What Can We Learn From A Bad Example?

Matt. 10:1-4 “And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James…, and John his brother; … and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

• He Associated With The Right People

Judas had the same authority the other 11 disciples had, but it wasn’t enough. Jesus gave him power over unclean spirits, and he was able to heal all diseases and afflictions.

So what happened to him?

It is not enough to associate with the right people. You can associate with Christians and not be converted. Judas had the greatest teacher on the earth for over three years, but he failed Discipleship 101.

What a sad commentary to have attached to your life, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

The first test of a disciple is LOYALTY. Judas was not loyal to Jesus. The lesson for us is to allow the association with the right people to lead to a conversion.

• He Appeared To Say The Right Words

John 12:4-5 - 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 poor people?"

You have to admit that really sounds spiritual. Sell the perfume and give the money to the poor that really sounds great. The only problem is Judas was the treasure and the next verse says, “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.”

Don’t make a judgment about someone by the things they say, but rather judge them by what they do. Now some of you may be thinking I thought the Bible taught we weren’t supposed to judge at all. That is not what the Bible teaches.

What it teaches is don’t judge someone if you are doing exactly what you are condemning the person for. In fact, the Bible teaches us “by their fruits you will know them.” (Matt.7:16).

How are you going to know the fruit is good or bad without making a judgment? Jesus allowed Judas to be the treasure. He placed him in situations where he was able to grow spiritually, but he failed the tests.

Jesus may also allow you to be placed in situations where you will have to exercise your faith, and go to Him in prayer to be able to pass the test. Always remember God has said, “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” (Hebrews 13:5).

We can learn from bad examples. There is no harm in learning from another person’s mistakes.

There is no reason to think that good is going to come from doing evil, and there is no way being greedy is going to be beneficial. We are 2,000 years removed from Judas but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from his mistakes.

Think About This:

An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field.
 
Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago      
    
Minister of God’s Word