Who Controls The Kingdoms Of The World?

A. In the book of Daniel, in a vision given to Daniel, tells us it is God who rules in the kingdoms of men,
Dan. 4:17, “...the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He will, and sets
over it the lowest of men.” That phrase “Lowest of men” refers to men of low character, vile,
unsavory intentions. Men who hide behind their positions to appear good but use their power and
position for evil purposes.
1. In contrast to that Satan claims that the kingdoms of the world belong to him, Lk. 4:5-7, “The devil, took Jesus up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours."
a. Daniel says, “God gives the kingdoms of men to whomever He chooses. Then Satan, told
Jesus, during one temptation, “All this authority I will give you, and their glory; for this has been
delivered to me, and I will give it to whomever I wish.” Question? Who is in Charge?
(1) First of all we know that God is sovereign over all created beings, Rev. 4:11. The term “sovereign” has to do with God’s right to exercise authority over all His creation according to the pleasure of his will, Ps. 89:11,. “The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; the world and all its fullness, You have founded them.” everything has been created by God, therefore it belongs to Him by right of creation. Truly did David say, Ps. 24:1, “The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”
(1) Satan is the enemy, adversary of both God and man 1 Pet. 5:8, warns us, “...your
adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Matt. 13:28, describes him as our constant enemy. In Jno. 8:44-45, Jesus said,
Satan “was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because
there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he
is a liar and the father of lies.”
(a) God has an eternal plan of salvation for mankind Eph. 3:9-11, and in that plan
God has allowed the devil a certain latitude of operation. This truth is well
Illustrated in the book of Job. Job 1:6-12.
(1) Satan came before God to give account for his actions. God, not Satan, is in charge. Satan could not touch Job unless God permitted him to do so. There is both permission, and the restriction of operation, within this passage.
(2) Satan has been allowed the power of temptation over men. Jesus referred to him as “the tempter” In Matt. 4:3. That tells us about Satan’s characteristic activity in this world. Through temptation he seeks to devour us and Peter tells us in 1 Pet. 5:8, tells us he does it veraciously and ferociously.
(2) That doesn’t mean we are helpless. Understand, Satan cannot overpower us against our will. We sin because we choose to sin. It’s possible to resist him.
(1) Jas. 4:7-10, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double?minded.” Vs. 10, says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
(2) We are not forced to yield to temptation. Providential ways of escape are
available to us, 1 Cor. 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as
is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond
what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that
you may be able to bear it.” The tragic reality, is that we frequently do not
pursue the escape route.
(2) Yes, God has allowed Satan to exert his influence upon nations as well as individuals. And the devil is characterized as the “ruler of this world”, Jno. 12:31, and as the “god of
this world.” 2 Cor. 4:4. The malignant politico/religious force described by Paul in

2 Thess. 2:9, is said to be “according to the working of Satan.” Which Vs. 11, says
“Was by the concession of God.” It was by God permission. That’s doesn’t mean God
authorized it or gave permission to be evil = He gave them what they wanted.
(1) Ps. 81:11-12, “But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels.”
Rom. 1:28-32. Be careful what you want. God may give it to you.
(1) What have you learned from this lesson? I know what I’ve learned. God is ultimately in control of all earthly powers. He rules as sovereign, He controls the destiny of both man and their governments.
(2) Satan has been allowed a certain domain of temptation in a world where man possesses the give of “Freedom of Choice.” Mankind has abused that gift of choice = Most of the human family has surrendered much to Satan. They have done so as individuals, and collectively as nations.
(2) Man in his quest to feed the Insatiable appetite of self has abandoned God and given himself his government and it’s leaders over to the use of Satan.
(1) But, God is still Sovereign and will have the last say. 2 Cor. 5:10, says, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
(2) There will be a payday someday. What will your take-home be?
(3) Acts 20:32.,

Spur - 08/18/02 pm