What other scriptures affirm the world's influence by the evil one? Grounded in 1 John 5:19 “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” John sets the stage: while believers belong to God, the present world system lies in the grip of Satan. Scripture repeats and expands this truth throughout both Testaments. Jesus’ Own Words on the World’s Prince • John 12:31 – “Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.” • John 14:30 – “I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me.” • John 16:11 – “and regarding judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.” Jesus identifies a personal ruler—“the prince of this world”—confirming that the current age operates under satanic influence and that his ultimate defeat is certain. Paul Exposes the Deceiver’s Grip • 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” • Ephesians 2:1-2 – “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you followed the ways of this world, the ruler of the power of the air—the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” • Ephesians 6:11-12 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul names Satan “the god of this age,” “the ruler of the power of the air,” and commander of unseen forces. The blindness, disobedience, and darkness so common in society flow from this evil hierarchy. Peter and James Sound the Alarm • 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” • James 4:4 – “Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever desires to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” The apostles connect satanic influence with the everyday pull of “the world,” urging believers to vigilance and separation from its values. Revelation: Global Deception Unmasked • Revelation 12:9 – “And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” John’s vision portrays Satan as a cosmic deceiver, confirming that the entire world system is his sphere of operation—though his defeat is assured. Old Testament Echoes • Job 1:7 – “The LORD asked Satan, ‘From where have you come?’ Satan answered, ‘From roaming through the earth and walking around on it.’” • Daniel 10:13 – A heavenly messenger describes resistance from “the prince of the Persian kingdom,” hinting at territorial demonic powers influencing nations long before Christ’s incarnation. Living Alert in a Fallen World • Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” • Philippians 2:15 – “so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.” Scripture doesn’t merely diagnose the problem; it calls believers to resist worldly conformity, renew their minds, and shine as distinct, Spirit-empowered witnesses until Christ’s return. |
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