GRACE AT HOME STUDY GUIDE

The Treacherous Traits of a Traitor

In this powerful exploration of John 13:21-30, we delve into the treacherous traits of Judas Iscariot, uncovering valuable lessons for our own faith journeys. The passage recounts Jesus' last supper with his disciples, where he reveals that one among them will betray him. This poignant moment serves as a mirror for us to examine our own hearts and motives. We're challenged to consider three key characteristics that led to Judas' downfall: ambition coupled with materialism, spiritual weakness and susceptibility to lies, and isolation paired with misguided guilt. These traits remind us of the dangers of placing worldly desires above our relationship with God and the importance of staying rooted in Christ's teachings. As we reflect on Judas' tragic story, we're encouraged to cultivate genuine faith, practice godly repentance, and remain vigilant against the subtle influences that can lead us astray. This message calls us to examine our own lives, asking ourselves if we truly believe or if we're merely going through the motions like Judas did.

Rewatch the Sermon below or click the link to listen to the Podcast: The Treacherous Traits of a Traitor Podcast

Rewatch the Sermon

Small Group Guide

Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the lessons from the sermon.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Judas Iscariot exemplifies the dangers of unbelief and hypocrisy.
  2. Three main traits of Judas: ambition/materialism, weakness/susceptibility, and isolation/guilt.
  3. True repentance leads to transformation, while worldly sorrow leads to death.
  4. Believers are protected from demon possession by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
  5. Staying connected to Christ and the church community is crucial for spiritual health.

Discussion Questions:
  1. The sermon discusses Judas' ambition and materialism. How can we guard against these traits in our own lives?
  2. What are some ways we might be susceptible to spiritual weakness? How can we strengthen our faith to resist temptation?
  3. The pastor mentioned that unbelievers are vulnerable to lies and demon influence. How can we help others (and ourselves) discern truth from falsehood in today's world?
  4. Discuss the difference between godly sorrow that leads to repentance and worldly sorrow that leads to death. Can you share an example from your own life?
  5. How does the assurance that believers cannot be demon-possessed impact your understanding of spiritual warfare?
  6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not isolating oneself from Christ and the church. Why is this so crucial, and how can we encourage each other to stay connected?
  7. What does true, biblical repentance look like in practice? How can we cultivate this in our lives?

Practical Applications:
  1. Self-Examination: Take time this week to prayerfully examine your heart for any "Judas-like" traits. Ask God to reveal areas where you may be vulnerable to unbelief or hypocrisy.
  2. Scripture Memorization: Choose one of the Bible verses mentioned in the sermon (e.g., 1 John 5:18 or 2 Corinthians 7:10) to memorize and meditate on this week.
  3. Community Engagement: If you've been isolating yourself from church community, make a concrete plan to reconnect (e.g., attend a small group, reach out to a fellow believer for coffee).
  4. Repentance Practice: The next time you're convicted of sin, practice biblical repentance by confessing to God, agreeing with His perspective on your sin, and actively turning away from it.
  5. Truth Filter: Be intentional about filtering the information you consume through the lens of Scripture. When you encounter a claim or idea, ask yourself, "Does this align with God's Word?"
  6. Accountability: Share with the group one area where you feel spiritually vulnerable. Ask for prayer and accountability in that area.
  7. Gratitude Journal: Start a daily habit of writing down ways you've experienced God's protection and grace, cultivating a heart of thankfulness rather than materialism or selfish ambition.

Closing Prayer: End the session by praying for each other, asking God to help apply these lessons and grow in genuine faith and repentance.