I will attempt to list down what I have learned YTT based from all activities during my waking hours:
July 30th
1. Yesterday : a little horseplaying can “humanize” a father to his kids.
2. Today : no man is an island!
3. Tomorrow : IT no nos. I will travel to Malacca for business. I will not attempt to even utilize 3G!
Like the weather, there are seasons in a mans life where one has to examine his priorities, his journey, his life in general.
In the process, one has to determine his course, his direction and most of all his end objective. The question is, are there paths of no return?
Meaning a downward spiral where it will be difficult for him to extricate from the cudgels of fate or destiny?
One realization I have is that our marriage took a backseat when our careers, child rearing responsibilities and ministry commitments have engulfed our waking hours. Other than work, for most part of the day, we are mostly consumed on ‘getting things done’ just to ‘get by’.
Sad but life ought NOT to be lived this way!
This thought reminded me to examine once more: do you do what you do because of who you are ? or you are who you are because of what you do?
Sermon: July 21: WIN COS MP
Pastor Mark Boado
Slide 1
I cant help but notice this placard while travelling thru the streets of Manila. Little did I know I would use it one day for preaching.
So as you can see, the phrase said “ God knows Judas not pay”.
I was saying to my mind and my heart as I was reading this?
– Although the placard is cute and a little cheeky, it hammers home a key message right?
– That God being the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent that he is knows who do not honestly pay the jeepney driver.
– Hmm, did God really now that Judas would betray him?
– If so, why did he still chose him as a disciple?
Slide 2
That question reminded me of this cliché which to most of you would have heard it being said in a popular movie back in the 80s
– The cliché read: be close to your friends but be closer to your enemies.
Slide 3
This morning I want us to turn our bibles to the story that been a key component of salvation. It is the betrayal story of our Lord by one of his disciples.
Luke 22: 1-6 tells us:
Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.
Slide 4
Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
Slide 5
If you are taking notes, the title of my sharing this morning is “the price of obedience”.
Sa tagalog, magkano ka ba?
Slide 6
If there is one key message I want us to take home it is that”
Let’s be humble to admit that obeying God should be the sole desire of our heart, and if we think we are close to God, let’s not boast that we don’t fall.
Slide 7
Now the betrayal story has always hinchpoint in the story of Jesus. Even popular movie stories contain elements of betrayal, turning away, treason and general falling off between two characters.
– If we know our bibles, we would have known that even at the garden of eden, there was already betrayal that took place.
– We know of eve, having disobeyed and eaten the forbidden fruit.
– But we have to keep in mind that there is a trigger to all of this.
– And that trigger is none other than the devil, the slanderer, diablo
My question to you beloved is that”
At what price are we willing to compromise our belief in the Lord.
Slide 8
Before we answer the question, allow me to name the major characters or people or group of people involved in the betrayal story I read earlier
1. The religious leaders and chief priest.
2. Judas
3. Satan
4. Crowd/Public
For purposes of this mornings study, I would dwell mainly on Judas and Satan.
Digging deeper in the background of Judas, a lot of people don’t know that Judas as a person, before he committed the betrayal not a disciple, is in himself an accomplished man, from a worldy point of view. Why because –
• a leader or member of the Zealots (a party of Jews who advocated armed rebellion from Rome), who supported Jesus until the latter refused to become king;
• Dito galing yung word na zeal.
• Ingat tayo sa asawang nag ze zealots.
• a friend of Jesus who essentially helped him to do his duty and commit suicide; close friend in the sense he is the treasurer of the group! This reminds me of the passage in which Jesus said: you cannot serve both God and money. Malamang absent si Judas nung tinuturo ni christ ito. That is why it is important that you don’t miss sermons and Sunday church because maybe that Lord wanted you to hear something today.
• Paul also reinforced this says, the “love of money is the root of all evil.’…
jesus said you cannot serve both mammon and
• a negotiator between Jesus and the Jewish authorities;
• Talk to chief priest and guards, he has access.
• One cannot simply barge and walk in uninvited to any high profile meeting right.
• a dupe who didn’t fully understand what he was doing; or
• Puppet by someone else interest.
• Utusan.
• a character invented by the Gospel writers because they supposedly needed a villain — the Greek name “Judas” (“Judah” in Hebrew, the source of the word “Jew”) in this view was purposely employed as an anti-Semitic device.
• Fictitious character invented by writers to identify a villain.
So in todays lingo, his resume is full of accomplishments.
Slide 9
Now in order to understand why Judas has behaved in this manner, lets study the Zealots, or group of people that have been a key component of the ancient near east life.
• The Zealots objected to Roman rule and violently sought to eradicate it by generally targeting Romans and Greeks. Zealots who engaged in violence against other Jews were called the Sicarii.
• Violence is part of their behavior. Way of life.
• There are people like this. If they cannot get their way, they resort to violence to obtain their goals.
• They raided Jewish habitations and killed Jews they considered apostate and collaborators, while also urging Jews to fight Romans and other Jews for the cause.
• Multiple objectives.
• They would engage anybody and anyone so long as they meet their objective.
• To them the word is a FRENEMY.
• One day you are his friend.
• Another day its your enemy.
• Josephus paints a very bleak picture of their activities as they instituted what he characterized as a murderous
“reign of terror” prior to the Jewish Temple’s
Slide 10
But beloved, do not be deceived, as far as the bible is concerned, the betrayal has already been predicted and in fact admonished by the gospel writers.
