Commentaries:
<< Matthew 4:7 Matthew 4:9 >>
Matthew 4:8-9
Satan's power is over all the nations of the earth. That could be very frightening when we realize he can influence men in such a way that they are not even aware that they are being influenced toward evil. His power is so extensive that he is over all the nations of the earth. Jesus calls him the ruler of this world (John 14:30). He affects people's attitudes by moving our reasoning processes toward satisfaction of the self. He gives disinformation and stirs up our spirit.
Here is what is so perverse about this: It is not evil for one to take care of himself. What is evil is to make the satisfaction of the self more important than God or others. We are to serve God before all else (the great commandment), and the second is like it—we are on an equal par with others physically. Nowhere are we given the right or privilege by God to make ourselves greater than or more important than God or other human beings.
We can imagine the direction Satan is going to move us toward—to the point that satisfaction of the self becomes more important than conforming to what God says is the limit of our authority. In other words, he will push us toward making ourselves greater or more important than righteousness or truth.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Satan (Part 3)Related Topics: prince of the power of the air | Satan | Satan as ruler of this world | Satan's Authority | Satan's Influence | Satan's Rule | Self Centeredness | Self Exaltation | Self Gratification | Self Indulgence | Self SatisfactionOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing Matthew 4:8:
Matthew 6:13
Matthew 7:22-23
Matthew 24:11-12
Romans 8:7
James 1:14
2 Peter 2:9-10
2 Peter 2:18-19
1 John 2:3-4
1 John 3:4
1 John 5:2-3
2 John 1:6
Jude 1:3-4
<< Matthew 4:7 Matthew 4:9 >>
Join 137,370+ readers
A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning
Consistent Bible study is hard to start.
The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.
Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.
What Does Matthew 4:8 Mean?
Satan's power extends over all the nations of the earth, and Jesus calls him the ruler of this world. His influence is so extensive that he can move men toward evil without their awareness, affecting attitudes by pushing reasoning processes toward satisfaction of the self, giving disinformation and stirring up the spirit. Taking care of oneself is not evil; what is evil is making satisfaction of the self more important than God or others. God must be served before all else, and others are on an equal par. No right is given to make oneself greater than God or other human beings. Satan moves people toward making self more important than righteousness or truth, exceeding the limit of authority God has established.