Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Jan. 30, 2000, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:

WHAT THE DEVIL WANTS FROM YOU

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: John 10:1-18

Text: John 10:10

John 10:10 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.

Introduction: The devil is a thief. Judas Iscariot, who Jesus said was a devil, was a thief. According to John 10:10, there are three things the thief does when he comes. The devil is after you, and I want you to know, that when you see him, he has a three-fold goal in mind:

I. HE WANTS YOUR CONFIDENCE TO KILL IT

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

A. He wants you to doubt the scriptures

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

B. He wants you to doubt your salvation

C. He wants you to doubt your service

II. HE WANTS YOUR CROWN TO STEAL IT

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

A. If he can get you out of God’s purpose

B. If he can get you out of God’s place

C. If he can get you out of God’s purity

III. HE WANTS YOUR CHARACTER TO DESTROY IT

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

A. By getting you to make wrong choices

B. By getting you to get wordly companions

C. By getting you to have wicked contemplations