For the next month, we will turn to Holy Week with Keller. The material is familiar but Tim Keller has a gift for taking us higher up and deeper in. This week: a different look at the Betrayer.
The False Disciple (Judas)
One of the new things I learned from Keller this week was that, in those days, when a host dipped the first piece of bread and gave it to a guest, it was a way for the host to give that guest a special blessing.
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Keller says Jesus, through this act of love, was giving Judas one last chance to repent.
WHAT? Didn’t Jesus need Judas to betray Him?
We will read, listen, and discuss!
Click below to go to The False Disciple
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-false-disciple/
Here is the transcript:
The_False_Disciple-Transcript
Sunday: God Hunt
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow?
Monday: Scripture Passage
2. Read John 13:20-30 out loud to yourself and make at least 5 observations.
Tuesday: The Enormity of Sin for it is Relational
We tend to think of sin as breaking a rule instead of breaking the heart of the One who has done everything for us, even to His agonizing death on the cross. Listen to Keller for about the first 11 and a half minutes, or if you are reading the printed transcript, the first 3 pages.
3. What particularly stood out from this and why?
4. What do you remember about Keller’s explanation of “troubled in spirit” from verse 21?
5. What was Keller’s illustration about the poor widow and her only son? What point was he making?
6. Judas broke God’s heart, yet God still showed him love. How do you see this same pattern in these verses in Hosea?
A. Sin breaking God’s heart: Hosea 2:5-8
B. God showing love to the betrayer: Hosea 2:14-15
Wednesday: Sin Hides
Listen for another ten minutes, until he begins to talk about illustrations from Lewis and Tolkien (on the transcript near the bottom of page 6)
7. What stands out and why?
8. What metaphor do you see in John 13:30? How have you experienced this personally after you choose sin?
9. How does Keller define sin and exemplify its power to remain. What bad habit have you not been able to tame?
10. What kind of discipleship training did Judas receive? What does this tell you?
11. Why does Keller say the disciples didn’t suspect Judas?
12. What was Keller’s point about the pastor who was committing adultery but also preaching moving sermons?
13. How have you justified sin in your own life? Why are you hurting yourself?
Thursday: Sin Overpowers
Listen up to about minute 35 or read up to the last paragraph on page 9.
14. What stands out and why?
15. What story does C. S. Lewis tell in The Great Divorce and how does it show the overpowering nature of sin?
16. What part in The Lord of the Rings moved Tolkein to tears and why?
17. Keller asks “As you value your life, what makes you think you’ll be able to repent of sin at will?” Think of this both in terms of putting off salvation, to putting off truly repenting from a sinful habit. How does this speak to you specifically?
18. How does Genesis 4:6-8 provide a warning for us?
19. Keller said “Everyone in this room has a false identity.” What did he mean? What is yours?
20. What does Hosea 11:8-11 tell you about God’s heart?
Friday: The Remedy
Listen to the end.
21. Make at least three observations.
22. Thank God here for His remedy.
Saturday:
23. What change do you see occurring in your life because of this lesson?
73 comments
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow? A friend prayed with me last Sunday for my hubby s heart rate to come down and it has. Also before church today I had listened to Tim Keller’s sermon that talked about cheap grace. I asked God where that applied to me. Then at church He brought to mind a night time dream I had in the fall and told me I was keeping the good things about Him to myself. Not sure where that is to lead but think He doesn’t want to hear from me “ don’t want to” anymore. He wants faith in Him and obedience in what He asks.
Judy, am thankful for answered prayer for your husband’s heart rate. And your dream! God was speaking to you.
Judy so glad to see that your husband’s heart rate came down. Thank you Jesus.
Two good God hunts, Judy!
So thankful for your answered prayer for your husband and your dream, Judy!
Sunday: God Hunt
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow?
An aunt and an uncle of mine passed away in the Philippines within a month of each other. I mourned from a distance thankful to God for technology so I could offer my condolences in a timely fashion. And to be able to see pictures of my cousins and reflect on our growing-up years. My high school classmates are also in preparation for our 50th high school reunion and it is with nostalgia that I have been privy to the preparation. Sorrows and joys.
I realize, most especially as we are at the tail of the Daniel study, that this is where God wants me to be. I cannot pine and grumble about what could be with my past familial and friend relationships. I can look back with thanksgiving for the gifts of the past and today.
I thought of this verse: “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing,Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-21.
I am thankful for the new things God is doing in my life and the lives of my loved ones.
So sorry Bing for your loss. So glad is providing you the comfort needed.
So hard to be so far at times like this — good applications from Daniel, however, Bing.
I’m sorry you can’t be with your family, Bing. I’m reminded (by your post) of the way Betsie and Corrie viewed most everything they did, even with lice crawling on them, ugh! They saw the good. They thanked God.
