Holiness, Godliness, Usefulness
07/11/2014, by John Kincaid
Lesson 294: Betrayed by a Friend
The world minimizes their sinfulness. They say, “It was just a little white lie”. But Paul viewed himself as chief among sinners, because he grew more and more aware of his sinfulness and need for repentance.
1 Tim.1:15-16 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
William Blake wrote, “It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.”
Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group including his friend Brutus. This moment as Caesar died was captured by Shakespeare’s line "Et tu, Brute?" (and you too, Brutus?) This is the utmost betrayal because it is unexpected, by a friend.
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Luke 22:2-6, 21-22, 47-48; John 18:1-11
I won’t truly repent until I truly believe that I am the worst of sinners. None of us will.
This doesn’t mean that my crimes are worse than Hitler’s. It means that God has made me aware of a key difference between believers and unbelievers:
Each of my sins is a greater betrayal of my Savior than the actions of unbelievers who live in ignorance. I know who Jesus is, and what He has done for me. When I sin, I am betraying Jesus just like Judas did – as His friend.
About This Series
The goal of this series is to become more useful in serving the Lord Jesus Christ, as an instrument in the Redeemer's hand. The theme verses for the series are Ephesians 4:22-24, Philemon 11, 2 Timothy 2:21
- to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
- and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
- Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.
- Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
