Episode Overview

Title: The Prince of Darkness Grim
Podcast: Ultimately with R.C. Sproul
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Date: October 15, 2025

In this episode, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the biblical perspective on Satan: his character, tactics, limits, and how Christians should respond to his activity. Drawing on rich scriptural imagery and theological reflection, Sproul clarifies misconceptions about Satan’s power and reassures listeners of God’s sovereign authority.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Satan as the Deceptive Adversary

• Primary Biblical Images:

  • Angel of Light: Satan disguises himself to appear benign or even good, misleading people with a veneer of righteousness.
    • “Satan manifests himself as an angel of light. He is the prince of darkness in reality. But he has this ability of metamorphosis, this ability of disguise, of traveling incognito and disguising himself as an angel of light.” (00:14)
  • Roaring Lion: He’s also depicted as a lion in search of prey, embodying strength and danger.
    • “Satan goes about as a roaring lion. Seeking to devour those whom he will.” (00:01)

• Method of Temptation:

  • Satan rarely presents evil openly but cloaks his intentions in apparent goodness.
    • “He doesn't pop up like he would to Dr. Faustus and say, let me have your soul. I'm Satan. I'm the bad guy. No, he's much too crafty for that. He will come to us under the cloaks of goodness.” (00:25)

2. The Limits of Satan’s Power

• Not Omnipotent, Not Divine:

  • Despite intimidation and cunning, Satan is “still a creature.”
    • “Satan, however powerful, however sly, however crafty he may be, he is still a creature.” (00:06)
  • His power is significant, yet never equal to God’s:
    • “He is potent, but he is not omnipotent. Only God is omnipotent. He is smart, but he is not omniscient.” (02:18)
    • “He is not omnipresent. He can't be more than one place at the same time. I doubt if he's ever showed up in my life. He's too busy going after the big game...he'll send one of his junior grade demons to do the job with me.” (02:44)

• Contrast With God:

  • Sproul emphasizes that Christianity is not dualistic—there are not two equal and opposite forces.
    • “We don't believe that there are two equal and opposite powers at work. Fighting to a Mexican standoff...A good God and a bad God. No, Satan, however powerful...is still a creature. And as a creature his power is limited.” (02:01)

3. The Christian’s Response & Comfort

• Call to Resistance:

  • Although Satan is dangerous, believers are not powerless:
    • “Resist Satan and he will flee from you.” (01:25)
    • “I have this mixed image of Satan in my head...the danger of this voracious lion…And then I see this lion turning and running...yelping with its tail between its legs like a smitten dog.” (01:35)

• Assurance in Christ:

  • Comfort from the promise that God’s power is far greater:
    • “Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” (01:49)
  • Sproul’s personal conviction:
    • “One of the things that I rejoice about in the Christian faith is that we aren't dualists...They're no match for God. They're no match for the Holy Spirit. And that's the good news.” (02:06, 03:08)
  • Warning of Self-Reliance:
    • Left to our own power, we are inadequate.
    • “Left to ourselves. We're no match at all for any of them.” (03:15)

4. Illustrative Example: Peter’s Temptation

• Jesus and Peter:
  • Reference to Jesus predicting Peter’s denial highlights our dependence on Christ’s intercession:
    • “Simon, Simon, Satan would have you and sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, see, I’ve put a hedge around you, Simon. I've put my name on you. I’ve put my mark on you. Don't think that you're going to stand against Satan by yourself.” (03:23)
  • Memorable Analogy:
    • “You’re duck soup for Satan. He sifts you like wheat. You're nothing. You're putty in his hands. But I have prayed for you.” (03:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He is the prince of darkness in reality. But he has this ability of metamorphosis, this ability of disguise, of traveling incognito and disguising himself as an angel of light.” — R.C. Sproul (00:14)
• “Resist Satan and he will flee from you.” — R.C. Sproul (01:25)
• “They're no match for God. They're no match for the Holy Spirit. And that's the good news. The bad news is left to ourselves. We're no match at all for any of them.” — R.C. Sproul (03:08)
• “You’re duck soup for Satan. He sifts you like wheat. You're nothing. You're putty in his hands. But I have prayed for you.” — R.C. Sproul, recounting Jesus’ words to Peter (03:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–00:37: Satan as “angel of light” and “roaring lion”; tactics of disguise
• 01:25–01:49: Paradox of Satan’s danger and the Christian’s defense (“Resist Satan and he will flee”; comfort in Christ)
• 02:01–02:44: Satan is a creature, not the equal opposite of God; his limitations
• 03:23–03:44: Jesus praying for Peter; the necessity of Christ’s protection

Summary

R.C. Sproul articulates a clear, biblically grounded view of Satan—powerful but always subordinate to God. Christians need neither to minimize nor overestimate the devil’s power, but must recognize their own weakness and the absolute necessity of Christ's protection and intercession. The episode both warns and reassures: we are not alone in the struggle, and the Lord who dwells within us is greater than any adversary in the world.