I am so sorry for your losses, Bing. So thankful that you were able to connect, giving and getting comfort, even from so many miles away. I love the verses you shared; there are so meaningful to me, at this very time.
Thank you all for your prayers. I feel pressed right now as I hear of the passing of one of my best friends’ husband in the Philippines. I know he has been relatively well and his death came as a shock for me. Cecil, his wife, was my roommate for a few years. My husband, Richard, and James were housemates and we were part of a small Bible Study group as young professionals. Our friendship dates back to 30 years ago. Please pray for Cecil and their 2 young adult children. James would only be in his late 50’s or early 60’s.
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow? I have been more aware of God’s presence through many inconveniences this week. It seems like every time I would start to get annoyed about something that was not happening the way that it should or how I wanted it to, there would be a reason for it. Like when I was going to the store. I had to go back to back to my house because I forgot my phone, which had my shopping list on it. I was annoyed and almost didn’t go back. I’m glad that I did because I had dropped my debit card and I wouldn’t have realized it until I was checking out.
I had to redo some things at my work and was annoyed, then it turned out that I had forgotten a key item and it would have been useless when opened in the surgical suite. I wouldn’t have caught the mistake if I hadn’t had to redo the work.
These are just a couple of examples, but it seemed like it happened a lot this week. It gave me plenty of opportunities to give thanks to God for the inconveniences and makes me less prone to being annoyed.
Dawn, you are so real and down to earth. I see some good God Hunts in your experiences. And we were reminded by Paige last week that He is always there with us working out details in our lives.
God has His eyes on us and prompts us in the most interesting ways. Thank you for sharing these, Dawn!!
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow?
As I was reading “The Hiding Place” last night, I got to a point in the book where Corrie learns her father died. She was keeping a tally of the days and wrote the date of his death; March 9, 1944! Yesterday was March 9! So wild that I was reading that part of the book on that day! Not sure what He was trying to say to me, but it was so cool to think He was speaking to me.
Laura, wow! Thanks for sharing. Corrie was meticulous in marking the days of her father’s life. Oh, how much the Father knows our time. how is school winding down for you? I have a month and a half left.
School is okay. I showed a video about the Vatican Observatory on Friday. Waiting to see if I get any complaints! It’s very interesting both scientifically and historically. They hold one of the largest meteorite collections in the world and their testing protocol is used by the science community. Here is a link if you are interested:
https://youtu.be/o3eqYbKVYC0?si=i94jApUk_AZxfi5c
Laura, Br. Guy is sure a charming and eloquent person. I love what he said that science is for glory of God.
Thank you for sharing this link, Laura! So good!
Oh my, that is cool. Loved the Hiding Place.
I love that he says God is joy!
Sunday: God Hunt
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow? – this week for me, my God Hunt was when my son and daughter-in-law asked if I wanted yo go to Florida with them so I would have more time with our new Granddaughter and our other two grandkids and this is an answer to prayer as I was trying to figure out when to go see my Mom which is where they are going. Also, a friend reached out to check if everything was OK after she saw a post my husband put on Facebook. It’s so awesome to have family and friends who care enough to reach out.
That’s wonderful, Julie.
2. Read John 13:20-30 out loud to yourself and make at least 5 observations.
Jesus states (troubled) that one of them will betray Him.
The one Jesus loved was sitting next to Him. How do they know it was John?
Jesus answers a question from John (via Peter). He says the betrayer is the one he gives the bread to next. Does He answer our loud for all to hear? Or just John? Everyone should have known then.
Judas eats the bread and Satan enters him. Ick!
Jesus tells Judas to go quickly and do what he needed to do. The others think he was on a mission to pay for or buy something. I guess they didn’t know what Jesus said about giving the bread.
Monday: Scripture Passage
2. Read John 13:20-30 out loud to yourself and make at least 5 observations.
1. Jesus was letting them know they had eternal life if they accepted him and the one who sent him.
2. Simon Peter seemed to be afraid to ask Jesus who would betray him when he asked John to do it, or maybe it was because John was sitting closer to Jesus.
3. Jesus implicated Judas when he gave him the bread first. My NIV note says that Judas must have been near Jesus and possibly in the honor sear.
4. Satan immediately was in Judas when he took the bread. This shows me that we have to be very intentional about guarding our hearts and minds so there is no room for Satan to enter.
5. I don’t understand how the disciples could not understand what was happening when Jesus clearly said the one who took the bread would betray him.
6. Judas left as soon as he took the bread. He must have known his time with Jesus, as an apostle, was over.
This is such a great point, Julie! This shows me that we have to be very intentional about guarding our hearts and minds so there is no room for Satan to enter.
Amen!!
