How can we guard against betrayal in our relationship with Christ today? Setting the Scene: A Table Turned Somber “They began to be sorrowful and to say to Him one by one, ‘Surely not I?’” (Mark 14:19) The upper room falls silent. Jesus has just revealed that one of His own will hand Him over, and every disciple feels the shock. Instead of accusing one another, they search their own hearts. That moment shines a light on how easily any follower can drift toward disloyalty. The Heart Cry: “Surely Not I?” Healthy discipleship keeps this humble cry alive. Scripture urges continuous self-examination: • “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) • “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) When pride whispers that betrayal is impossible, truth reminds us that vigilance is essential. Warning Lights for Every Disciple Betrayal rarely starts with a single dramatic decision. It grows through habits and attitudes that go unchecked: • Love of money over love for Christ (Judas: John 12:6) • Resentment when Jesus confronts sin (John 6:66) • Fear of people’s opinions (Peter’s denial: Luke 22:54-62) • Spiritual drowsiness and prayerlessness (Matthew 26:40-41) • Slow drift through neglect of truth (Hebrews 2:1) Practical Guards Against Betrayal Today • Daily intimacy with Christ “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you… apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) • Quick confession of sin “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) • Habitual Scripture intake “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Persistent, watchful prayer “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) • The armor of God “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) • Guarded affections “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Christ-centered community “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Treasuring Christ above every rival love “I count everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) • Walking by the Spirit “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Living Alert Until He Comes Our Lord both warns and secures. He calls us to stay awake, yet He supplies sustaining grace: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence with great joy.” (Jude 24) By leaning on His power, clothing ourselves with His Word, and staying close to His people, we guard against betrayal and walk faithfully until we see Him face to face. |
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