The Counterfeit Christian – John 13:18-30

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude v.3)

1. Though it is distressing…

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9)

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” (John 12:27)

“The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24)

2. We shouldn’t assume we will be able to…

“And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:21-22)

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

3. We shouldn’t underestimate…

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils.  One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” (C.S. Lewis)

“The fact that devils are predominantly comic figures in the modern imagination will help you. If any faint suspicion of your existence begins to arise in your mind, suggest to him a picture of something in red tights, and persuade him that since he cannot believe in that he therefore cannot believe in you.” (C.S. Lewis)

“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?” (Acts 5:3)

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

4. We shouldn’t forget that darkness…

“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

“But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (John 11:10)

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)