2. Read John 13:20-30 out loud to yourself and make at least 5 observations. Whoever accepts someone Jesus sends, accepts Jesus and whoever accepts Jesus accepts the One who sent Him
One of you is going to betray Me
Jesus dipped the bread and gave it to Judas
satan entered Judas and Jesus told him what you are about to do, do quickly
And it was night.
Interesting you observed, “It was night.” Keller says that is also metaphorical.
I wonder then Dee, if ‘night’ is giving us a picture of the darkness that came on the cross.
I wondered if it was contrasting John 1 and other places where Jesus spoke of being light.
Yes indeed to both of you!
3. What particularly stood out from this and why? Sin is deeply relational It’s not just breaking a rule – It’s breaking God’s heart Yikes I need to be more aware of my sin and the effect on God and all Jesus has done for me
4. What do you remember about Keller’s explanation of “troubled in spirit” from verse 21? Torn to pieces Jesus wasn’t aloof to sin but was hurting because of the sin
5. What was Keller’s illustration about the poor widow and her only son? What point was he making? The mom sacrificed her life to work to get her son raised and educated. Once he graduated he was successful, a good person and have to charity, but he cut off communication with the mom who made it possible. God and Jesus have done everything for me to have life here and life eternal When it cut off communication with them, I am trampling what they have done for me
6. Judas broke God’s heart, yet God still showed him love. How do you see this same pattern in these verses in Hosea?
A. Sin breaking God’s heart: Hosea 2:5-8 God block their path so they couldn’t find their way.
B. God showing love to the betrayer: Hosea 2:14-15 God would allure her, lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. He will give back her vineyards and make the valley of Achor a door of hope.
3. What particularly stood out from this and why?
I think I went beyond the time I was supposed to go….
In the reading Jesus is troubled. He knew all would happen why was He troubled?
Our culture struggles with the idea of sin. Isn’t being a good person just as good? No, it’s not just about the laws being broken, rather we are breaking God’s heart. That’s where Jesus was the night.
Sin is about ourselves. It’s serving ourselves. It is powerful to overcome. There is always a root deep inside.
It is powerful in hiding. Judas was just like them. There was nothing different from him compared to the others.
It is powerful to grow. It takes over quietly. It wants to take you over and eventually down. Thinking a thought then you do a deed.
From Laura: Thinking a thought then you do a deed.
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow?
We listened to a Keller sermon Sunday while in Tucson. what became radioactive to me is two things. That the Father, Son & Holy Spirit orbit around each other, and like them God designed us to be in the dance with Him, but sin entered the picture. We were never meant to be isolated and self centered. We were designed to join the dance. Our lives should orbit around Christ and other believers, His body, and we should desire to bring non-believers into the dance.
Also, when he contrasted the first Adam who disobeyed God (the fall) to Jesus obeying God to go to the cross. Blew me away!
Sounds like a great sermon with great reminders.
Do you remember which sermon it was? I’d like yo listen to it.
Those are two such memorable Keller teachings!
I would love to hear that sermon too, Rebecca! Love this thought: We were designed to join the dance. Our lives should orbit around Christ and other believers, His body, and we should desire to bring non-believers into the dance.
2. Read John 13:20-30 out loud to yourself and make at least 5 observations
1. Jesus starts off in verse 20 telling the disciples that whoever accepts him accepts God, then follows that with revealing that one of them will betray him. Stark contrast!
2. The disciples were trying to figure out which one of them would betray Jesus. To me that shows humility.
3. Peter probably worried the most. lol. since he was the first one to motion to John to ask Jesus who it is. Wonder why Peter didn’t ask Jesus himself?
4. Why did Jesus reveal who will betray him by dipping a piece of bread in the dish? He could’ve just said Judas will betray me. So there is something about that. Based on what Dee mentioned above via Keller, that Jesus was giving him a chance to repent. I’m thinking that the bread represents Jesus’ body that was broken for us. So Jesus is illustrating his death on the cross through offering the bread to Judas – giving him a chance to repent, and yet Judas doesn’t repent. BUT then satan entered into him. That threw me. Satan influenced him not to repent?
5. The disciples haven’t a clue at all, even though Jesus explained to them that whoever he gives the bread to after dipping it into the dish will betray him. The disciples saw this and yet thought Jesus was telling Judas to buy what was needed for the festival or for the poor since he had charge of the money. I wonder if this is reflective of religion vs. relationship. Maybe the disciples were unable to understand the significance of it.
Love your thoughts on #4 and 5 Rebecca.
Amen to that, Julie!
Amen to Dee and Julie!
Tuesday: The Enormity of Sin for it is Relational
We tend to think of sin as breaking a rule instead of breaking the heart of the One who has done everything for us, even to His agonizing death on the cross. Listen to Keller for about the first 11 and a half minutes, or if you are reading the printed transcript, the first 3 pages.
