Luke 22:3, More Thoughts--Sin Doesn't Just Happen

I'm still making efforts to process the implications of Luke 22:3 this morning:

"Then Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve [disciples]."

 Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown suggest that this entering was part of a progression of sin, that sin is a process:

 Then entered Satan, etc. — but not yet in the full sense. The awful stages of it were these: (1) Covetousness being his master - passion, the Lord let it reveal itself and gather strength by entrusting him with “the bag” (Joh_12:6), as treasurer to Himself and the Twelve. (2) In the discharge of that most sacred trust he became “a thief,” appropriating its contents from time to time to his own use. Satan, seeing this door into his heart standing wide open, determines to enter by it, but cautiously (2Co_2:11); first merely “putting it into his heart to betray Him” (Joh_13:2), suggesting the thought to him that by this means he might enrich himself. (3) This thought was probably converted into a settled purpose by what took place in Simon’s house at Bethany. (See Mat_26:6, and see on Joh_12:4-8.) (4) Starting back, perhaps, or mercifully held back, for some time, the determination to carry it into immediate effect was not consummated till, sitting at the paschal supper, “Satan entered into him” (see on Joh_13:27), and conscience, effectually stifled, only rose again to be his tormentor. What lessons in all this for every one (Eph_4:27; Jas_4:7; 1Pe_5:8, 1Pe_5:9)! -Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

I find this helpful and remember when I was young, wondering how someone ended up in jail, homeless, or any other sad circumstances.  The thought here is that it didn't just come out of the blue without warning or ability to prepare for it. And maybe that was part of what I was struggling with--the way Luke presents it seems as Judas was a hapless host for evil without explicit culpability. JFB make excellent points in noting that it was a progression.  The verses they reference in the last line further lay forth this spiritual principle: 

"And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]." Ephesians 4:27 

"So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you." James 4:7

"Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

"But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack--rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]" 1 Peter 5:9

They are right on---lots to ponder in these verses. Our involvement in sin is not passive but active, no matter how things go down.  There is a maintenance of our spirits, a right position before God, caution, and alertness to events, keeping short tabs and a clean house spiritually, submission, resistance, firmness of resolve and spirit, self-discipline, consistency, and the help of community---all these are to be considered, factored, part of the spiritual principles that were set in place long ago.

Mark 7, the Evil Within

From BKC---I find this list of sinful behavior food for thought--especially interesting to have the Greek words thrown in there too:

"The catalog of evil Jesus gave has a strong Old Testament flavor and consists of 12 items. First, there are six plural nouns (in Gr.) depicting wicked acts viewed individually: sexual immorality (porneiai, “illicit sexual activities of various kinds”); theft (klopai); murder (phonoi); adultery (moicheiai, illicit sexual relations by a married person); greed (pleonexiai, “covetings”), insatiable cravings for what belongs to another; malice (ponēriai, “wickednesses”), the many ways evil thoughts express themselves.
Second, there are six singular nouns depicting evil dispositions: deceit (dolos), cunning maneuvers designed to ensnare someone for one’s personal advantage; lewdness (aselgeia; cf. Rom_13:13; Gal_5:19; Eph_4:19; 2Pe_2:2, 2Pe_2:7), unrestrained and unconcealed immoral behavior; envy (opthalmos  ponēros, lit., “an evil eye,” a Heb. expression for stinginess; cf. Pro_23:6), a begrudging, jealous attitude toward the possessions of others; slander (blasphēmia), injurious or defaming speech against God or man; arrogance (hyperēphania, used only here in the NT), boastfully exalting oneself above others who are viewed with scornful contempt; and folly (aphrosynē), moral and spiritual insensitivity."

We blow over such passages quickly as we are off to the next chapter we need to read.  We have a tendency to assume in our hearts:  "I've got this, God."  But which one of us does not need to stop and consider the list.  These insidious things creep into our hearts and minds so readily:

6 plural nouns:  sexual immorality (porneiai")---imagine the word "porn" comes from this

Mar 7:21  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts...

What thoughts are evil?  What does he mean by this?

My emphasis below:


"One of the great lessons in this passage is that we must constantly test all teaching and all tradition by the Word of God, obeying what is of God and rejecting what is of men. At first a man may teach and preach a clear, scriptural message, gaining acceptance among Bible-believing people. Having gained this acceptance, he begins to add some human teaching. His devoted followers who have come to feel that he can do no wrong follow him blindly, even if his message blunts the sharp edge of the Word or waters down its clear meaning.

It was thus that the scribes and Pharisees had gained authority as teachers of the Word. But they were now nullifying the intent of the Word. The Lord Jesus had to warn the people that it is the Word that accredits men, not men who accredit the Word. The great touchstone must always be, “What does the Word say?” -Believer's Bible Commentary