“Not Today, Satan”: Who first said it?

“Not Today, Satan!”: A Christian’s Guide to Understanding the Phrase and Standing Strong in Faith

That Popular Phrase, “Not Today, Satan!” – What’s It All About?

You’ve probably heard it, maybe you’ve even seen it on a t-shirt or a coffee mug, or scrolled past it on social media: “Not Today, Satan!” It’s a catchy phrase, isn’t it? And you know what? There’s something powerful we can learn from it. We’re going to take a good look at where this saying came from, what people mean when they use it, and how it can actually fit into your victorious life as a believer. Our goal here is to lift you up and show you how understanding this phrase can help you stand strong in your faith. We’ll uncover its surprising start, see how Christians are using it today, and most importantly, discover how the powerful truth behind it can help you live in the victory God has for you. See, God wants you to live a life free from defeat, a life of joy and purpose. Understanding how to resist negativity and temptation is a big part of that amazing journey He has planned for you.

Where Did “Not Today, Satan!” Actually Come From?

Isn’t it interesting how some phrases just catch on and become popular? Well, this one has a very specific starting point, and it might surprise you! You see, “Not Today, Satan!” didn’t first come from a church service or a Christian book.

This phrase actually became well-known thanks to Bianca Del Rio, who is the comedy stage name for Roy Haylock. This happened back in 2014, during the sixth season of a TV show called RuPaul’s Drag Race.¹ Bianca Del Rio is said to have used it in the final episode, which she actually went on to win! 1 Many sources agree on this, and some even say that Bianca Del Rio said it when asked about her fashion choices on the show. Later on, she even named one of her comedy tours after this very phrase.³ It became so common that its definition was added to the Urban Dictionary in 2015.¹

Knowing where it started is important because it gives us the full picture: the phrase came from a secular, entertainment world. But that doesn’t automatically mean it can’t be used in a positive way by people of faith. It just shows us how words and sayings can travel from one part of our culture to another. Bianca Del Rio used it as a kind of sassy, defiant comeback – a way of saying, “I’m not going to let this bother me or bring me down!” And from there, it just took off, becoming popular in everyday conversations and all over social media.⁴

The journey of “Not Today, Satan!” from a pop culture catchphrase to something some Christians say is really interesting. It shows how believers sometimes take things from the world around them and give them a new, faith-filled meaning. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened! Christians are often looking for fresh ways to talk about timeless spiritual truths. It’s like a conversation between faith and culture. Culture creates something, and if the feeling behind it lines up with a biblical idea (like standing against evil), it might get “Christianized” or filled with a faith-based meaning.

What’s more, how quickly this phrase spread really shows the power of television and social media in shaping how we talk and what becomes popular. It started on a TV show and then went viral online, even ending up on t-shirts and mugs! 4 This shows how fast media can make new terms a part of our everyday language. For us as Christians, this is something to think about. It means we need to be discerning about what we adopt from culture it also shows us how messages can spread and how we can share our faith in a world that’s so connected by media.

Beyond the Catchphrase: What Does “Not Today, Satan!” Generally Mean?

So, we know where the phrase started what do people usually mean when they say “Not Today, Satan!” in their everyday lives? Well, it’s more than just a funny line. Generally, it’s something people say when they’ve overcome a big challenge or when they’ve resisted an urge or an action they wanted to avoid.²

One source puts it this way: “‘Not today, Satan!’ is ‘something people say when they overcome something particularly challenging. If…source(https://catherinechengmd.com/2022/11/10/not-today-satan/) thought or idea’”.² This general meaning is really important because it shows the feeling behind the phrase: it’s about defiance, determination, and overcoming. It’s about saying, “No, I’m not going to let this obstacle, this frustration, or even these unhelpful thoughts win today!”

Think about it like this:

• Someone trying to eat healthy might say “Not today, Satan!” when they’re offered a tempting dessert. They’re saying, “I’m resisting that temptation!”
• A person who just finished a really tough project at work might exclaim “Not today, Satan!” as a way of saying, “I conquered that challenge!”
• Someone who wakes up feeling down but chooses to focus on being thankful might use the phrase to mean, “I’m not letting negativity take over!”

Basically, it’s a casual way of saying, “I’m choosing to be strong right and I’m not going to let this thing get the best of me.”