3. What particularly stood out from this and why? – It seems like it doesn’t take much for sin, evil, cruel actions to take over if we let them. It seems to be a constant battle. It saddened me to see that the little sins or big ones that I do, not just go against moral law, but against God and tears open is heart. He is so torn up about what I do against him. That is sad. I need to really think about what I’m doing so I don’t cause him to be torn up.
4. What do you remember about Keller’s explanation of “troubled in spirit” from verse 21? – This saying means to be torn to pieces. It’s so relational to him when we sin, that it goes deep down into his soul. He’s not detached from what happens, he takes it seriously and that when we sin, we hurt him deep down.
5. What was Keller’s illustration about the poor widow and her only son? What point was he making? – Her son didn’t care or even see how much she gave up for him that he was able to go to college and get a degree. He was more concerned about himself, he was selfish. We need to really see what all has been done for us, by Christ and others that we have it all embedded in our hearts. We can’t take other people’s actions lightly.
6. Judas broke God’s heart, yet God still showed him love. How do you see this same pattern in these verses in Hosea?
A. Sin breaking God’s heart: Hosea 2:5-8 – I’m not quite sure on this, but what I see, or think I’m seeing is that Hosea’s wife didn’t see the goodness she had with her husband and sought out other men. And through her actions, children were born. So, our choices, good or bad, can affect other lives as well.
B. God showing love to the betrayer: Hosea 2:14-15 – God is going to give her another chance. He hasn’t given up on her yet but will take her out of the environment she is used to, maybe to remove all the sin from her mind and remember the love of God and just who provided everything to her. He will pursue her again and try to bring her back to him. It will be up to her to see what is happening and decide what and who she wants.
That’s just it with Gomer, Julie!
7. What stands out and why? His explanations on Judas Some of those things I’ve wondered about Also that sin has power to hide even from ourselves. Just never thought about sin has power to hide as I soothe my own conscience
8. What metaphor do you see in John 13:30? How have you experienced this personally after you choose sin? That Judas was plunged into spiritual darkness He was as in the Presence of the true light and still followed the wrong path
9. How does Keller define sin and exemplify its power to remain. What bad habit have you not been able to tame? Sin is the soul curved into itself rather than God and others. Sin follows and does anything to please ego trampling any one or thing that gets in the way Interrupting people Which is a symptom of thinking what I have to say is more important than another Ignoring treating others better than self
10. What kind of discipleship training did Judas receive? What does this tell you? The best He was with Jesus learning and hearing everything first hand It tells me I can be blind to truth that is right in front of me
11. Why does Keller say the disciples didn’t suspect Judas? Judas fit in with everyone else
12. What was Keller’s point about the pastor who was committing adultery but also preaching moving sermons? He was enmeshed in sin but he would preach a great sermon, get great feedback from people he knew and cared about. So he thought he was okay His conscience was soothed because of the good things he was doing
13. How have you justified sin in your own life? Why are you hurting yourself? I’ve overlooked sin in my life particularly before a believer and as a new believer. I couldn’t have a relationship with the way the truth and the life with sin ruling over me.
Reminds me, Judy, of Paige quoting Martin Lloyd Jones on how we don’t see sin, but justify it, because of our sin nature.
Good responses!
4. What do you remember about Keller’s explanation of “troubled in spirit” from verse 21?
Jesus was troubled because He had given Judas everything He could and Judas never actually gave Him his heart.
5. What was Keller’s illustration about the poor widow and her only son? What point was he making?
I think it was because she had given everything to her son (she was a good person and wanted him to be as well) but there was no “heart” there.
6. Judas broke God’s heart, yet God still showed him love. How do you see this same pattern in these verses in Hosea?
A. Sin breaking God’s heart: Hosea 2:5-8
She is a prostitute and has abused herself by sinning in this way. She has broken God’s heart.
B. God showing love to the betrayer: Hosea 2:14-15
God restores His relationship because He lavishes love on the sinner.
1. How have you “spied” the God who is always there (Remember how Paige didn’t like the expression “God showed up”) this week? Was it through creation, though the beauty of a friend, through Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, or comfort in a time of sorrow?
I have had some hard days this past week. Yet, God has blessed me with some sweet unexpected phone calls and text from three friends, who have also had recent losses. It helped me so much to hear from them and see how God is showing each of us, at such a sad time, that He has a plan and direction for each of our lives. Two friends, who are widowers, are reaching out to others~ one starting a Bible study and one mentoring his grandchildren. One recommended a podcast: Lament as a Tonic for Suffering, by Doug Groothuis. I have also been so blessed by this week’s lesson! The whole lesson has become radioactive with me. I am always blessed reading how God is working in each of your lives~ He is so present! How I Praise Him!
