What lessons can we learn from Judas's actions in Acts 1:18? Setting the Scene Acts 1:18: “Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his intestines gushed out.” A Sinful Transaction: Trading the Eternal for the Temporary • Judas “acquired a field” with the money gained by betraying Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16). • What seemed like profit became a monument to wickedness (Matthew 27:5-8). • Lesson: Any gain purchased at the cost of obedience to Christ will ultimately testify against us (Mark 8:36). The Love of Money Warps the Heart • 1 Timothy 6:10 — “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” • Judas began as a disciple yet secretly pilfered the moneybag (John 12:6). • Unchecked greed opened the door for Satan’s influence (Luke 22:3-4). • Lesson: Guard motives early; small compromises grow into catastrophic choices. Hidden Sin Always Comes to Light • Judas burst open “in the middle,” a graphic picture of inward corruption becoming visible. • Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” • Lesson: Sin concealed for a season will one day be exposed, either in time or at judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Remorse Is Not the Same as Repentance • Matthew 27:3-5 shows Judas felt regret, yet he turned to suicide, not to the Savior. • 2 Corinthians 7:10 contrasts “worldly sorrow” that produces death with godly sorrow leading to repentance. • Lesson: Feeling bad about sin is powerless unless it drives us to confess and receive Christ’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). The Inevitable Harvest of Sin • Galatians 6:7 — “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • Judas sowed betrayal; he reaped shame, destruction, and death. • Lesson: Sin pays wages—always more costly than advertised (Romans 6:23). God’s Sovereign Plan Stands Unshaken • Psalm 41:9 prophesied betrayal; Acts 1:20 sees the prophecy fulfilled. • Even Judas’s rebellion could not derail salvation’s plan (Acts 2:23). • Lesson: Human sin never thwarts God, yet individuals remain fully accountable. Protecting Our Hearts Today • Daily examine motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Flee the love of money; pursue contentment and generosity (1 Timothy 6:6-11). • Confess sin immediately; keep short accounts with God (Proverbs 28:13). • Stay in authentic fellowship where accountability is normal (Hebrews 3:13). • Keep Gospel gratitude vibrant—remember what Christ paid for us (1 Peter 1:18-19). |
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