How can we guard our hearts against betrayal like Judas in Luke 22:6? Opening the Text “So he consented, and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd.” (Luke 22:6) Tracing Judas’s Downward Spiral • Greed tolerated: “He was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.” (John 12:6) • Sin unconfessed: “Each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire… gives birth to sin.” (James 1:14-15) • Proximity without intimacy: Judas walked with Jesus yet never surrendered his heart (Mark 14:10). • Satanic foothold: “Then Satan entered Judas.” (Luke 22:3; compare Ephesians 4:27) Why Betrayal Still Happens • Love of money corrodes loyalties (1 Timothy 6:9-10). • Secret sin blinds the conscience (Hebrews 3:13). • Spiritual warfare is real (Ephesians 6:12). • A divided heart cannot stand (Matthew 6:24). Guardrails for Today 1. Set your affection on Christ alone – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) 2. Practice ruthless honesty with God – “Search me, O God… and see if there is any wicked way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) 3. Keep short accounts through confession – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) 4. Invite trusted accountability – “Iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) 5. Treat money as a servant, never a master – “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) 6. Stay alert to the enemy’s schemes – “Be sober-minded; be watchful.” (1 Peter 5:8) 7. Abide daily in Jesus – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4) 8. Remember the cross when tempted to stray – “I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) Living Differently Guarding the heart is not a one-time choice but a continual posture. Judas shows how small compromises culminate in catastrophic failure. By treasuring Christ, confessing sin quickly, and walking in Spirit-empowered vigilance, we can resist the lure of betrayal and remain faithful to the One who remains forever faithful to us. |
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