#24 - Denizens of Darkness Part 8: Satan in Paul's Letters, pt 2

Episode #24 of Entangled Kingdoms is now available!

In this episode, we continue looking at Satan in the writings of Paul, this time focusing on spiritual warfare and what it actually means for ordinary Christian life.

We look at:

• The “schemes of the devil” in Ephesians 6

• The armor of God and Paul’s call to stand firm

• How unresolved anger, bitterness, and division can give the devil a foothold

• Paul’s thorn in the flesh and the mystery of Satan’s hostility alongside God’s sustaining grace

• Why spiritual warfare is ultimately less about fear and speculation and more about remaining faithful to Christ

One thing that continues to stand out to me in Paul’s writings is how seriously he takes the Enemy without ever losing sight of Christ’s authority. Satan’s schemes are real, but they do not have the final word. God has given His people what we need to stand: His truth, His gospel, His Spirit, His Word, and His sufficient grace.

I hope this episode helps bring some clarity to a subject that can easily become sensationalized. Spiritual warfare is real, but Paul does not call us to panic or become fascinated with darkness. He calls us to know the Enemy’s schemes, put on the armor of God, and remain faithful to Christ.

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Join the Conversation

Give it a listen and let me know what stood out to you. I’d especially love to hear your thoughts or questions about the armor of God, the devil’s footholds, or Paul’s thorn in the flesh.

Resources

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Articles:

• Suffering and the Reality of Spiritual Warfare — Seedbed

• What Does It Mean to Give No Place to the Devil? — GotQuestions

• What Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh? — GotQuestions

• How Is God’s Strength Made Perfect in Weakness? — GotQuestions

• Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:2–10 — Working Preacher

Videos:

• The Armor of God — BibleProject Classroom

• Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians — Interview with Dr. Clinton E. Arnold

• Quick Thought: Armor of God — Tim Mackie / BibleProject Clip

• A Thorn in the Flesh — 2 Corinthians 12 — Gary Hamrick

Podcasts:

• Spiritual Warfare — BibleProject Podcast

• Spiritual Warfare and the Powers of Darkness — Sean McDowell / Think Biblically

• Evil and Satan — The Naked Bible Podcast

Books:

• Powers of Darkness: Principalities & Powers in Paul’s Letters by Dr. Clinton E. Arnold

• Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians by Dr. Clinton E. Arnold

• Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness by Dr. Michael S. Heiser

• The Satan: How God’s Executioner Became the Enemy by Dr. Ryan E. Stokes

• Satan and the Problem of Evil: From the Bible to the Early Church Fathers by Dr. Archie T. Wright

• Paul and the Power of Grace by Dr. John M. G. Barclay

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Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue exploring Satan in Paul’s writings by considering his work inside the church through false apostles, distorted teaching, division, and the severe mercy of church discipline.