Patti, I hope this week is looking better, but I’m so thankful that God has put you and your friends together. I think that’s how we must handle grief. Leaning on one another. You are setting a good example for me. I have a friend whose husband is dying. She is vibrant, he is 88 pounds (6’2”) in a facility. He is 66 with MS. It is very sad. I hope I am helping her through, but we are 2000 miles apart. Praying for you. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your prayers, Laura. God is so good always. I need to keep my heart grateful and to trust Him with everything. I know that just a note, a call or a prayer will help your friend, no matter the miles. It has helped me so much to walk through the grief, with others.
So good about your widower friends – I think I know one of them.
Yes, you do. 🙂 Your sons are friends.
2. Read John 13:20-30 out loud to yourself and make at least 5 observations.
1.) Jesus is preparing His disciples to continue His ministry. (John 13:20-receive Me and Him who sent Me…He is the Son of God most High)
2.) Jesus is troubled, as He announcing that one of them will betray Him.
3.) Jesus reveals that the betrayer is the one to whom He will give the bread ~ which was a blessing
4.) The disciples seem clueless, even though they observe this…they don’t understand Jesus’s words: “What you do, do quickly”
5.) Judas rejects the blessing and this allowed Satan to enter him…..did his rejection of the blessing open an door to Judas’s soul for Satan? Is the night representing the darkness of the soul of Judas?
We tend to think of sin as breaking a rule instead of breaking the heart of the One who has done everything for us, even to His agonizing death on the cross. Listen to Keller for about the first 11 and a half minutes, or if you are reading the printed transcript, the first 3 pages.
3. What particularly stood out from this and why? That sin is relational, you’re betraying God. It’s not some sort of technical ethicalness of your life.
4. What do you remember about Keller’s explanation of “troubled in spirit” from verse 21? That it means torn apart, so Jesus wasn’t detached stating that he knew Judas would betray him, so it is what it is. Rather he is deeply torn apart by Judas betraying him. Sin is grievous because it tramples on God’s heart.
5. What was Keller’s illustration about the poor widow and her only son? What point was he making? Her son was able to go to college and she sacrificed to pay for it. Once he graduated, he never made the effort to see her but sent her Christmas cards and so he thought that was enough and it was enough that he was a good person and gives to the poor. The point is, is that saying you believe in God and are a good person, yet don’t want him relationally, that isn’t enough. You are doing it for yourself, not for God out of reverence and love for Him.
This made me ponder which can be dangerous. 😉 I don’t think there is an “enough”. We can never do enough, but we owe God everything because He did it for us because we couldn’t. God did everything to redeem us and bring us to Himself. We can’t do enough to earn redemption, but the only reason God redeemed us is to cover us in His righteousness so we can be in a deep relationship with Him. It’s not about earning his favor or his delight. When we respond to his wooing us, and say either verbally or in our hearts, yes, take my life! I need to be forgiven of my sins so I can be with you. I want you! In that moment we are covered in his righteousness, and His Holy Spirit enters us. We are in the dance and we owe Him all we are, everything. We have his favor and are his delight!
6. Judas broke God’s heart, yet God still showed him love. How do you see this same pattern in these verses in Hosea?
A. Sin breaking God’s heart: Hosea 2:5-8: Israel (the woman) loved her idols to the point where she chased after them and treated God, who gave her everything the idols gave her and more, like he was just a second thought. Judas acted like a disciple on the outside, and yet deep in his heart he desired to betray Jesus to get what his idols were offering him. She used what God gave her to worship idols and so did Judas. This broke God’s heart deeply. It wasn’t just a slight weeping, He was torn apart both with Israels’ rejection of Him in Hosea and with Judas rejection of Him. In Hosea it shows what God’s heart looks like when it’s torn. God’s full out emotions of how he wanted to rip her idols away from her so that she could desire the One who truly loves her. Jesus knew how Judas’ idols would rip him apart in the end, and the pain of Judas choosing them over Jesus.
His emotions are palpable! God didn’t say he wanted to end her life, He wanted to strip her of her idols and wake her up to His love.
B. God showing love to the betrayer: Hosea 2:14-15 – By dipping the bread in the cup, Jesus was showing love to Judas even though Judas wanted to and was going to betray Him. Jesus wanted Judas but Judas didn’t want Him. In Hosea, God showed Israel love by leading her to the wilderness where she’s stripped of everything and God dresses her with His love, tenderness, and restoration.
So God’s made these passages radioactive to me. It’s hard to look at Judas and Israel thinking, “I never do that” because I do! But to look at Him and His passion for Israel because that’s the same passion He has for me and for His body, and that makes it harder for me to hold onto my sin. Yet I still can, and He’s making me aware that I’m holding onto a sinful attitude. I’m holding onto it because I think it’s justified. I feel like the Shulamite woman in The Song of Songs who wanted to stay in bed rather than respond to the King. I even have stones of remembrance of His goodness and rescue of me! How can I be so stubborn. Yet God dips the bread and offers it to me.