Jesus said in John 13:18 : “The one who has eaten my bread has lifted up his heel against me.” (John 13:18)
Jesus said again in John 17:12 -“I guarded them and not one of them perished except the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.” (John 17:12)
John further wrote in the earlier account -“But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, who was intending to betray him, said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it.” (John 12:4-6)
Matthew and Mark recorded strong words about Jesus betrayal which said: “For the Son of Man will go just as it is written of him, but woe to that man by who the Son of Man is betrayed! It would better for him if he had never been born!” (Matthew 26:24 and Mark 14:21)
The key takeaway from this beloved is that the betrayal is not a random act but was schemed by people close to Jesus.
Slide 11
Then came the clincher, the verse that will enlighten all of us.
Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve .
4 words, but very impactful.
4 words, but the result is devastating.
4 words that would fulfill the prophecy of Jesus.
The Old testament has also mentioned verses about betrayal,
– Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9)
– Also, “I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—the handsome price at which they priced me!’ So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter” (Zechariah 11:12-13)
Slide 12
And after Satan entered and gained stronghold, what did Judas do?
No he did not pray nor watch over his master like what the disciples did.
He sneaked out, run to the chief priest and used his skills in negotiating with temple guards and discusse
Amazing, how this man has used the skills given to him in managing money and affairs of their group and let himself be used by the enemy. All because satan has entered and gained dominion of his life.
And this is an area where we need to be careful beloved. Because when we think we are strongest and closest to Jesus is also the time temptation would do its job and would do its best to lure us in disobeying God.
Slide 13
Peter reminded the people of his day to stay alert and be of sober mind. Because the enemy is out on a prowl.
• In 1 Peter 5:8-9 we read:
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
The analogy could not be more apt. Like a roaring lion. Not a fluffy dog that you can carress or a pet that you can cuddle. No, it’s a roaring lion. Not like those in the zoo or captivity but in the wild.
Doing what? Looking for someone for devour and eat!
• Job also alludes to the same behavior of satan when God asked, where have you been satan? Oh roaming the earth looking for someone to devour.
• James Offered us some hints and insights how we ought to approach this. James said to resist the devil and he will flee from you. Often the problem is that when we are too deep in our disobedience and too deep in our ways that we find it harder to get away from the grips of sinful lifestyle.
James offered a powerful reminder – submit yourselves to God. Submit to Godly ways.
Peter reminded his readers as well – Be alert and of sober mind. Alert not sleepy.
Slide 14
Now when Satan comes and starts tempting you, try and fight the battle by claiming this verse in 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Tell that to your neighbor: The one who is in you is GREATER than the one who is in the world.
Slide 15
On the contrary, look what happened to the chief priests and leaders, they were delighted!
“They were delighted and agreed to give him money.”
How heartless these bastards! They agreed to give him money too!
Do you find it strange that the strongest weakness of the person is often the part the enemy uses in order to tempt.
In Judas case, we can clearly tell that during the breaking of the bottle of expensive perfume, we read from scripture that he was there shouting in disbelief.
By the way, do you know that not only is Judas present in that encounter, satan is also there!
SLIDE 16
Look at how Judas behaved at this point in time, he consented and watched for an opportunity.
Can you now relate how satan behaves also?
Watching for every opportunity!
Like a roaring lion. Looking for someone to devour.
SLIDE 17
Two words beloved that I would like to caution and warn you about are the words WHAT IF”. The moment you start your day or when you are in solitude with these words, then I can guarantee, Satan is there.
Don’t get me wrong. For example, instead of doing the laundry, you suddenly felt lazy and instead asked “WHAT IF”. In tagalog, ano kaya kung…
SLIDE 18
In ending, I would like to share to you a song by casting crown which impressed upon my heart as I prepare for this message today. The song is entitled “SLOW FADE”.
Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
SLIDE 19
1. Do recognize who the enemy is.
2. Do realize there is a daily struggle.
3. Don’t lost hope.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer
SLIDE 20
Let’s be humble to admit that obeying God should be the sole desire of our heart, and if we think we are close to God, let’s not boast that we don’t fall.
Matthew 16:24 NIV
[24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Clear as daylight. The enemy is ourselves. Our carnal instincts. Our fleshly desires. Our self preservation attempts. The me me me mentality.
Desires. Uncontained. Undirected. Unfocused.
Thoughts. Unclear. Unorganized. Unpure.
Actions. Ungodly.
If one would aspire to be an influence to the world. Then one has to deny self and start serving others.
But one has to be prayerful and watchful to discern who would be those you would herd to the Lord.
One might herd a black sheep. Worse a wolf dressed in sheep clothing.
Listening to Alistair Begg on truth for life and was astonished and refreshed to hear him reinforce scriptural truths about christianity.
My takeaway from his sermon is that even for those of us thought we have done nothing wrong or harbor ill will in our hearts, the focus of self righteousness is in itself a sin. That by being selfish, proudful, conceited and think lowly of others is similar if not worse with all other sinful behaviors.
I am revisiting the book I bought in the US 2 years ago on counselling.
Despite years in publication, 1973:40 years of age, I find the material still very relevant to discuss in todays counsellee.
I guess the problem and causes of sin are universal enough that it transcends time.
This is the great thing about scripture in that it tackles head on the issue of the heart which is always the rootcause of all mans woes and misery.
Well if the bible is full of wisdom and antidotes, who needs an additional book!
Small deed, small thought, small act, sums up to big ones. And I remember Paul when he said in 2 Corinthians to offer every little thought to Christ. I quote “
|
|||
This is why too even small thought of evil needs to be nipped in the bud early on.
=============================
Read more at http://www.greatday.com/#UkH7PY0L5c4txXuB.99
– my handicap has lowered from 24.4 to 21.7
– scored below 35 on the 9 hole courses we are playing.
– scored below 100 for my last 3 rounds with friends.
– wifey broke 40 for the 9 holes and is now playing sub 110 round!
– bought new equipments.
Mark Boado Blog 