International
Don’t Be Afraid of the Devil
We're glad you like it!
Enjoying the content? You can save this to your favorites by logging in to your account.
John 10:9-10 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Listen to the radio broadcast of Don’t Be Afraid of the Devil
Download audio fileI have some good news for you today. You need never, ever, ever be afraid of the devil. To be sure, there is a battle going on in the spiritual realm for your soul. Jesus came to save you, and the devil wants to snatch that gift of life, that gift of grace that gift of freedom right out of your hands.
That is absolutely true. There is a battle going on. This is how Jesus put it:
John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Someone asked me once, what does it mean to have an abundant life. Well, let me first say, that the Word Jesus used there, literally means “super–abundant” – it’s just that we don’t have an English equivalent for it. Suffice to say, it’s a really strong Word, it’s a word that’s really over the top.
So the question should be – what does it mean to have a super–abundant life? It’s a life of freedom. If you read the rest of the parable in that chapter, Jesus talks about His sheep being able to come in and go it, in safety, in protection, in freedom.
John 10:9: I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
That’s a great picture, it’s the picture of the abundant life. It’s the picture of freedom and safety, to come in and go out and find pasture.
But this battle Jesus is talking about here between the thief and the true shepherd, it isn’t a battle of two equal and opposite forces – one of evil and one of good. Don’t for one moment imagine that. Jesus goes on to make the point – He’s not some hired hand who runs away at the first sign of trouble – no:
John 10:11: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
And so He did – He died and rose again to set you free. We go looking for freedom in all sorts of different places. Sometimes we let the devil lead us by the nose, being tempted into this or that. Sin always tarts itself up to look good. Otherwise it wouldn’t be tempting.
But Jesus … Jesus is the true shepherd and His sheep know His voice. I’m certain that you can hear Him speak as I share His Word with you now. And because He is the good shepherd, because He laid down His life for you, because He was raised again to give you a new life … you need never, ever fear the devil. Your freedom is secure. That’s the good news.
And that … that’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Comments