Put on the whole armor of God

This week we have been looking at Bible characters that started well but did not finish well as a reminder to each of us that finishing well is not a forgone conclusion. Each day we make choices to obey God or to disobey God. Not choosing is also a choice. Each time we choose obedience we take a step towards finishing well. Each time we choose disobedience we take a step towards finishing poorly. I think sometimes we buy into the lie that we'll get more spiritual when we get older! Ha! I used to think that. Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:7-9, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Each of our illustrations thus far have been individuals who reaped what they had sown. They didn't wake up one day and loose their way. They lost their way one baby step at a time. Today, as we consider Judas, He was no different. We may think we are very different from Judas, but don't we betray Christ every time we choose sin?

Judas, the disciple started well: "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." Matthew 10:1.
There are multiple references that indicate he did not finish well:"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you? 'And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him." Matthew 26:14-16 "Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying , "'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.'...Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself." Matthew 27:3-5 (excerpts)
What was it that drew Judas away? Was it the money? Was it jealousy? Was it fear? I don't believe the Scriptures clearly tell us. Satan is subtle, he'll use anything to draw us away from heart devotion to Jesus Christ.
BUT we have the Holy Spirit by whom we can discern right and wrong, truth and error. Praise God we can be aware of Satan's scheme's and be watchful. Let me close with with this truth to infuse you with strength and courage to stand against the enemy. "Finally, my brethern, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities,against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13
Amen. Amen. and Amen.

Diane