THE TRIPARTITE MISSION OF THE DEVIL (1)
JULY 8, 2026
TEXT: “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)
When you call someone a thief, it is not an accolade or a pleasant title. A thief is anyone who specializes in stealing items that belong to others. A thief does not announce his coming. Rather, he comes secretly, unlawfully, and deceptively. This is the character of the devil.
The first time we were introduced to the nature of the devil in the Bible, it was through deception and lies. He encountered Eve and deceitfully told her that God was merely being selfish by not wanting them to eat the fruit that would ultimately usher them into a life of immortality and unparalleled wisdom (Genesis 3).
The devil is so smart. He can easily portray himself as an angel of light in a bid to present his evil agenda to his unsuspecting victims (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Jesus Christ presented the attributes of Satan in three ways, namely: to steal, to kill, and to destroy.
WHAT CAN THE DEVIL STEAL?
- The Word: The devil can steal the Word of God from our hearts, as exemplified by the popular parable of the sower in Matthew 13:19. As soon as the Word is ministered to us, the devil tries his utmost best to steal it from our hearts. This is why there are lots of distractions after hearing God’s Word. These distractions will hinder the Word of God from taking firm root in our hearts if care is not taken.
- Our peace: God has promised us perfect peace. However, the enemy can sometimes introduce fear, anxiety, confusion, worry, etc. (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6–7).
- Joy: The enemy can steal our joy. The joy of the Lord in our lives is our strength, and when that joy disappears, one becomes deprived of strength. Many believers lose their spiritual energy long before they lose their salvation.
- Purpose: The enemy can steal one’s purpose and vision, thereby rendering a person totally empty. God gave Samson special strength to defeat the Philistines who were troubling Israel at that particular time. Unfortunately, he fell into the dragnet of the devil through “Agent Delilah,” and his glory was forever aborted.
- Health: The devil can attack a person’s health. When the devil lays siege to one’s health, one begins to battle diseases and infirmities that defy diagnosis and solution. The doctors keep testing and checking, but no disease is reflected in the results.
SEARCHLIGHT: We must be careful of the adversities and devices of the devil. He has no good plan for us at all.
PRAYER: Agenda of the devil for my life shall not materialize, in Jesus’ name.
Anything stolen from me in the kingdom of darkness, be restored unto me now, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 24–26, Revelation 4
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
