Do Not Ignore the Holy Spirit's Promptings
Rev. Tse Amable | July 8, 2024 | John 13:18-30
KEY VERSE:
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, ONE OF YOU IS GOING TO BETRAY ME.” John 13:21 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The story of Judas Iscariot illustrates how temptation leads to sin and how the Holy Spirit prompts a believer to overcome the temptation. James 1:14-15 tells us “each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death”. Temptation is not a sin but it becomes a sin when we yield to it. Jesus Christ was “tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Judas Iscariot was tempted through his love for money but failed to overcome the temptation.
Before Cain killed his brother Abel, the Lord prompted and warned him “.... sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, BUT YOU MUST MASTER IT.” (Genesis 4:7). Cain ignored the timely divine warning and succumbed to the temptation.
Judas Iscariot also ignored the timely promptings and cautions given to him by the Master and yielded to the temptation of the Devil.
If you are a believer, the Lord will be prompting you through the Holy Spirit who dwells inside your spirit. One means the Holy Spirit will use to prompt you is the word of God, the sword of the Spirit. Jesus Christ overcame the temptations he faced using the word of God. The Psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. That is why you must read, study and memorise the word of God so that when Satan tempts you by introducing a sinful desire in your heart, the word of God will cleanse your heart and empower you to overcome.
Remember the scripture which says “he who, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed — and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
DO NOT IGNORE THE HOLY SPIRIT’S PROMPTINGS
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you receive promptings from the Holy Spirit when you are getting too close to sin? How have you used the word of God to walk away from temptations victoriously?
PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, I need you to be victorious whenever I am faced with temptations which will lead me to sin. Tune my spirit to hear your voice when you speak to me and always give me the will to obey you. Amen
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: BETRAY The Greek word for "betray" in John 13:21 is "παραδίδωμι" (paradidōmi), which can be translated as to hand over, deliver up, or betray. It implies the act of delivering someone into the hands of others, often with the connotation of treachery. The use of "betray" (paradidōmi) highlights the profound betrayal by Judas Iscariot, who chooses to hand Jesus over to His enemies. This act of betrayal is not only a personal violation of trust but also a significant event in the divine plan of salvation.
Despite being in the presence of Jesus and witnessing His miracles and teachings, Judas ignored the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Throughout Jesus' ministry, the Holy Spirit's role was to convict, guide, and lead the disciples into truth. Judas's resistance to these promptings led him down a path of betrayal. Reflections: Are you sensitive to the Spirit's guidance, or do you, like Judas, resist and follow your own paths? Recognizing the Holy Spirit's role in leading us to truth and righteousness is crucial in our walk with Christ. How can you ensure that you remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings in your life, avoiding the path of resistance that led to Judas's betrayal?
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