Steal, Kill, & Destroy - Sermon Blog
We’re in our Staff Picks series, and this week we’re unpacking Pastor Jimmy’s favorite verse:
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” — John 10:10
Sounds simple, right? Choose Jesus, get the “good life.” But if we rip this line out of its chapter, we’ll miss what Jesus actually meant and that’s exactly how the thief works: by twisting truth just enough to sound right.
This passage isn’t a promise of cushy circumstances. It’s Jesus, the Good Shepherd, warning His people about deception and inviting us into real abundance that the wolf can’t touch.
The Real Threat: Deception, Not Just Difficulty
When Jesus contrasts Himself with “the thief,” He’s not only talking about Satan generically; He’s exposing the enemy’s agenda: steal by deception, kill by division, destroy by distortion.
How? Often through false teachers and partial truths:
“Wolves in sheep’s clothing” look safe, sound friendly, and speak softly (Matthew 7:15).
They don’t storm the flock; they isolate a sheep first, then mislead it.
They serve a gospel that feels good but isn’t the Gospel.
A partial truth is still a whole lie.
“For a time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching…they will gather teachers to suit their own desires.” — 2 Timothy 4:3
If you only ever hear the parts of God that comfort you but never the parts that correct you, you’re not being pastored, you’re being pacified.
So What Is the “Rich and Satisfying Life”?
It’s not a promise of wealth. It’s a promise of wholeness with the Shepherd:
Peace that holds in the storm (Philippians 4:7)
Joy deeper than changing feelings (Nehemiah 8:10)
Guidance that leads beside still waters (Psalm 23)
Security that your soul is safe (John 10:28–29)
Purpose that outlasts headlines and hype (Ephesians 2:10)
You can be financially poor and spiritually satisfied. You can be materially rich and spiritually empty. Abundance in Jesus is presence, not possessions.
How to Spot a Wolf (and Stay with the Shepherd)
Test every sermon by Scripture.
Don’t assume anyone, including me, is right because they sound right.“All Scripture… teaches what is true… corrects us when we are wrong.” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Feed on the whole counsel of God.
Encouragement and correction. Mercy and holiness. Grace and truth. (John 1:14)Notice the fruit.
Does the message make you more like Jesus or more like the culture? (Matthew 7:16–20)Stay with the flock.
Wolves isolate. The Shepherd gathers. Commit to community, not just content.Tune your ear to His voice.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
The Spirit trains your discernment so you can tell the Good Shepherd from a smooth-sounding stranger.
Why Correction Is Love (Not Meanness)
We don’t love being corrected, but we need it. The Bible says God’s Word shows us what’s wrong and teaches us what’s right (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Correction isn’t harsh; it’s healthy. Refusing correction doesn’t make you brave, it makes you vulnerable.
If the “light” you think you have is actually darkness, how deep is that darkness? (Matthew 6:23)
Deception is darkest when we call it light.
Practical Ways to Live Abundantly (Right Now)
Open the Bible daily with an open heart (Isaiah 55:2–3).
Compare what you hear on Sundays (and online) with Scripture—in context.
Ask the Spirit for discernment before you hit “share.”
Choose community over isolation—Groups, Serve Teams, prayer circles.
Follow quickly when the Shepherd corrects your course.
Bottom Line
The thief steals through deception. Jesus gives abundant life through truth.
Stay close to the Good Shepherd, keep your Bible open, your heart teachable, and your life rooted in His voice.
You weren’t made to live afraid, empty, or confused.
In Jesus, you’re called to live fully alive.
“Which voice are you following?”
Watch Sermon Here:
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