Is Satan really “under my feet?”

Bible Question:

Is Satan really “under my feet” as sung in one of the songs and do you have a scripture reference to this?

Bible Answer:

The passage you are looking for is,

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (NASB) Romans 16:20

Paul has been talking about people who are causing “dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching” in the church (v. 17). These men are trouble makers. Paul praises the church because the “report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you.” Then Paul adds the verse above (v. 20). Paul has been attempting to encourage the Roman Christians by letting them know that God is going to end this problem by crushing Satan.

Unknown

What is not clear is when God would do this. Paul does tell us. When scripture does not say, it is best that we do not jump to conclusions – we would only be guessing and we could be wrong. Paul could be implying that God will stop these people immediately or he could be referring to God’s future judgment of Satan at the end of the age. We know that someday Satan will be defeated and it appears this is the best way to understand the verse since someday we will judge fallen angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).

Under your feet?

This verse is not teaching us that we have power over Satan. Notice that Paul says “God . . . will soon crush Satan.” This is not a power or a capability for a Christian.

Conclusion:

The song is right, Satan is under our feet. but it is God who will put Him there someday. He will no longer trouble us. And someday God will allow us to judge the fallen angels after God has defeated Satan and “put him under our feet.” Satan is another angel (2 Cor. 11:14). What an event that will be, the adversary (1 Peter 5:8) of the saints is judged by the saints.