He became a traitor; he became a son of perdition.
He was a faithful disciple for 3 1/2 years, the was promoted to an apostle, then he became a traitor.
He was the one thing, then became the other.
That's the lesson, we are to learn from his example:
- Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12
- And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. Matthew 24:4
- Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. Luke 11:35
JLB
Adding to your lesson ~
Jesus as our example ~ further Jesus' Disciples as our example.
1) - an introduction ~Jesus was introduced to us ~ the Disciples were introduced
2) - Learn ABOUT that which is introduced
3) - the "learning" ABOUT is more than NAME and ADDRESS!
4) - the learning "ABOUT" is hearing what they say
5) - paralleling what they "say" to Scripture.
6) - THEN the individual hearing can decide to BELIEVE or NOT the one who was introduced.
7) - Following along listening, believing, doubting, believing, wondering, believing, IS the NORMAL process when learning ABOUT anything or anyone.
NOW the crucial part for the individual ~ ie THE DECISION
The DECISION to "COMMIT" IN FOREVER FAITHFULNESS ....to believe and following along....
OR
The DECISION to walk AWAY.
#7 IS a man having FAITH. As long as he is following along, he IS being enlightened to the TRUTH. He is NOT committed, but he is in FAITH. At ANY TIME he can "walk away"; (ie FALL AWAY)
Satan is an example of falling away.
Judas is an example of falling away.
The difference between an angel that falls away and a man who falls away IS:
An angel can never return to God and become in faithfulness in God.
A man can return to God and become in faithfulness to God.
....And remember DEAD MEN know nothing do nothing ~ and thus it requires a LIVING
....man to make the decisions regarding faithfulness.
8) a man WHO walks AWAY, and never returns, is a man who has fallen away and shall
....be judged and sentenced to be forever separated from God; as such man made his
....choice to be separated from God, so shall he be.
9) a man WHO chooses "to COMMIT" in faithfulness unto God, and his commitment IS
....a TRUE confession; Such man SHALL BECOME "established" as BELONGING to God.
10) Nothing has the POWER greater than God; to depart from God what has been "established" as Gods faithful possession.
11) Jesus our example ~
arrived on earth to ALLOW man to SEE an example (why)?
Scripture tells us WHY. OT men could "only" hear from God. That was not satisfactory. They begged to SEE. God called them stiffnecked, that hearing was not sufficient. God promised mankind he would SEE.
12) Jesus our example ~ from men "seeing" "just a man" to understanding he IS "the Christ", God among us, and all the things in between. Jesus "learning", Jesus "receiving", Jesus "empowered by the Spirit of God", Jesus speaking "truths", Jesus exalting the Father, Jesus, the "faithful" servant, Jesus giving his "body unto death", Jesus "giving his blood", Jesus rising from the grave, Jesus being HOLY without sin,etc.
ALL the exact same things that applies to a natural man, WHO desires to be "established" in the Spirit of God.
Any earthly man WHO desires to be "established" WITH God; MUST make that careful and crucial decision to BE forever faithful to God. Period.
And it is taught to FIRST learn ABOUT, (due
diligence), following along, keep following along, and
BE SURE of your decision (choice/
election); THEN,
call on the Lord, and make your
commitment, and become a FAITHFUL "servant", which IS to do what Jesus did; Speak the truth about God, Exalt and praise God, etc.....so that others may hear and desire to also follow along and become faithful unto God.
2Pet.1
- [10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1Pet.4
- [19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
1Pet.2
- [23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Scripture reveal Judas was a follower, being enlightened to the truth, stopped trusting the truth, fell away from the truth......AND.....betrayed the truth.
Judas did not return to the truth, and ended his own natural life, giving himself no opportunity to return to the truth.
Judas ~ a good example of him having a temporary problem (falling away, betrayal) and him deciding a permanent solution (suicide).
Lesson there is; No problem is too great for God....however once a man decides a permanent solution (suicide); the man has taken the true problem solver and comforter (God), out of the picture for Him to assist.
God Bless,
SBC