The Prince of This World

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-27-2024

John 14:28-31

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  In verse 30, we find the prophecy of coming of the “accuser” to find fault in Christ Jesus.  Satan will find none!  After the crowd took Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, He spoke very little to His disciples or in His defense.  This will be the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7, which reads:

 

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”

 

1.  The “prince of this world” led Israel to its demise.

 

2.  The “prince of this world” leads all who reject and accuse Christ Jesus to their demise.

 

B.  In the word “prince” we find Description.  Satan is called “the prince of this world.” 

 

1.  In the word “prince” we see Power - Luke 22:53  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

 

2.  In the word “prince” we see Position - 2 Corinthians 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

3.  In the word “prince” we see Prominence - Ephesians 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

 

4.  In the word “prince” we see Pleasure - Matthew 4:8-9  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;  (9)  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

 

C.  In the word “prince” we find Delusion:

 

1.  He is “god” but only by permission - Matthew 4:9-10  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  (10)  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

 

2.  He has control, and he is not in control - John 12:31  Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

 

3.  He is powerful and yet he is not omnipotent - Jude 9  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

 

4.  He is wealthy and yet he owns nothing - Matthew 4:8-9  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

 

Psalms 24:1  The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

 

D.  How did the arch enemy of both God and man become the “god of this world?”

 

1.  Because He Is Worshiped - 2 Corinthians 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (This prince is transformed into an angel of light; a thing of great beauty.)

 

Isaiah 14:12-14  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!  13  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 

 

2.  Because He Is Adored - Matthew 4:9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (The world loves their prince because they love their sin.)

 

2 Corinthians 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 

 

3.  Because He Is Emulated - Ephesians 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  (The world conforms to image of their god just as we are to conform to the image of our God.)

 

John 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

 

4.  Because He Is In Control - John 8:43-44  Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.  (As a father controls his children, this prince controls his.)

 

Conclusion:  The world is deceived by the “prince of this world” but the redeemed are looking for to their “Prince” who is coming soon.

 

Revelation 1:5-8  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,  (6)  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (7)  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.  (8)  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.