Steal, Kill and Destroy - Part 2
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | May 28, 2024 | John 10:7-21
KEY VERSE:
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. John 10:10a (NKJV)
MESSAGE:
What Does the Devil Come to Steal?
The devil’s mission to steal, as described in John 10:10, encompasses various aspects of our lives, aiming to rob us of the blessings and promises God has given us. Primarily, the devil seeks to steal our joy. Joy is a profound, enduring sense of well-being that stems from our relationship with God, regardless of external circumstances. When our joy is rooted in Christ, it becomes a powerful testimony of our faith. The devil knows that a joyless Christian is vulnerable and more susceptible to discouragement, doubt, and despair. By sowing seeds of discontent, fear, and worry, the enemy attempts to erode this deep-seated joy, leaving us spiritually weakened and ineffective.
Another target of the devil's theft is our peace. Jesus offers a peace that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Him (Philippians 4:7). This peace is not dependent on worldly conditions but is a divine assurance that God is in control. The devil seeks to disrupt this peace through chaos, conflict, and confusion. By causing turmoil in our relationships, circumstances, and even within our minds, the enemy strives to replace peace with anxiety and unrest. In such states, we are less likely to hear God's voice (the voice of The Good Shepherd) clearly and more prone to making decisions that lead us away from His will.
Lastly, the devil aims to steal our identity in Christ. Understanding who we are in Jesus is foundational to living a victorious Christian life. We are beloved children of God, heirs to His promises, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil His purposes. The devil, however, tries to distort this truth by filling our minds with lies about our worth, capabilities, and standing before God. By attacking our identity, the enemy hopes to make us forget our God-given potential and purpose, rendering us ineffective in our spiritual journey. Recognising and resisting these attempts helps us stand firm in our true identity, fully embracing the abundant life Jesus offers.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
To recognise the devil's tactics, guard your hearts and minds against the devil’s schemes. Through prayer, scripture, and the support of our faith community. Maintain your joy, peace, and identity, by living out the fullness of life that Jesus came to give.
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, I put my faith in you. I am secure in your warm embrace. My Joy is kept intact and my Peace remains assured. Thank you for the identity I have in Christ Jesus. For your dear name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: STEAL
The Greek word for "steal" is "κλέπτω" (kleptō), meaning to take something unlawfully, to rob, or to embezzle. It conveys the idea of taking away what rightfully belongs to someone else. In John 10:10, "steal" symbolizes the actions of false teachers and evil influences that seek to take away spiritual well-being and truth from believers. Jesus contrasts this with His mission to provide abundant life, emphasizing the protective and life-giving nature of His ministry. This highlights the ongoing spiritual battle and the necessity of remaining vigilant and rooted in Christ. Reflections:
Are there areas in your life vulnerable to spiritual theft? How can you safeguard them by deepening your connection with Jesus?
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