How I remember your beautiful testimony including Hosea, Rebecca.
So many great points in your answers, Rebecca. Our sins break God’s heart and tear Him apart.
Monday John 13:20-30
1. Jesus was troubled in spirit ( Jesus was disturbed greatly about what was going to happen) and tells them that one will betray him.
2, Immediately the 12 start looking at each other wondering who the betrayer might be. Obviously at this point Judas becomes aware that Jesus knows about him.
3. When Jesus gives him the bread, Judas has further proof of Jesus’ knowledge.
4. “That thou doest, do quickly.” Jesus sets the betrayal in motion. He selected the time for it to happen.
5. The other 11 did not suspect anything of Judas. Hadn’t he been with them as a faithful follower of Jesus, hadn’t heen sent out with them to preach and perform signs, hadn’t he seen everything Jesus had done and heard all His teaching? This is a warning to us as only God knows the heart of anyone.
Tuesday Enormity of Sin
3. relativistic western cultures, what we mainly struggle with is what the Bible says about sin. Exactly right, sin is equated with not breaking the rules and being a good person, but the believer knows it is a broken relationship with a holy God.
4. Jesus was torn up inside over the sin of Judas.
5. The widow had worked hard and sacrificed much to raise her son and pay for his education. She worked long hours, and put him first before her own needs in order to give him the best possible life. The point K was making is that God has done the same in providing for us. Jesus sacrificed everything, including his life, to reconcile us and repair our broken relationship.
6. Sin breaking God’s heart A. Hosea 2 :5-8 Hosea’s adulterous wife is a picture of Israel unfaithfulness. She ran after the men she thought would provide her with all she wanted (false gods) and then returned to her husband when disappointed (he loves her still). vs.8 she did not know… her husband had already given her what she needed, as God had already provided for Israel. This is a picture for us also in our relationship to Jesus, our “husband,” that gives us all we need and loves us unconditionally. B. Everything has been taken from Hosea’s wife, but Hosea still loves her (God still loves Israel). Applies to me also, when I wander, stumble, or fall, the Lord doesn’t stop loving me. He woos me again and again thru the Holy Spirit back into the loving arms of Jesus.
Wednesday Sin Hides
7. What stood out to me was not only that sin hides, but IT GROWS. Once we let sin creep in, and justify it, it can root and produces more sin.
8. John 13:30 Choosing sin and slipping into the night (darkness), thinking to hide the sin.
10,11 Judas heard and saw all that Jesus said and did. Judas preached, cast out demons, was a faithful follower just like the other disciples. He was one of them, nothing untoward stood out.
12. That pastor would start feeling guilty then preached a moving sermon. He’d think, I can’t be that bad, just look at the good I’m doing. The point being that sin is insidious. We hide it from ourselves, but God sees it. How foolish to think no one knows! He knows, and is grieved, as evidenced by the Holy Spirit convicting and drawing us back.
Yes, sin not only hides but GROWS!
8. What metaphor do you see in John 13:30? How have you experienced this personally after you choose sin?
After reading the discussion of darkness earlier in the week I suppose his going into the night would point to the darkness.
9. How does Keller define sin and exemplify its power to remain. What bad habit have you not been able to tame?
Sin is about ourselves and is powerful to grow. It remains deeply inside of us, even when we believe it to be gone.
My habit of eating too much has been my trouble.
10. What kind of discipleship training did Judas receive? What does this tell you?
Judas received the same training as the others. Well, he should have seen the situation as others did. But, he cared more for himself than for Jesus.
11. Why does Keller say the disciples didn’t suspect Judas?
He was just like them!
12. What was Keller’s point about the pastor who was committing adultery but also preaching moving sermons?
He justified his behavior with that fact that he was doing a good job so shouldn’t he have a reward?
From Laura:
Sin is about ourselves and is powerful to grow. It remains deeply inside of us, even when we believe it to be gone.
3. What particularly stood out from this and why?
I am trampling on God’s heart when I sin. One of the points that Keller makes is that Sin is the soul turning in on itself, so that it desires to serve itself rather than God and other people. It is about the heart. Sin makes your own ego and your own needs the only real thing in your world and everything else, including your relationship with God, is discardable. I find this so frightening! Sin sticks like glue and grows like a weed….it is dangerous, if not eradicated.
4. What do you remember about Keller’s explanation of “troubled in spirit” from verse 21?
Sin tears up the heart of Jesus. It violates His glory. It is relational and it destroys relationships. It puts my needs above God and above the needs of others. According to Keller: When I sin, I trample, break or discard anything to get my needs met.
