Theme Scripture:
John 13:2 – “And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Jesus.” John 13:2 (NKJV)
Exposition
This Scripture reveals something profound: Judas did not act in a vacuum. His betrayal was preceded by a prompting, an influence placed in his heart by the devil.
This truth invites every Christian to pause and reflect. Whenever we feel an urge, a desire, a sudden impression, or a push toward a certain action or decision, we must be able to discern where that prompting is coming from. For example, you may suddenly feel a strong urge to quit your job. This could be the Holy Spirit prompting a change, or, it could well be a demonic influence trying to take you out of God’s will, or stop a blessing that may be coming to you from your workplace.
Just as Judas was prompted by the devil, we too can be influenced if we leave our hearts and senses unguarded. As Christians, we must learn to:
• Discern the source of every stirring
• Filter every impression through the Word of God
• Shut our spiritual and natural senses to any influence that is not from God
Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” This means the only influence we should welcome is the leading of the Holy Spirit. Every other prompting, no matter how subtle, must be rejected.
And how do we discern?
Through the Word of God. The Word is our compass, our guide, our standard. When we know the Word:
• We know God, His ways, His nature, His likes and dislikes
• We know what aligns with Him and what contradicts Him
• We can quickly identify which promptings are divine and which are demonic
Anything out of alignment with the Word of God is not from God. Not likely, it is definitely not of God. This is why intimacy with God is essential. Relationship makes discernment easier. When we walk closely with Him, we freely share our desires, stirrings, and questions with Him: “Lord, I am feeling this way. Is this of You? If it is, confirm it. If it is not, remove it.”
Many Christians walk as if they are fatherless and friendless, forgetting that:
• God is our Father
• God is our Friend
• God is our Judge
• God is our Helper
• God is our Guide
He wants us to bring every prompting to Him. Because the enemy is always roaming, looking for vessels to influence and agendas to carry out; which may include pushing you to make a decision that may ruin your own life. Judas thought he was only betraying Jesus for a 30 pieces of silver; however, this act of betrayal led to his death. We must refuse to be instruments of darkness. We are vessels of honour, set apart for God alone.
Therefore, spiritual maturity requires discernment. We must guard our hearts, filter our promptings, and remain led by the Spirit of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, In the name of Jesus, I ask that You sharpen my discernment.
Shut my senses and my heart to any influence of the enemy.
Close my ears to every demonic prompting and every foul whisper.
Open my spirit only to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Let Your Word be my compass and guide.
Help me recognise Your voice, Your promptings, and Your direction.
And if any desire, feeling, or stirring in me is not from You, Lord, lift it away.
I declare that I am a vessel unto honour, set apart for Your use.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.