»In his pride and conceit, the thief Satan considers himself to be the equal of the Most High God - aiming to steal His throne and defraud His kingdom.
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- He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV)
- For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' (Isaiah 14:13-14 NKJV)
- ...the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." (Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV)
- "...the ruler of this world ..." (John 14:30 NKJV)
- "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is." (Revelation 2:13 NKJV)
- ...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. (1 John 5:19 NKJV)
- ...in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV)
- ...the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. (1 Corinthians 10:20 KJV)
- Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You? They gather together against the life of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood. (Psalm 94:20-21 NKJV)
- Just as he tempted Jesus with this lie, the devil will promise you the world if you would only worship him rather than the only true God.
- The phrase "sell your soul to the devil" is more than figurative rhetoric. Satan offers freedom and autonomy, but delivers slavery and tyranny.
- Christians are "bought with a price", redeemed from the purchase of the devil, and are bondservant to their new Master. Nevertheless, the flesh strugles against Holy Spirit for rule over the child of God's daily life. Similar to enlisting in the army, only to have your old boss complain when you don't show up for work.
In light of the insights gained from the aforementioned Bible verses, it becomes evident that the dark mission of Satan and the world system is an ongoing spiritual battle that believers must engage in. The Scriptures provide us with a deeper understanding of Satan's tactics, his desire for self-exaltation, and his ability to exert influence over the world and its systems.
Firstly, Satan's desire for self-exaltation is a fundamental aspect of his mission. Isaiah 14:13-14 reveals his audacious intention to ascend above God, exalting his throne above the stars of God. This pride-driven ambition leads him to challenge the authority and position of God, seeking to establish himself as the ultimate power to be worshiped. Understanding this aspect of Satan's mission helps believers recognize the inherent rebellion and self-centeredness that underlie his actions.
Secondly, Matthew 4:8-9 illustrates Satan's claim over the kingdoms of the world and his willingness to offer them to Jesus in exchange for worship. This passage emphasizes Satan's role as the tempter, enticing individuals with worldly power, wealth, and influence. By showcasing the glory and splendor of the kingdoms, he seeks to divert the focus away from God and draw people into his deceitful schemes. This serves as a warning to believers, highlighting the allure of worldly success and the importance of remaining steadfast in our commitment to worship and serve God alone.
Furthermore, John 14:30 refers to Satan as "the ruler of this world." This description signifies his pervasive influence over human society and the world system. It implies that the values, ideologies, and desires that prevail in the world often align with Satan's agenda rather than God's righteousness. Consequently, believers are called to navigate the world with discernment, recognizing the spiritual battle at play and living in opposition to the world's corrupt systems.
Revelation 2:13 further underscores Satan's influence, identifying a specific location as "Satan's throne." This metaphorical expression signifies a spiritual stronghold, a place where Satan's power and authority are particularly concentrated. It reveals the existence of spiritual battles in specific regions, where the forces of darkness actively oppose the work of God. This verse serves as a reminder that believers should be vigilant and prayerful, actively engaging in spiritual warfare to counteract the influence of the enemy.
Additionally, 1 John 5:19 presents a stark reality: the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. This verse highlights the fallen state of humanity and the pervasive influence of sin and evil in society. It reinforces the notion that the world system, driven by worldly desires and values, often aligns with Satan's agenda rather than God's righteousness. Understanding this truth helps believers guard against being conformed to the patterns of the world and encourages them to pursue holiness and righteousness in all aspects of life.
Finally, Ephesians 2:1-3 portrays Satan as the "prince of the power of the air" and describes his role in influencing the thoughts, desires, and actions of those who are disobedient to God. This verse emphasizes the spiritual battle that takes place in the realm of thoughts and desires. It reveals Satan's ability to manipulate and deceive through the promotion of self-indulgence, fleshly desires, and disobedience to God's commands. It urges believers to resist the temptations of the world and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, aligning their thoughts and desires with God's will.
In conclusion, the dark mission of Satan and the world system is an ongoing spiritual battle that Christians must engage in. By understanding Satan's desire for self-exaltation, his claim over the kingdoms of the world, his pervasive influence, and the fallen state of the world, believers can equip themselves to resist his schemes and live according to God's righteous principles. With discernment, prayer, and steadfastness, believers can navigate the challenges presented by the world system and actively participate in advancing God's kingdom.
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