A thief's primary goal is to steal; he kills to get what he values, and destroys what he does not value. Likewise, this second misson of the devil is primarily a means of stealing God's kingdom. The enemy values power and little else.

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Scripture References
  • "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." (John 10:10 NKJV)
  • ...who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities ...you have destroyed your land and slain your people. (Isaiah 14:17,20 NKJV)
  • Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus--the people of Mordecai. (Esther 3:6 NKJV)
  • The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. (Daniel 7:23 NKJV)
Commentary
  • As long as Satan values your services, you can live as a king. But like children who live in a gang neighborhood, if you don't serve the gang leader's desire, you become prey for the gang.
  • Satan has been enlisting the Hamans and Hitlers of this world to destroy God's people since creation.
  • When Adam was in the Garden, he had two jobs: cultivate it and guard it (Genesis 2:15). Humankind is still responsible for cultivating life, and guarding God's creation from those who would recklessly destroy it.

In the realm of spiritual warfare, believers are engaged in a continuous battle against the objectives of Satan and the world system. The Bible provides valuable insights into the intentions of the enemy and the destructive nature of the world system. Through various passages, such as John 10:10, Isaiah 14:17,20, Esther 3:6, and Daniel 7:23, we can gain a deeper understanding of the objectives of Satan and the world system.

  1. The Thief's Agenda: Jesus' words in John 10:10 reveal the objectives of the thief: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." This verse uncovers the destructive nature of Satan's agenda. The thief seeks to steal our joy, peace, and hope by enticing us with worldly pleasures and distracting us from our relationship with God. Moreover, he desires to kill our spiritual vitality by fostering doubt, discouragement, and apathy within our hearts. Ultimately, his aim is to destroy our faith, leading us away from the truth of God's Word and into spiritual darkness. Recognizing these objectives equips believers to guard their hearts, stand firm in their faith, and resist the schemes of the enemy.
  2. Destruction and Devastation: Isaiah 14 provides insight into Satan's destructive agenda and the impact it has on the world. Verses 17 and 20 state: "who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities... you have destroyed your land and slain your people." Here, we witness the devastating consequences of Satan's objectives. He seeks to bring chaos, destruction, and ruin to the world, turning it into a spiritual wilderness. Through his deceit and influence, he undermines the fabric of society, causing division, violence, and moral decay. Understanding this objective calls believers to be vigilant, actively working against the destructive forces at play in the world, and sharing the redemptive message of Christ's love and salvation.
  3. Genocidal Intent: The book of Esther provides an example of Satan's objectives manifested through the actions of Haman. Esther 3:6 states: "Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai." Here, we witness Satan's objective of inciting hatred, division, and ultimately, genocide. The enemy uses individuals like Haman to carry out his destructive plans, targeting God's chosen people. This verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle against hatred, discrimination, and injustice. Believers are called to stand against such evil, advocating for love, unity, and justice in their communities.
  4. Worldly Dominion: In Daniel's vision, he sees a fourth beast representing a kingdom that devours, tramples, and breaks the whole earth into pieces (Daniel 7:23). This verse unveils Satan's objective of establishing a worldly dominion that opposes God's kingdom. The world system, under the influence of Satan, seeks to exert its power and control over humanity, promoting worldly values, ideologies, and agendas that stand in opposition to God's truth. Understanding this objective calls believers to be discerning, resisting the pull of the world system, and remaining steadfast in their commitment to God's kingdom and righteousness.

In conclusion, understanding the objectives of Satan and the world system provides believers with valuable insights into the enemy's tactics and the challenges they face in their spiritual journey. Recognizing these objectives empowers believers to stand firm in their faith, guard their hearts, and resist the destructive forces at play in the world. It calls them to actively engage in the spiritual battle, advocating for love, justice, and righteousness, and sharing the redemptive message of Christ's love and salvation with a broken world. By relying on God's strength and guidance, believers can overcome the objectives of Satan and the world system, and live victorious lives in Christ.

Next: Mission » Deceive