In its everyday use, the phrase connects with that universal desire we all have to feel in control and to rise above difficulties. It’s like a shortcut for saying, “I’m resilient!” That act of saying “no” to something hard or tempting is a way of showing your personal strength and will. In a world that’s full of daily stresses and challenges, a phrase like this gives people a quick, easy way to express that feeling of empowerment. It shows that people are looking for simple ways to voice their inner resolve.

Even when it’s used in a non-religious way, calling on “Satan,” even if it’s lighthearted, taps into a deep cultural understanding of Satan as the ultimate symbol of opposition, negativity, or anything that tries to throw us off track. While it might not be used with deep theological meaning in casual chat, “Satan” still brings to mind a powerful, negative force. So, by saying “Not today, Satan,” people are kind of personifying their struggles as a tough opponent they’re choosing to face. This tells us that even outside of a faith context, people recognize that there are forces—whether inside them or around them—that work against their goals or their well-being. And the figure of “Satan” becomes a handy and widely understood symbol for these challenging things.

How Are Christians Using “Not Today, Satan!” and What Does It Mean for Our Faith?

Alright, this is where it gets really good for us as believers! We’ve talked about where the phrase came from and what it generally means. Let’s look at how Christians are taking this phrase and using it in ways that connect with their faith in God. You see, many Christians have found that “Not Today, Satan!” can be a strong, short way to declare their decision to stand against the enemy’s tricks and temptations in their lives.

For Christians, this phrase acts as “a reminder that the battle for this world has already been won but that doesn’t mean we won’t struggle with shame, temptations, and discouragement. Satan loves to introduce challenges to target our faith”.⁶ This means that when believers use it, they’re often tapping into a deeper spiritual truth. And that’s a big deal; it’s more than just resisting everyday annoyances. For a Christian, it can be about resisting:

• Temptation: “Not today, Satan, I will not give in to that sin!”
• Discouragement: “Not today, Satan, I will not let you steal my joy or make me doubt God’s goodness!”
• Fear: “Not today, Satan, I will not let you paralyze me with anxiety because God is with me!”
• Shame or Lies: “Not today, Satan, I will not believe your lies about who I am because I am a child of God!”

There’s even a book called “Not Today Satan: A book about the adversary that will hopefully bring you closer to Jesus” that’s designed to help people “discover sneaky ways the adversary attacks you and how you can fight back while staying in the light and safety of God’s team”.⁷ This shows a clear Christian desire to use the feeling behind the phrase as a tool for spiritual growth and defense. What’s more, for some Christians, saying this phrase can mean they recognize they’re in a spiritual battle, even if they hadn’t thought of it that way before.⁸ If you look on social media, you’ll also see Christians using the phrase when they talk about scripture and resisting temptation.⁹

So, when a Christian declares “Not Today, Satan!”, it can be a faith-filled statement that affirms who they are in Christ, the authority God has given them, and their choice to walk in God’s truth and victory in that moment. This is like taking language and using it for a spiritual purpose. Believers take a secular phrase, fill it with biblical meaning, and turn it into a personal declaration of their spiritual intention. This helps us talk about our faith in ways that feel current, making big spiritual ideas like resisting the devil feel more real and immediate.

The fact that some Christians are using this phrase also suggests a desire for a more active and vocal way to engage with their faith, rather than being passive. Saying “Not Today, Satan!” is an active, declarative statement. It means you’re making a conscious choice to engage with and resist negative spiritual influences.⁶ This reflects a growing awareness or desire in some parts of the Christian community to actively take part in their spiritual defense and to verbally state their stand against evil. This lines up perfectly with teachings like “resist the devil” found in James 4:7. For some, saying “Not Today, Satan!” can even be like a very short prayer, an affirmation of their faith, or drawing a spiritual “line in the sand.” This is similar to how short affirmations or “arrow prayers” have been used throughout Christian history to help people refocus their minds and spirits on God in moments of spiritual need.

Is It Okay for Believers to Say “Not Today, Satan!”?

This is a really good question, and it’s something many sincere believers think about. When a phrase becomes popular, especially one that didn’t start in the it’s wise to stop and think if it’s appropriate for us as Christians to use. But here’s the encouraging part: God looks at your heart. What matters most is your intention and whether your words and actions are bringing honor to Him.

