What does it mean that Satan is the God of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)?

TL;DR:

Satan has unique authority over the world until he is ultimately bound and cast into the lake of fire. Until then he seeks to deceive and to steal, kill, and destroy. Believers can stand against the god of this world through the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

what does the bible say?

Satan is called the "god of this world" because he holds influence over earthly matters and blinds unbelievers to the truth of the gospel, but his power is strictly limited and can never rival God’s authority. Satan’s prideful attempt to ascend above God led to his expulsion from heaven. Satan's deceitful and destructive influence on earth is confined within God’s sovereignty (2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31). Satan’s earthly reign is also temporary; Revelation 20:10 assures us that he will ultimately be defeated and cast into the lake of fire for eternity. Until then, he is roaming around the earth seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). For believers, God’s power is greater, as He has equipped us with His armor to resist Satan’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11) and promises that by submitting to God, we can make the Devil flee (James 4:7). Through Christ, we have been delivered from darkness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and can overcome Satan’s temptations with the truth of God’s Word (Colossians 1:13).

from the old testament

Satan is the "god of this world" because his rule is limited. He has the ability to oversee evil in our world, but he lacks the power to defeat God and rule in heaven. Satan pridefully wanted to rule in heaven (Ezekiel 28:17) because he wanted to be like God. Isaiah 14:13–14 says, "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'" His pride led him to being kicked out of heaven.

from the new testament

Second Corinthians 4:4 describes Satan as the god of this world: "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
John 12:31 calls Satan the "ruler of this world," again showing his power is limited to matters on the earth.
Ephesians 2:2 calls Satan the "prince of the power of the air," a variation of the same title as the god of this world.
In confronting the teachers of the Law, Jesus taught, "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Satan is the father of lies, from his lie to Eve in the garden of Eden to the lies he spreads today. His evil continues to destroy lives today, standing as a snare and trap to people (2 Timothy 2:26), yet we do not need to fear him.
First John 4:4 teaches, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
Satan's rule is for a limited time only. Revelation 20:10 confirms that in the end, he will be defeated by God and thrown into the lake of fire. No power, not even Satan, can stop the Lord and His plan.

implications for today

The Bible is clear that Satan is powerful, but believers can combat his powerful schemes. Ephesians 6:11 teaches, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." This includes the many virtues of Christian living, including salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (Ephesians 6:14–18). Satan may have great strength, yet he is no match for the power of God working in the believer's life.

James teaches, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). First John 4:4 teaches, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." As believers, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13). This reality reminds us of the power we have in Christ to overcome the temptations and schemes of Satan (1 Corinthians 10:13). With the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and the truth of God’s Word at our disposal to read, hear, and keep, we have everything we need to stand against Satan.

understand

Satan temporarily influences the world and blinds unbelievers, but his power is restricted and cannot rival God's authority.
Satan's role involves deceiving and harming, as he seeks to lead people away from God’s truth.
Believers can overcome Satan’s schemes through the Holy Spirit and God's Word, with the assurance that Satan's defeat is certain.

reflect

How have you seen Satan’s deceptive influence in your own life, and how can you guard your heart against it?
In what areas are you relying on your own strength instead of God’s power to resist the schemes of Satan?
How does knowing that Satan’s authority is limited and temporary encourage you in your daily walk with God?

engage

How can understanding Satan’s schemes and his limited authority help us engage with those who hold different beliefs about the nature of evil and suffering?
How can we support and encourage others who are struggling with the effects of Satan's deception in their lives?
How can believers use the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to combat societal influences that reflect Satan’s deceptive schemes?