The devil aims to destroy God’s good creation through any means possible. He is seeking to devour and destroy. The devil is the catalyst for the corruption of creation, and as we observe the story of Scripture, we see his continued efforts to destroy creation. In John 8:44, Jesus says to the religious leaders, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning.” Jesus characterizes the devil as a murderer. What do murderer’s do? They destroy God’s creation. Similarly, Jesus says in John 10:10 that “[t]he thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Steal, kill, and destroy—that is a description of the devil’s work. So it should be apparent that the devil desires to destroy God’s creation. He can do this through direct intervention as in the case of demon possessions or he can do it through coercion as in the case of Cain or through deception as in the child sacrifices to pagan gods or through suffering as in the persecution of the church. But in spite of all of this, God’s grace will overcome. Sermon for August 30, 2020.

For a manuscript and discussion guide go to revseanmcguire.com