One way to look at it is that this is a “gray area”.¹â° Even though the phrase didn’t start in Christian circles, it has been “Christianized” because the feeling behind it lines up with the biblical idea of rebuking or resisting Satan.¹â° But it’s also good to be careful not to “cheapen God’s Word or Christ’s sacrifice by over-relying on popular phrases instead of deeply understanding the covenant and salvation offered through Christ”.¹â° This balanced view tells us that the phrase can be okay we need to think about it carefully.

On one hand, if saying “Not Today, Satan!” helps you to consciously resist temptation, to remind yourself of God’s amazing power, and to choose faith over fear, then it can be a really positive thing. It’s like your own personal declaration of spiritual resolve. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be right to use it carelessly, like a joke when serious spiritual things are happening, or as a replacement for the real spiritual tools God has given us, like prayer and His Word. The phrase itself doesn’t have any magic power; the power comes from God!

You can see the phrase “Not Today, Satan!” as a symbolic gesture, a way to declare that you’re on God’s side in a moment of struggle. But remember, true victory comes from standing on the truth of God’s Word and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. So, if your heart’s desire is to honor God and resist evil, using the phrase as a declaration of that intent can be perfectly fine. The important thing, though, is to make sure it’s backed up by genuine faith and reliance on God, rather than just being a trendy slogan.

This whole discussion touches on a bigger Christian idea: our liberty in Christ and the need for personal discernment, guided by a desire to honor God. Since the Bible doesn’t specifically say “yes” or “no” to this exact phrase, whether it’s appropriate or not is something where believers need to use wisdom and think about their own convictions. The key thing becomes the intention behind using the phrase and the effect it has on your faith and the faith of others. This means that as we grow in faith, we learn to apply biblical principles to new things in our culture, rather than just looking for a simple “yes” or “no” for everything.

There’s a bit of a tension here. On one side, the phrase can be a genuine expression of spiritual defiance. On the other side, there’s a risk that it could become a superficial or trivial saying if it’s not connected to true spiritual understanding and reliance on God. Because it’s catchy and came from pop culture, it could be overused or used in contexts that aren’t serious, which might lessen its spiritual weight for some.¹ This shows why it’s important for believers to make sure that when they use expressions like this, it’s backed by real faith. Otherwise, it could become an empty ritual or a substitute for deeper spiritual engagement. While phrases can be helpful personal declarations, remember, the Word of God is always the ultimate and most effective weapon against the enemy.¹â° Phrases like these are, at best, extra tools that should point us back to, or be empowered by, the foundational truths and power we find in the Bible.

What Wisdom Did the Early Church Fathers Offer on Dealing with Satan and Temptation?

Isn’t it encouraging to know that we’re not the first ones to think about these spiritual realities? For centuries, wise men and women of God have studied the Scriptures and shared their insights on how to face Satan and his temptations. The early Church Fathers, who were leaders in the centuries right after the apostles, offered some incredible wisdom on this very subject.

St. John Chrysostom, a famous preacher from the 4th century, talked a lot about Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and the lessons we can learn from it. He taught that we should expect temptations after we’re baptized, saying, “Yea, for therefore you took up arms, not to be idle to fight”.¹⁸ According to Chrysostom, God allows temptations to show us our increased strength and to help us stay humble.¹⁸

Here’s some of the powerful wisdom from St. John Chrysostom and other early Christian teachings:

