The Thief Cometh Not Series

THE THIEF COMETH NOT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 10:7-11

Key Verse: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7; 2 Corinthians 2:11

INTRODUCTION

In John chapter ten, Jesus contrasted His mission with the destructive work of the enemy. He described the enemy as a thief whose sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. This statement reveals the true nature of Satan’s agenda against humanity.

A thief operates secretly, seeking opportunities to take what does not belong to him. In the same way, the enemy seeks to steal joy, peace, faith, and spiritual growth from believers. His mission is to bring destruction into people’s lives through deception, temptation, and discouragement.

However, Jesus also declared the greater truth of His mission: He came so that people might have life and have it more abundantly. While the enemy seeks destruction, Christ brings restoration, fullness, and eternal life. Believers must therefore recognise the enemy’s tactics and remain firmly rooted in Christ.

1. THE ENEMY’S MISSION IS TO STEAL

The first part of the thief’s mission is to steal the blessings and spiritual inheritance of believers.

a. Stealing the Word of God (Matthew 13:19)

The enemy attempts to remove the Word from people’s hearts so that it cannot take root.

b. Stealing Joy and Peace (John 16:22)

Satan seeks to rob believers of their joy and replace it with fear and discouragement.

c. Stealing Destiny and Purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)

The enemy tries to divert individuals from the plans God has for their lives.

d. Stealing Spiritual Strength (Galatians 5:7)

Distractions and temptations can weaken a believer’s spiritual walk.

Biblical Example:

Esau lost his birthright because he allowed a moment of weakness to rob him of a significant blessing (Genesis 25:29-34).

2. THE ENEMY’S MISSION IS TO KILL

Beyond stealing, the enemy seeks to destroy life itself.

a. Spiritual Death Through Sin (Romans 6:23)

Sin leads to spiritual separation from God.

b. Destroying Faith (Luke 22:31-32)

Satan desires to sift believers like wheat in order to weaken their faith.

c. Promoting Destructive Behaviour (John 8:44)

The devil is described as a murderer and the father of lies.

d. Leading People Away from Truth (2 Corinthians 11:3)

The enemy deceives people and leads them away from the simplicity of faith in Christ.

Biblical Example:

King Saul lost his life and kingdom because he continually disobeyed God and followed destructive choices (1 Samuel 31:4-6).

3. THE ENEMY’S MISSION IS TO DESTROY

The ultimate goal of the thief is total destruction.

a. Destroying Relationships (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Unresolved anger can give the enemy a foothold.

b. Destroying Faith and Hope (1 Timothy 1:19)

When faith is abandoned, spiritual shipwreck occurs.

c. Destroying God’s Work (Nehemiah 4:8)

The enemy constantly attempts to hinder the work of God.

d. Destroying Lives Through Deception (Revelation 12:9)

Satan deceives the whole world with lies and falsehood.

Biblical Example:

Judas Iscariot allowed Satan to influence his heart, leading him to betray Jesus and ultimately destroy his own life (Matthew 27:3-5).

4. JESUS CAME TO GIVE ABUNDANT LIFE

In contrast to the enemy’s destructive mission, Christ came to bring life and restoration.

a. Life Through Salvation (John 3:16)

Those who believe in Christ receive eternal life.

b. Peace and Joy in Christ (John 14:27)

Jesus gives a peace that the world cannot provide.

c. Victory Over the Enemy (1 John 4:4)

Believers have victory because God’s power within them is greater.

d. A Life of Purpose and Fulfilment (Ephesians 2:10)

God has prepared good works for believers to accomplish.

Biblical Example:

The transformation of the Apostle Paul demonstrates the abundant life Christ gives, turning a persecutor of the church into one of its greatest missionaries (Acts 9:1-15).

CONCLUSION

Jesus clearly revealed the contrast between the enemy’s destructive mission and His own life-giving purpose. While the thief seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, Christ came to restore, heal, and give abundant life.

Believers must remain vigilant against the enemy’s strategies while holding firmly to the promises of Christ. Through faith, obedience, and reliance on God’s Word, they can experience the fullness of the life that Jesus came to give.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, expose and destroy every plan of the enemy against my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, restore everything the enemy has stolen from my life, in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen my faith so that I may overcome every attack of the enemy, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, protect my life, family, and destiny from destruction, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to remain vigilant against every deception of the enemy, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, fill my life with the abundance that comes through Christ, in Jesus name.