... over all the earth", I have come to understand that this related to the animals and plants, and not to the earth itself.)
With all due respect to all the saints. Do we really need to know whether the dirt, fauna or the animals were subjected to Satan's dominion while he was in Eden? How is this going to help our relationship with Christ? Would it be better to study the life of Christ and then apply it daily in our lives? Do we add more words from what the Bible says when an explanation is loaded with speculation?
Khaphathid,
I'm sorry that my post was garbled/confusing, but the main point I was wanting to bring out was that after man's fall, Satan believed that he had DOMINION OVER THE DEAD.
Satan knew what Christ was intending to do (i.e. resurrect Moses), and Satan challenged Him regarding His right to do it.
I don't think there is any speculation in this point. And indeed, Christ's right to raise the dead, is central to the Christian faith.
Thank you Stewart.
The dominion did include the earth, since God will destroy those who destroy the earth for lack of being righteous in their stewardship. We have an obligation to not destroy the earth, which man does often for profit and gain, while causing harm to creatures and mankind as well. It's all bound up in our being like God(Godly) or acting like the destroyer out of selfish motives.
It does matter Khaphathid, because it reveals our likeness to God or the devil. Every thought, word and act in this life reflects one of two possible principles, one leading to life, the other death.
Now understand this, stewardship is NOT ownership. God is the owner and we are either His coworkers or His enemies. Satan has usurped our dominion as stewards, and never will own anything but an eternal grave, which is the end of everyone who chooses to rebel against God's ownership.
I agree, if we study (and imitate by grace) the life of Christ, we will be faithful stewards of God's goods, both in this life and the life to come. Don't we wish to hear those blessed words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."?!!
Stewart,
That was beautifully explained that each one of us has the responsibility to be the best steward of God's creation. The old devil is there at all time to make our lives miserable be it in nature or in any situation. I thank God that his grace abounds to cover my shortcomings.
Thank you Stewart for being patient with Khaphathid.
Hello khaphathid,
it appears that you have mistakenly used my name here, when you are speaking to Robert.