SUNDAY SERVICE OF CHRIST THE LIVING WORD CHURCH (16/08/2020)
TOPIC: KEEP YOUR HEART DILIGENTLY. Proverbs 4:23
Intro: The heart is the place of: – Reception, Receiving, entrance-door to friends, visitors, invitees.
It is a very vulnerable place to be wisely secured, guarded and protected from the intruders or unwanted visitors
Expression: – The frequent advertisements and publicities in all the times – is to get into people’s hearts.
The gate/door of your heart if it is frequently open without control, you are in danger.
You are what you are today because of what enters your hearts. Romans 10:17
- The Man Judas
He was one of the 12 Jesus’ disciples and the only one that comes from Judea, other eleven are Galileans, but Judas was the one that betrayed Jesus his Master.
There are processes or stages that evil enters Judas’ heart, we must learn how to guard our hearts from devil. Genesis 3:1
- He was rebuked by his Master
- Judas’ suggestion – John 12:4-8
Judas’ suggestion was good not genuine intention, but wrong motive. Verse 4-5
Everybody respects Jesus’ opinion as their Master, Luke 6:40; Matthew 10:24
- Judas was the treasurer.
This is the ministry of finance, accountant, treasurer, the money keeper, where he was operating. Verse 6.
Judas made suggestion, but Jesus shut him down, he was rebuked – to leave him alone to do his intention, don’t interrupt him for spiritual reasons – verse 7
What happens when you are rebuked publicly by your superior, boss, leader, master? Proverbs 27:5
iii. The rebuke of Peter. Matthew 16
Judas was not the first disciple that Jesus rebuked, He has earlier rebuked Peter
Jesus told Peter off that he is Satan to get off behind Him. Matthew 16:21-23
Peter did not take offence; he accepted his rebuke and amended his way.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
There are some people who could not accept nor stand rebuke; they’ll quickly flare up in anger. Such people always want praise; they want affirmation, and encouragement. Failing to give them, they will not be happy nor agree with you. Hebrews 12:6
Judas took Jesus’ rebuke as offensive, and personal; so he began to ponder it in his heart (3 years I have been following Him, is this going to bemy reward?) – Paraphrase Luke 9:58
- Judas received Satan’s suggestion. John 13:2-5
Judas opened his heart to satanic ministration, suggestion and idea as how to do evil. Genesis 4:5-8
As he opened his heart to do evil, Judas became his instrument in the hand of Satan.
Sometime, you might hear it in the news that someone killed his wife and children. Was he crazy? No, he wasn’t crazy – but if a person does not keep their heart diligent, it can make them run crazy. Proverbs 4:23
- 7 days to the Passover – Judas never thought of betraying Jesus, just as Peter thought he could denied his beloved Master – Matthew 26:31-35 (64-75), 1 Corinthians 10:13
But because of his rebuke, Satan suggested to him and changed his mind to agree to evil ministration of Satan
- Judas’ name was mentioned – verse 26-27
That was the step two of his evil plan……..
Jesus agonizing state of mind. John 13:21-29 (26-28)
- Satan entered Judas’ heart. verse 27 (step 3)
Because Judas opened his heart to evil suggestion and idea of Satan, he got him to betray Jesus – finish Him – reveal Him – show Him to the authority.
It was not the bread Judas ate, what enters him from Satan (evil desires/ suggestions/ministrations) Matthew 15:10; 17-20.
Judas has the opportunity to say no to Satan but he has made his mind up.
Please let us learn how to say no to satanic ministration/Suggestion. Acts 5:1-9
- Judas went out immediately. Verse 30 (step 4)
After he received the bread, Judas went out to do his worst on his Master
It was at night – darkness darkened on him, his soul, has darkened – darkness filled his at this point he was no redeemable.
Keep your heart with diligence from the intruders. Proverbs 4:23
Something evil want to enter your heart, how does it come – to make you misbehave, act crazily, watch it. 1 Peter 5:8
Sometimes, it can be disappointment, betrayal of a trusted friend, spouse, and rebuke, and failure etc, start pondering on it.
If you don’t shut your heart to devil, Bloody ideas will manifest in your mind. Proverbs 23:2
The man who killed his wife and children do you think he is crazy, not crazy, it’s what enters his heart push him to act/behave crazily.
Most people who did evil, were formally good guys, but regret later – why did I steal, murdered, act in such horrible manner?
- Two Kinds of people with their hearts
You can only be one of them, you cannot be both, but one.
- The man that has no rule over his Spirit. Proverbs 25:28
They don’t have control over their own spirit, thought, acts, etc, they opened to all ideas, suggestions, advice, and gossips. 2 Samuel 13:1-14
They are so weak in mind, vulnerable, easily attack to do foolish things and later regret – why should I act foolishly like this ten years ago?
Leaving your wife because she has denied you your right – then after 15 years you came to your senses in regret.
- The person who has rule over his spirit. Proverbs 16:32
They have reason to examine things, before agreeing or taking it. This one is strong, steadfast, reliable, wise, etc.
Which of these you are, or you want to be?
Life is flowing to your heart, but makes it live and not dead. Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 15:17-19
- Divine advice
The only person you can open your heart to is Jesus Christ to receive His Word, Advice, suggestions, Ministrations, teachings, counseling, etc, Proverbs 23:26
Today Jesus wants to enter your heart through His Word, receive Him and be saved, protected, blessed, and victorious, sanctified and finally reign with Him hereafter. Revelation 3:20
- The Remedy for the past mistakes
Have you made a terrible mistake or acted foolishly in the past? Job 14:7-11
There is still hope, if you are willing to make a second back to Christ.
- David’s terrible acts. 2 Samuel 11:2-4; 2 Samuel 12:1-13; Psalm 51; 1 Kings 15:5
- Peter denied Jesus – Matthew 26:69-75 verses 75 – Peter wept for his deeds, repented and believed and followed Jesus again. 2 Corinthians 7:10a
- Judas hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5
Judas did not repent his mistake, evil deeds of betrayal of his Master but killed himself. Matthew 27:3-5; 2 Corinthians 7:10c
Is there any area you have missed it, sinned, misbehaved, etc – run to the Cross in genuine, soberness, humbly and contrite heart for confession, repentance and fully turn back to Christ with righteous and obedience heart, He will forgive you. 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:7-9
Suicide (Suicidal) is like Judas is not the solution to your mistakes, failure, sins or disappointment.
GOD Bless you all in Jesus Name
Shalom!