• Expect Temptation After Spiritual Highs: Chrysostom noticed that Jesus was tempted after His baptism and after the Spirit came down.¹⁸ He taught that the devil often attacks when he sees believers “brought to greater honor”.¹⁸ So, if you face challenges after a big spiritual experience, don’t be surprised; it can actually mean that the enemy sees God at work in your life!
• Satan Exploits Weakness and Isolation: Chrysostom pointed out that Satan tends to attack when people are alone or feeling vulnerable. He even drew a parallel to how Satan tempted Eve when she was by herself.¹⁸ This really highlights how important fellowship is and why we need to stay connected with other believers. Satan also attacks during times of physical need, like when Jesus was hungry.¹⁸
• Fasting is a Powerful Shield: Chrysostom emphasized that fasting is “a most powerful shield against the devil”.¹⁸ Jesus fasted before His temptation, not because He needed to for Himself to teach us how valuable it is. Fasting helps us discipline our physical desires and sharpen our spiritual focus.
• Use Scripture, Following Jesus’ Example: The Church Fathers always pointed to Jesus’ use of Scripture as the model for us.¹⁷ We should counter Satan’s lies with God’s truth.
• Do Not Deliberately Seek Temptation: Chrysostom highlighted that Jesus was “led up” by the Spirit to be tempted; He didn’t go looking for it. We should pray “lead us not into temptation” and avoid putting ourselves in situations that we know could be compromising.¹⁸
• Resist and Refuse Obedience to the Devil: Even if the devil’s suggestions seem to make sense or even sound beneficial, Chrysostom taught that we should not listen to him.¹⁸ Our obedience belongs to God alone.
• Victory Comes Through Forbearance: Chrysostom taught that Jesus overcame “not by miracles but by forbearance and long-suffering”.¹⁸ This tells us that patience and endurance are key virtues when we’re resisting temptation.

These ancient teachers remind us that the spiritual battle is real God has given us timeless principles to stand firm and overcome. Their wisdom, echoing down through the centuries, offers us encouragement today. The teachings of Church Fathers like Chrysostom show a remarkable consistency with biblical principles of spiritual warfare. This affirms that the core nature of temptation and the ways to resist it have been understood in a similar way throughout much of Christian history. This consistency shows that these are not new ideas but foundational truths.

The Fathers also had a sharp understanding of human psychology when it comes to temptation. Chrysostom’s observation about Satan attacking when people are alone or hungry shows an awareness of how our psychological and physical states can lower our resistance.¹⁸ This practical wisdom is still relevant today for understanding our own vulnerabilities. Chrysostom suggested that God allows temptation not to harm us to “teach you that you have become much stronger” and to keep us modest.¹⁸ This reframes temptation from being just a negative event to something that can have a teaching purpose in God’s plan, helping us grow spiritually and rely on Him more.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare: How Does “Not Today, Satan!” Relate?

The term “spiritual warfare” might bring some intense pictures to mind, and while it’s a very real and major thing, God has fully equipped you for it! Thinking about the phrase “Not Today, Satan!” naturally leads us to this topic. Simply put, spiritual warfare is the Christian understanding that we, as believers, are in a battle. But it’s not against other people; it’s against spiritual forces of evil that oppose God and His wonderful purposes.

The Bible tells us this very clearly in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.¹¹ This verse is so important for understanding spiritual warfare—it helps us recognize who our true adversary is. Spiritual warfare is defined as “the Christian concept of fighting against the work of preternatural evil forces,” and some of the practices associated with it include prayer, exorcism, the laying on of hands, and fasting.¹⁵ This battle happens on an “invisible battlefield,” and the enemy operates according to “schemes”—which are like battle plans—with deception being one of his main tactics.¹⁶

So, how does “Not Today, Satan!” fit into all of this?

• Well, it can be your personal declaration that acknowledges this spiritual battle and affirms your choice to stand on God’s side.
• It’s like saying, “I see your scheme, devil—your attempt to lie, to discourage, or to tempt me—and I am not falling for it today! I am standing firm in God’s truth!”

Spiritual warfare isn’t about looking for demonic influence under every rock. It’s about:

• Knowing your identity in Christ: you are a child of God, forgiven, and empowered by the Holy Spirit! 19
• Using the weapons God has given you: The armor of God, prayer, and His Word are your spiritual resources.¹¹
• Standing firm in faith: Believing God’s promises even when times are tough is absolutely essential.¹⁹
• Living in obedience to God: This is your greatest protection.¹¹

Saying “Not Today, Satan!” can be one small way you engage in this spiritual warfare by verbally affirming your resistance to the enemy’s influence in a particular moment. But remember, true power comes from your relationship with God and actively using His spiritual resources.

A strong theme in the Bible is that spiritual warfare is fundamentally about recognizing and fighting Satan’s lies with God’s truth, rather than just focusing on dramatic “power encounters”.¹⁶ The armor of God includes the “belt of truth” and the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God”—both of which are all about truth. Jesus defeated Satan by speaking truth to counter his lies.¹² So, “Not Today, Satan!” can become your declaration of choosing truth over a lie you perceive in that moment.

