Go! And Live Life To The Full — The Abundant Life In Christ Series

Go! And Live Life to the Full — The Abundant Life in Christ

John 10:10 (NLT): “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Introduction: Life to the Full

There’s a story told of a man who spent his whole life collecting expensive paintings. His walls were filled with priceless art — Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso. Yet, despite the beauty surrounding him, his heart was empty. One night, a fire broke out in his mansion. As he tried to save his paintings, he lost his life. The next morning, all that remained were ashes — and the tragic realisation that though he owned much, he had never truly lived.

My friends, Jesus came not merely to give us existence — but life in all its fullness.

Yet so many today are existing, not living. They chase money, pleasure, power, and success — but remain spiritually bankrupt. Jesus’ words in John 10:10 confront us with a choice: Will we follow the thief who steals life, or the Saviour who gives it?

1. The Thief’s Purpose: To Steal, Kill, and Destroy

Jesus contrasts His mission with that of “the thief.” In context, this thief is not merely Satan, but also false shepherds — spiritual deceivers who lead people away from the truth.

In John 9–10, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees after healing the man born blind. They claimed to be spiritual leaders, but their actions revealed otherwise. They robbed people of joy, truth, and freedom. They were thieves of the soul.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.”

The Greek word for “thief” is kleptes, meaning one who steals by stealth — the same root from which we get kleptomaniac. It describes someone sneaky and deceitful — not just violent robbery, but subtle deception. That’s how Satan operates — not always with open attack, but with whispered lies.

He steals truth by twisting Scripture.

He kills hope by sowing despair.

He destroys faith by substituting religion for relationship.

Peter warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT):

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Satan is a spiritual predator. His goal is to destroy your faith, your family, your future. But praise God — he cannot steal what you willingly place in the hands of Jesus.

Charles Stanley once said: “When you put your life in God’s hands, you must expect Satan to attack — but you can also expect God to protect.”

And isn’t that true? Satan wants to rob you of peace, but he cannot touch the soul anchored in Christ.

Church, be alert! Guard your heart, your thoughts, your time. In an age of distraction, the thief often steals not with temptation, but with busyness. He steals prayer time with screens, worship with worry, fellowship with fatigue. But Jesus came to restore what the enemy has taken.

2. Christ’s Purpose: To Give Life — Abundant, Eternal, Transforming

Jesus continues: “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10b)

The Greek word for “life” here is zoe — not just biological existence (bios), but spiritual vitality — life that comes from God Himself.

And the phrase “rich and satisfying” (perissos) means overflowing, more than enough, beyond measure.

Jesus isn’t promising a life of luxury, but a life of spiritual abundance — peace that surpasses understanding, joy unspeakable, love unshakeable, and hope unbreakable.

John 14:6 (NLT): “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”

Christ does not just give life — He is life.

The source of all true life is found in Him alone.

R.T. Kendall said: “The Christian life is not difficult — it’s impossible, unless Christ lives it through you.”

That’s the essence of zoe — not self-improvement, but Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Romans 6:23 (NLT): “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sin pays a salary — death. But God gives a gift — eternal life.

The contrast couldn’t be clearer. You can earn death, or receive life.

And that life begins the moment you surrender to Jesus.

John Piper wrote: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

The abundant life Jesus offers is not found in possessions or comfort, but in the presence of God Himself. It’s satisfaction that flows from a heart redeemed and renewed.

3. The Shepherd’s Care: Personal, Protective, Powerful

Let’s remember the context — Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NLT)