5. What was Keller’s illustration about the poor widow and her only son? What point was he making?
The son dishonors his mother, who has given up everything for him. His needs are only about him ~ he convinces himself he is a good person, he works hard and gives to the poor, but when you destroy the relationship, you have trampled on God’s law….the son dishonors God when he dishonors his mother and rejects her love. Everything the mother did, she did for her son; yet everything the son did, he did for himself.
6. Judas broke God’s heart, yet God still showed him love. How do you see this same pattern in these verses in Hosea?
Hosea is a powerful analogy of how Israel rejected God for idols; Judas rejected the son of God for his own idols. The soul of Judas was drawn into the darkness of the enemy.
A. Sin breaking God’s heart: Hosea 2:5-8
Israel, like Judas, turned to her idols and does not acknowledge the true source of her blessings. I need to daily clear the weeds of sin from my heart and turn to God.
B. God showing love to the betrayer: Hosea 2:14-15
Even as God exiles Israel for her betrayal, He loves her and woos her back, even in the midst of His judgment. This love is shown to Judas, when Jesus offers the dipped bread to him, yet Judas heart has already been darkened and the seed of sin has taken root. Keller points out that sin plants deep roots; it is poison. Judas has experienced the love, holiness, teaching of Jesus; yet the cockroach of sin remains. Everything Judas did, he did for himself.
This probably is not the most comforting lesson for a new widow who needs comfort! Except you know your bridegroom loves you!!
Oh, Dee! I do know and feel that my bridegroom loves me (in spite of some hard days). I have found Tim Keller’s sermon and all that has been shared this week so powerful!
I’M SO GLAD.
Monday: Scripture Passage
2. Read John 13:20-30 out loud to yourself and make at least 5 observations.
One of you will betray me.
The one who Jesus loves asked Jesus who will betray him.
The one He will give the bread to will be His betrayer.
The disciples did not have a clue about what Jesus said about his betrayer.
It was night when Judas left. Sin equated with darkness.
Tuesday: The Enormity of Sin for it is Relational
We tend to think of sin as breaking a rule instead of breaking the heart of the One who has done everything for us, even to His agonizing death on the cross. Listen to Keller for about the first 11 and a half minutes, or if you are reading the printed transcript, the first 3 pages.
3. What particularly stood out from this and why?
We are breaking God’s heart when we sin; it is relational not just rules or ethics. People have said, ” If something makes me happy, I just do it.” There is no accountability to others or God.
4. What do you remember about Keller’s explanation of “troubled in spirit” from verse 21?
he is torn up inside; we trample on god’s heart when we sin.
5. What was Keller’s illustration about the poor widow and her only son? What point was he making?
He owes his mother. It is not about ethics but a relationship. We owe God everything but we don’t give Him what He deserves- gratitude, His honor, and glory. I was struck by what Tim Keller said about sin being able to remain and to hide.
6. Judas broke God’s heart, yet God still showed him love. How do you see this same pattern in these verses in Hosea?
A. Sin breaking God’s heart: Hosea 2:5-8
Hosea’s wife is unfaithful to Him. We are unfaithful to God when we go after our “lovers” or idols.
B. God showing love to the betrayer: Hosea 2:14-15
God will speak tenderly to us. He will use the “wilderness”, and our hardships to bring us back to him. And He will us back what belongs to us and will give us hope. I think of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you…plan to give you a future and a hope…”
I love the part about Him speaking tenderly to us!
Wednesday: Sin Hides
Listen for another ten minutes, until he begins to talk about illustrations from Lewis and Tolkien (on the transcript near the bottom of page 6)
7. What stands out and why?
“Judas looked like everybody else.” Another wow! Also, the metaphor of an animal crouching at the door. Yikes! O Lord, have mercy. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Help me have Philippians 4:8 thoughts.
8. What metaphor do you see in John 13:30? How have you experienced this personally after you choose sin?
Judas went out at night. When I have sinned in the past, I have felt a literal darkness as well as a heaviness inside. There was an incident lately when I knew I was sinning by my attitude and I couldn’t get rid of the heaviness inside as hard as I tried. It wasn’t until I cried out to God to help me, and He directed me to His Word that the heaviness lifted and went away. God reminded me also of the presence of the Holy spirit inside of me to counsel me and Jesus is praying for my protection from the enemy.
9. How does Keller define sin and exemplify its power to remain. What bad habit have you not been able to tame?
Sin is the soul curved into itself. Oh, wow! What a picture! As long as my soul is curved in, I am in prison and sin remains and be there hidden.
I struggle with the auto response of defensiveness. I am learning to remind myself that God is in control and to trust Him to defend me and those I love.
