EP. 258 You’re Not Called to Fight Satan — Here’s What Scripture Actually Says

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In Episode 258 of the Hope Rescue Podcast, we continue our series on spiritual warfare with the goal of increasing biblical literacy and theological clarity. Rather than speculating about demonic activity or engaging in sensationalism, this episode calls believers back to the clear teaching of God’s Word—especially the apostle Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 6—to understand the nature of the battle and our proper response as Christians.

Our anchor text for this series is Ephesians 6:12:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

This verse immediately reframes how believers are to understand opposition and suffering. Paul makes it clear that our ultimate struggle is not with people. While human relationships, governments, institutions, and cultures may be instruments in conflict, they are not the true enemy. Behind the visible realm exists an invisible, organized, and hostile spiritual kingdom that stands in opposition to God and His purposes.

Tim emphasized an important theological distinction in this episode: Satan is not omniscient. He is not all-knowing, all-present, or all-powerful. Those attributes belong to God alone. Satan is a created being who operates within limits established by divine sovereignty (Job 1–2). Scripture teaches that Satan works through a hierarchy of fallen angels—what Paul refers to as rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers. These are real, personal, intelligent beings who actively oppose the gospel and seek to hinder the work of God.

Paul does not begin his discussion of spiritual warfare by instructing believers to confront demons or identify spiritual strongholds. Instead, he begins with a command that sets the tone for everything that follows:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

This is a crucial theological foundation. The Christian life—including spiritual warfare—is not lived out in human strength. Believers do not generate spiritual power from within themselves. Our strength is derivative. It flows from union with Christ and dependence upon Him.

Spiritual warfare is not about reclaiming territory from Satan or engaging him directly. It is about standing firm in the victory Christ has already won. Satan is a defeated enemy, even though he remains active for a time. Paul’s instruction, therefore, is not to attack but to stand.

Paul continues in Ephesians 6:11:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Kimberly highlighted a point that is often overlooked: the armor of God is defensive in nature. The repeated emphasis throughout this passage is not advancing, conquering, or engaging Satan in combat, but standing firm. The goal is spiritual stability, faithfulness, and perseverance.

This corrects a significant error found in many popular teachings on spiritual warfare. Scripture never instructs believers to go looking for Satan, rebuke demons, or wage spiritual battles through specialized prayers or rituals. Instead, believers are called to clothe themselves in divine provision—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—and to remain steadfast.

James reinforces this posture in James 4:6–7:

“But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Tim explained that pride is not a minor character flaw—it is spiritual opposition. To be proud is to place oneself in functional rebellion against God’s authority. James uses strong language: God opposes the proud. The term literally means that God sets Himself in battle formation against them. This is a sobering reality. Pride not only weakens our fellowship with God; it places us in direct conflict with Him. Yet the promise is equally powerful: God gives more grace to the humble. Only after submission comes resistance. We do not resist the devil by shouting at him or naming him. We resist him by submitting to God—by clinging to truth, rejecting sin, and walking in obedience. When believers stand firm in humility and faith, the devil flees, not because of our power, but because of God’s.

Join us next week as we continue our study and begin breaking down the individual pieces of the armor of God. Thank you for listening to the Hope Rescue Podcast!