How can we ensure our actions align with Christ's teachings, unlike Judas? Setting the Scene: One Verse, Two Roads “From that time on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.” — Matthew 26:16 Judas chose betrayal; the other disciples, though imperfect, chose loyalty. One verse exposes a fork in the road that still faces every follower of Jesus. Lessons Wrapped in Judas’s Choice • Betrayal begins in the heart long before it shows in the hands (John 12:6). • Love of money blinds spiritual sight (1 Timothy 6:10). • Proximity to Jesus is not the same as obedience to Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23). Guarding the Heart—First Line of Defense • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23 • Invite the Lord to probe hidden motives: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” — Psalm 139:23-24 • Recognize our hearts are naturally deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9); constant surrender keeps them trustworthy. Daily Practices That Keep Us in Step with Christ 1. Honest Self-Examination – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 2. Obedience in Small Things – “He who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” — Luke 16:10 3. Transparent Fellowship – “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” — Hebrews 10:24 4. Love Over Self-Gain – “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35 5. Swift Repentance – “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” — 1 John 2:1 Keeping Christ at the Center • Abide: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” — John 15:4 • Re-center every day: “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17 Spiritual Disciplines That Crowd Out Betrayal • Consistent prayer (Luke 18:1) • Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2) • Regular communion remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:26) • Sacrificial service (Mark 10:45) • Generous giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) Practical Checklist for Today □ Did I seek Jesus first in prayer and the Word? □ Did I choose honesty over concealment? □ Did I use money as a servant, not a master? □ Did I encourage another believer? □ Did I repent quickly when convicted? Stay on the loyal road. Each small, Spirit-guided decision steers us away from Judas’s path and keeps us walking in step with our Lord. |
    |