NOTHING FALLS SUDDENLY
So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.” (Luke 22:6 NLT)
Notice the order of events:
First, Judas accepted mischief in his heart.
Second, he began to look for an opportunity.
APPLICATION: No one suddenly falls into sin.
Everything begins with a decision in the heart and the mind. Before falling into temptation, certain thoughts were entertained and then accepted. Then, an opportunity is sought to do what you were thinking of.
No one suddenly leaves church.
No one suddenly commits adultery.
No one suddenly decides to get a divorce from one day to the other.
No one suddenly steals without first having let greed into their heart.
No one suddenly decides to commit suicide in the moment, it’s a process that culminates in the mind.
No one suddenly falls into chronic depression from day to night, rather they have let garbage enter their mind over a period of time.
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14-15 NLT).
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41 NLT).
So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.” (Luke 22:6 NLT).
Think about it:
What have you been accepting or tolerating in your heart?
What thoughts have you been harboring in your mind that do not please God?
What will you do so as to not fall into temptation?