Steal, Kill and Destroy - Part 4
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | May 30, 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 Destroy?
Jesus explicitly states that the devil comes to destroy, revealing the enemy's ultimate aim to ruin every good thing that God has intended for us. One of the key areas the devil seeks to destroy is our purpose. God has created each of us with a unique purpose and plan, filled with good works that He has prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). The devil attempts to destroy this divine purpose by causing confusion, doubt, and distraction. When we lose sight of our God-given mission, we may become aimless, wasting our potential and failing to fulfil the roles we are meant to play in God's kingdom. By undermining our sense of purpose, the enemy hinders the impact we could have in advancing God's work on earth.
The devil also aims to destroy our witness. As followers of Christ, we are called to be light in a dark world, sharing the Gospel and demonstrating the love of Jesus through our lives (Matthew 5:14-16). The enemy seeks to tarnish our testimony by tempting us into actions and behaviours that contradict our faith. Through moral failures, hypocrisy, and compromising situations, the devil attempts to destroy our credibility and effectiveness as witnesses for Christ. When our witness is damaged, it not only affects our spiritual journey but also hinders others from seeing the truth and beauty of the Gospel through us.
Lastly, the devil seeks to destroy our unity. Jesus prayed fervently for the unity of His followers, knowing that our oneness would be a powerful testament to the world of God's love and truth (John 17:20-23). The enemy, however, works tirelessly to sow division within the body of Christ. Through misunderstandings, pride, doctrinal disputes, and personal grievances, the devil strives to create discord and disunity among believers. When unity is destroyed, the church's ability to function effectively and witness to the world is severely impaired. A divided church cannot stand strong against the forces of darkness or effectively spread the message of hope and salvation.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Safeguard your purpose by staying closely connected to God through prayer and scripture, continually seeking His guidance and direction. Protect your witness by living with integrity and humility. Regularly confess your sins and strive to align your lives with Christ's teachings.
Foster a spirit of forgiveness, love, and cooperation with other believers, focusing on your common mission rather than your differences. Be vigilant and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Thank you, heavenly Father, that my faith in you is grounded on the sure Word. I ask that you help me find my purpose and live to fulfil it. The devil will not destroy my purpose and my witness. The devil will not destroy the unity I have with my brethren. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: DESTROY The Greek word for "destroy" in this verse is "ἀπολέσῃ" (apolesei), derived from "ἀπόλλυμι" (apollymi), which means to ruin, destroy, or perish. This term implies utter destruction, going beyond mere killing to complete obliteration. It indicates the thief's ultimate goal: to cause irreversible damage to one's spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being. In John 10:10, "destroy" highlights the comprehensive and devastating impact of the thief's actions. False teachers and the devil aim not just to harm but to utterly ruin lives, leading to spiritual death and separation from God. Jesus, in contrast, offers a life of abundance, fullness, and eternal security. This passage underscores the contrast between the destructive goals of evil and the life-giving mission of Christ. Reflections:
How do you guard yourself against the destructive influences in your life? Reflect on ways you can seek and embrace the abundant life Jesus offers, ensuring that you are not led astray by forces that aim to destroy.
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