Comment: Jesus referred to Satan as “the ruler of this world.” Paul identi - fied him as “the god of this age,” ex - plaining that he blinds the minds of unbelievers. The Apostle John adds that the whole world lies under the influence of the wicked one. Together these passages reveal that the world’s political, social, economic, and reli- gious systems are not governed ac- cording to God’s will but are under Satan’s deceptive influence. Because this present world is influenced by Satan, Christ did not come to im- prove its systems but to announce their coming replacement. Why didn’t Jesus become in - volved in the politics of His day? Although living under Roman occu- pation, Jesus never attempted politi- cal reform. John 18:33-37. Comment: When questioned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus explained that His Kingdom was not of this present world. If it had been, His servants would have fought to prevent His ar- rest. Instead, Christ declared that He had come to bear witness to the truth. His mission during His first coming was not to establish political rule but to prepare for His future reign as King of kings. Instead of seeking earthly office, Christ prepared for His future role as ruler over all nations. What government will replace all human governments? Daniel foretold that God Himself will establish a kingdom unlike any before it. Daniel 2:31-45 (especially verse 44). Comment: Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a great image representing successive world empires. He explained that during the time of the final kingdoms, God will establish His own Kingdom, which will never be destroyed. Unlike every
human government, God’s Kingdom will replace all earthly kingdoms and endure forever. Human governments are temporary. God’s government is eternal. How did Jesus qualify to become Earth’s future King? Unlike Adam, who yielded to Satan, Jesus completely obeyed God. Matthew 4:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11. Comment: Following His baptism, Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Where Adam failed, Christ remained completely obedi- ent to God’s Word, resisting every temptation. Because of His perfect obedience, God highly exalted Him and gave Him supreme authority. Je- sus qualified to replace Satan as the future ruler of this earth. If Christians belong to God’s Kingdom, how should they view this world? The Bible describes Christians as cit- izens of another Kingdom. Philippi- ans 3:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Comment: Paul explains that a Christian’s citizenship is in heaven, from which believers eagerly await Jesus Christ’s return. Until then, Christians serve as ambassadors representing Christ and His coming Kingdom. Like ambassadors living in a foreign nation, God’s people live respectfully within earthly societies while recognizing that their ultimate allegiance belongs to God’s gov- ernment. An ambassador represents the interests of another government. Likewise, Christians represent God’s coming Kingdom while living in to- day’s world. Does being separate from the world mean rejecting civil au - thority? No.
Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 13:1-7; Acts 5:29. Comment: Jesus instructed His fol- lowers to render to Caesar what be- longs to Caesar while giving God what belongs to God. Paul further taught that civil governments exist by God’s permission and that Chris- tians should obey lawful authority, pay taxes, and conduct themselves honorably. However, when human authority directly contradicts God’s commands, believers must obey God rather than men. Christians strive to be exemplary citizens while never compromising obedience to God. When will God’s people partici - pate in governing? The Bible shows that faithful believ- ers will assist Christ in ruling the world after His return. Daniel 7:17- 18, 21-22, 27; Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 20:4-6. Comment: Daniel saw that the king- doms of this world would continue until God gives everlasting domin- ion to “the saints of the Most High.” Jesus promised authority over the nations to those who faithfully over- come. Revelation shows that resur- rected saints will reign with Christ during His millennial rule. A Chris- tian’s desire to help administer God’s government lies in the future King- dom—not in establishing human governments today. What should Christians seek first? Rather than placing ultimate hope in political systems, Jesus gave this in- struction. Matthew 6:24-34. Comment: During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His follow- ers not to be consumed with the wor- ries of this life. Instead, they are to seek first God’s Kingdom and His
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A Good Report, Vol. 2 No. 3
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