10. What kind of discipleship training did Judas receive? What does this tell you?
He received everything from Jesus, We can still be dotting our “I’s” and crossing our “t’s” according to the rules, but if we have never given our hearts to Jesus, they will not count. We have to believe that Jesus is who He says He is
11. Why does Keller say the disciples didn’t suspect Judas?
Judas just look like themselves and he did everything that the disciples did as well. Jesus never had Judas’ heart in the beginning. Judas had ulterior motives-he was not about the true kingdom of God. He was about what’s in this for me.
12. What was Keller’s point about the pastor who was committing adultery but also preaching moving sermons?
We can justify our sins.
13. How have you justified sin in your own life? Why are you hurting yourself?
I am better than the other person. When I make myself a judge, I judge by my own standards and not God’s. Justifying my sins would hinder my relationship with God. I will not be discerning of His will in my life.
13. How have you justified sin in your own life?
I guess I would think that I’m not hurting anyone else by being sinful.
Why are you hurting yourself?
Probably to avoid dealing with the truth.
Listen up to about minute 35 or read up to the last paragraph on page 9.
14. What stands out and why?
He relates Judas and Jesus, to Cain and Abel. God counsels Cain about sin. He says sin wants to have him. He knows Cain is thinking of bad things and warns him that the thought will grow.
15. What story does C. S. Lewis tell in The Great Divorce and how does it show the overpowering nature of sin?
He speaks of a woman who grumbles. If you don’t stop it now there will be a time when you can’t stop it. You will just be a grumble.
16. What part in The Lord of the Rings moved Tolkein to tears and why?
Near the end of the second volume, where Galum becomes a servant to Proto who is kind to him. After awhile, he starts to soften. There is a point where he is about to repent and then another character accuses him of something and he turns away from the repentance. The fleeting moment is gone.
This is like the moment when Judas is speaking to Jesus.
17. Keller asks “As you value your life, what makes you think you’ll be able to repent of sin at will?” Think of this both in terms of putting off salvation, to putting off truly repenting from a sinful habit. How does this speak to you specifically?
I can’t do it without God.
18. How does Genesis 4:6-8 provide a warning for us?
God says that sin is crouching at his door. It wants control. He needs to subdue it and be the one in control.
LAURA — I SEE SUCH GROWTH IN YOU!
Thursday: Sin Overpowers
Listen up to about minute 35 or read up to the last paragraph on page 9.
14. What stands out and why?
That Jesus still loved Judas even if He knew Judas would betray him. He offered an opportunity for Judas to turn back to God. But Judas made a choice and he chose darkness instead of the Light.
Judas went into the darkness. The darkness came down on Jesus and He suffered being forsaken by the holy Father who cannot look at our sins carried by Jesus for us.
15. What story does C. S. Lewis tell in The Great Divorce and how does it show the overpowering nature of sin?
The woman who grumbled and judged the grumbling as not good but kept doing it and stayed a grumbler.
16. What part in The Lord of the Rings moved Tolkein to tears and why?
“the fleeting moment had passed beyond recall.” Nipping it in the bud. Not opening the door to the crouching animal.
17. Keller asks “As you value your life, what makes you think you’ll be able to repent of sin at will?” Think of this both in terms of putting off salvation, to putting off truly repenting from a sinful habit. How does this speak to you specifically?
I cannot do anything on my own. I must take the first step of obedience and god will strengthen me to do the rest.
18. How does Genesis 4:6-8 provide a warning for us?
Sin is crouching and it will overpower us. Take care of it once and for all or it will overpower you.
19. Keller said “Everyone in this room has a false identity.” What did he mean? What is yours?
We try to hide our real self-we want to make a name for ourselves according to the world’s standards. Anything that makes u feel good about us is a false identity. Mine would be anything that serves my idol of approval. Paige said something like “I want people to like me; rather it should be about glorifying God.”
20. What does Hosea 11:8-11 tell you about God’s heart?
He cannot give His people up and hand them over to destruction even if they do evil things. His compassion is aroused, and He will do everything to settle His people in their “homes”. A home where He would be present with them/us.
And because of his heart, He gave up His one and only Son, to take our places so we can be reconciled to Him and be at home with him.
21. Make at least three observations. Judas went out into the darkness. When we continue in our sin we are walking into the darkness and it will overtake us.
When Jesus hung on the cross the entire world was covered in darkness for 3 hours. Jesus sees right to the bottom of our hearts, in our darkest places and loves us anyway.
The stuff that is wrong with me is deeply rooted and only a regeneration of the Holy Spirit can get rid of it.
22. Thank God here for His remedy. Thank you, God for providing the only remedy for my sin. It is only because of you that I can even recognize my sin. Thank you for your never ending mercy in allowing me to repent and accept your gift of salvation.
FROM DAWN’S PRAYER: IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU I CAN EVEN RECOGNIZE MY SIN