Laughlin Community Church
Sunday March 7
Jeremiah 3–22LEB
- Days of Elijah
- Shout To The Lord
- Here I Am To Worship
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Matthew 26:14–16 CSB Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver for him. And from that time he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him.PrayJudas Iscariot, One of the Twelve ApostlesBest known for betraying Jesus with a kissJudas Iscariot might be a family name but it might mean that he belonged to the Sicarii A Radical Jewish group. Some of whom were terrorists. Other than his apostleship, his betrayal and his death. We know very little about Judas. He is always the last on the list of the Apostles, probably because of his Betrayal.We do know that he was their treasureJohn 12:6 CSB He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.We also know that he was pocketing money that was suppose to Go to he ministry. And when you read there is a bit of bitterness on Johns part. Judas will disclose Jesus' whereabouts to the chief priests and elders for 30 pieces of silver. They provided the armed guard that Judas brought to the Garden of GethsemaneLuke 22:1–6 CSB The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called Passover, was approaching. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put him to death, because they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, who was numbered among the Twelve. He went away and discussed with the chief priests and temple police how he could hand him over to them. They were glad and agreed to give him silver. So he accepted the offer and started looking for a good opportunity to betray him to them when the crowd was not present.Satan entered Judas. Was he possessed? Or was he just taken in his heart to do the work of Satan? Finally believed the lies? Given over to the fear of Satan?I don't know If it is possession, it is defiantly different than the possession by demons we have seen so far.Either way this is the point when the advisory had a hold on Judas Heart to the point to do what needed to be done. He took Possession of the heart of JudasThis great evil act that in fact had to be done. God did allow this.In Christian Gnosticism, which is a false religion, Judas is a hero for doing what needed to be done for the Crucifixion to take place.Judas will repent, and kill himself.Judas is seen often as the villain of this story. But he is not. I don't think Jesus went out and said I need some one who is going to be against me as I teach, and someone to rob me and betray me who is going to be the best for me.Judas started out as a Disciple. One that Jesus loved and cared for. And that honestly wanted to follow God. Jesus’ Disciples were honest in their desires to follow God. If Judas wanted to just rip people off he didn't have to follow Jesus around everywhere to do that. He could have been a telemarketer or a televangelist. There were many, many things he could have done and things that would have been a lot easier than following a rabbi around that is wanted and people are trying to kill for half his career. Judas did not start out as the villain.We are not told the full motive behind his acts. But I do know that sin rarely starts out with things like betrayal and killing a man. Instead it starts slowly. The devil begins to whisper and move in the kinks in the armor.Its only a bad word no big deal and you didn't even say it. It was all in your head. It was just a small word you were angry it wont happen again. It was just anger. Like the person that has an affair. It doesn't usually start out with sex. It starts out with a talk. A look. And then a flirt. And then emotional separation from spouse. And then after time Satan takes possession and you are in too deep.Judas does betray Jesus. But he is not the only one. Did not Peter deny Jesus. Some of the twelve just flee. Judas is not the villain. He is a man who got lead astray. Started going the wrong way. And by the time we arrive at this passage, Who knows what he is thinking. Maybe, He realizes Jesus isn't going to lead the armed revolt and he is upset. He starts to wonder if the others are right and this man is a heretic. Maybe, he turns him in hoping to push a confrontation in which Jesus fights back. Who knows, but He is not the villain.Satan who has lead him there is, And this is the same advisory we face today.You and I face the same problem today and we can be lead astray. No one is immune to this. We must Guard our heartsProverbs 4:23–27 CSB Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.We all have to watch for this betrayal that lies with in the heart of things.Are there things in your life that are little things that not matter, that make all the difference that are leading you away from God's Standards?Philippians 4:8 CSB Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.Focusing on these things are the way in which we guard our hearts if we let our mind flow on things like anger, bitterness, rejection, wants, we let the devil enter inWe must guard our hearts lest we be lead astrayHold true To God and he will direct your pathAs cliché as that sounds. But cliché's have to be true enough to be clichéPray Matthew 26:14–16LEB
John 12:6LEB
Luke 22:1–6LEB
Proverbs 4:23–27LEB
Philippians 4:8LEB
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Laughlin Community Church
702-989-1228
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