While your personal resistance is vital, spiritual warfare also has a corporate side—the Church standing together. Ephesians 6, while it details personal armor, was written to the church. When the the body of Christ, stands united against evil, fully equipped, it presents a powerful front.¹¹ Your individual declarations are strengthened when they’re part of this collective spiritual battle.

Some Christian viewpoints hold that Satan has a major influence over world systems and power structures.¹⁵ This broadens the idea of spiritual warfare beyond just personal temptations to include resisting evil that’s embedded in societal structures and ideologies. Therefore, saying “Not Today, Satan!” could, in a wider sense, also reflect your resolve as a Christian to resist ungodly cultural trends or systemic injustices that you see as being influenced by these “world forces of this darkness”.¹⁶

More Than a Slogan: How Can We Live in God’s Victory Every Single Day?

Declaring “Not Today, Satan!” can be a really valuable thing to say in the moment God offers you something even greater: the ability to live in a state of victory every single day. This isn’t just about fighting off attacks; it’s about walking in the fullness of who you are in Christ and enjoying the abundant life He came to give you. This is about a lifestyle of victory, not just winning a battle here and there.

The foundation of your daily victory is knowing who you are in Christ and what He has already done for you. Standing firm in your identity in Christ and putting on Christ’s righteousness are primary ways you overcome Satan.¹⁹ It means believing that “when God looks at us, he sees Jesus’ perfect record in our place”.¹⁹ You need to remember that “the battle for this world has already been won”.⁶ You are fighting from a place of victory, not for victory, all because of what Jesus did on the cross.

How can this become your daily reality?

• Live in Your True Identity: You are a child of God, deeply loved, forgiven, empowered, and righteous in His sight because of Jesus.²² When you truly believe this and live it out, Satan’s lies lose their power over you.
• Dwell on God’s Promises, Not Your Problems: The Bible is filled with God’s amazing promises. Focusing your mind on what God says is true, rather than on your fears or challenges, is so important. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.
• Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” When you yield to the Holy Spirit, listen to His guidance, and draw on His strength, you will naturally overcome the pull of sin and the enemy’s temptations.
• Practice Gratitude: A grateful heart is a powerful defense against discouragement and negativity. Focusing on your blessings lifts your perspective and reaffirms God’s goodness in your life.
• Stay Connected to the Vine: Jesus said in John 15, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Daily victory flows from a daily, vibrant connection with Jesus through prayer, His Word, and worship.
• Remember God’s Faithfulness: Recalling how God has helped you in the past and how faithful He has been gives you assurance for the future.¹⁹

Living in God’s victory every day isn’t about being perfect. It’s about consistently choosing to trust God, rely on His strength, and walk in the truth of who He is and who you are in Him. It’s a journey, and He is with you every single step of the way.

Victorious living is a state of being, not just an event. It shifts your focus from isolated acts of resistance to cultivating an ongoing state of spiritual well-being that’s rooted in your relationship with Christ.¹⁹ Understanding that the ultimate spiritual battle has already been won by Christ is so crucial.⁶ It changes your posture from one of desperate striving to one of confident enforcement of a victory that’s already established. Daily victory is lived out by faith in Christ’s finished work. This isn’t achieved through just one single practice but through the combined effect of multiple spiritual disciplines (like the Word, prayer, fellowship, Spirit-led living, gratitude, and remembering God’s faithfulness), which are all interconnected and strengthen each other.

Conclusion: You Are an Overcomer! Stepping Forward in Faith and Freedom

from a catchy phrase that became popular in secular culture to the deep and powerful truths of God’s Word, it’s clear that the heart behind “Not Today, Satan!” can be a powerful declaration of your choice to live for God. But more than any phrase, the core truth is this: you are an overcomer through Jesus Christ! He has already secured the ultimate victory. The very same power that raised Christ from the dead now lives in you if you believe.

So, you can step forward each day with confidence, not in your own strength in His mighty power. When temptations come, when discouragement tries to creep in, when the enemy whispers lies, you can stand firm and declare that your God is greater. You don’t have to live in fear or a life of defeat. God has incredible plans for you. By embracing His truth, walking in His Spirit, and living out the victorious life He has called you to, you can face any obstacle, any fear, or any temptation with the blessed assurance that God is with you and the victory is already yours!