I want to begin by reading from the Psalms. Psalms 13, if you would. Turn to the 13th Psalm. And we'll read verses 3-6. Psalm number 13. Beginning at verse 3, we read, Consider and hear me. Consider and hear me, O Lord my God. The cry of This, the writer, David's God, the cry of David for his God is, Consider and hear me, hear my cry, lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Lest mine enemies say I have prevailed against him, and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy my heart, shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me."

If you would, turn in your Bibles to Matthew chapter 27. We spent a little time last week on verses 1 and 2, and tonight I want to pick up at verse 3. But before we do that, would you look at the first page of your handout with me? Right there at the very top, I've titled tonight's study, A Heart Matter. You know, I've probably got 15 different messages with that title on it.

But listen to these words from John 3, verse 3. Speaking, Jesus answered and he said unto him, Verily, verily, this is Nicodemus he's speaking to, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Now I want you to think about that as we read in our text. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Now let's begin at verse 3 of Matthew chapter 27.

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. You'll recall in one of our previous studies, the high priest had given Judas 30 pieces of silver to go and kiss the Lord on the cheek and betray him to the soldiers. So verse 4 says, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.

And they said, what is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed and went and hanged himself. And the chief priest took the silver pieces and said, it is not lawful for us to put them into the treasury because it is the price of blood. and they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field to bury strangers in. Wherefore, that field was called the field of blood unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, and they took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value, and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord had appointed unto me.

Now, I want to point one thing out before we go back to our handout. There are many who jump all over the fact that Jeremiah never said anything according to God's word. Now, it was never recorded in God's word, but that doesn't mean he never said it. And there were other writings that did not come into the book of God that men of holy men before have written. Not all that these men have written is recorded for us and put into the scriptures.

So that statement was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was actually referred to in Zechariah 11 verse 12. And it doesn't mean that there's a contradiction in scripture. If anybody ever throws that at you, you can just tell them, hey, Jeremiah wrote many things. And Zechariah was obviously speaking of something that Jeremiah had written in either another writing of some kind or another. So that's the prophecy fulfilled there. Now, let's turn to our handout. And we'll spend the rest of this evening in our handout.

There are numerous examples, this is mid-page one, numerous examples of men and women who appeared to fear God and walk with him, who in time forsook him altogether and perished under his wrath. There are multitudes in hell today who have once been considered saints of God. Ananias and Sapphira were two. King Saul, you remember King Saul? He was one.

And there are other names as well that ought to bring alarm to us. They ought to bring concern. They ought to cause you and I to examine ourselves, whether ye be in the faith. Prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? That's in 2 Corinthians 13 verse 5.

Is my heart for the Lord? That's the question. Is my heart for the Lord, or is it for the things of this world? Mike and I were just talking a moment ago about this. We tend to drift off from where we know we should be, and we fall into the temptations of looking and watching the news and seeing the things that are going on in the world around us. And we get to a point where we feel like, I should have just turned away from this and left it alone.

Where is my heart? My heart is with the one who works all things out. Is my heart looking to Him, to my Savior, as the sovereign in all that is? Is that where my heart is looking? Or am I stressed out over what we see in the news today? And I'm, you know, I'm not just, I'm speaking for myself, folks. I have that problem greatly. I look at the news a lot more than I should. It's my heart for the Lord.

Last paragraph, page one, in John 6, a multitude Though they professed to be disciples and were considered by all except the Lord Himself to be His disciples, they went back and walked no more with Him. They are beacons placed before us in Holy Scripture to warn us of the danger of hypocrisy and the security of any kind in the flesh. All is not gold that glitters, They are not all Israel, which are of Israel. Many who profess faith in Christ and are confident that their faith is genuine shall betray and forsake Christ in the time and perish under the wrath of God in hell."

I think of those that heard the word of God out in the wilderness. Remember that story? Israel, the thousands. Some say there were a million or more people that were out there in the desert. wandering around for 40 years. And they heard. They heard the gospel just as anybody else did. But how many died in the desert? Died out there in a wasteland under the judgment of God. Page 2.

Judas, the son of perdition, our Lord's betrayer, was once numbered with the apostles of Christ. We are told in scriptures that he carried the treasurer's bag for the first church that ever existed in this world. Yet Judas betrayed the Son of God. Afterward, though, he repented, confessed his sin, and made restitution. Then he went and committed suicide, perishing under the terror of God's injustice and wrath.

Another point for us to consider in this is that Judas himself is glaring proof that the Lord Jesus Christ was totally innocent. totally innocent of the trumped up charges that were laid against him. I cannot imagine any evidence that would be more compelling to honest men of our Redeemer's total innocence than the fact that even when the Jews were trying to hire false witnesses to testify against him, Judas was totally silent. If there was anyone who could have given evidence against the master, Judas would have been the man.

He walked with him. He walked with his disciples for three years. He walked side by side, eight from the same table. For all we know, and though it's not recorded in scriptures, he preached. He preached right alongside of the rest of them. What he preached, I don't know, but he preached.

Judas would have been the man. He was the one who the Lord's chosen apostles, one of his constant companions for more than three years, and Judas heard everything. He taught in public and in private. If our Lord had done anything amiss or wrong in word or in deed, Judas would have known it. And it would have been in his own interest to tell it. After all, if he could produce one incident of evil against the master, his betrayal would have been justified, wouldn't it?

Why did he not? Have you ever thought about that? Why did he not? Why was he silent? Why did neither the Jews nor Pilate call him to their courts and question him? There can only be one answer given, and that is Judas could not bear witness against Christ because he had nothing against him. All he could do was point out who he was to a bunch of men. Wicked, base, and vile as he was, the apostate apostle knew that Jesus Christ was an innocent man, holy and harmless, undefiled, and separated from sinners.

This is a matter of immense importance. The Holy Spirit takes great care to give us proof upon proof that our Redeemer is the Lamb of God, who by virtue of His eternal deity and perfect humanity was able to take away the sins of His people. Listen to these words, by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament, and they truly were many priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death, but this man, Because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood. Page 3. Wherefore, because of that unchangeable priesthood, because our Lord, who is better than any of the other priests, wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost. Folks, there's nothing, absolutely nothing that God cannot save His people from. seeing he ever loveth to make intercession for us.

For such a high priest became us who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens, who needeth not daily as those high priests to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins and then for the people. For this he did once when he ordered up himself, Hebrews 7, verse 22 through 27. He did it one time. Over in the 10th chapter of Hebrews, it says, for by one offering, speaking of this one offering that he offered up himself with, this very one spoken here in chapter 7, verse 22 of Hebrews, one offering, he perfected forever them that are sanctified.

He saves his people to the uttermost. We can also see in Judas an example that a person may experience much, know much, and do much that appears to be genuinely spiritual and yet perish at last. Folks, salvation is without question an experience, but it is much more than an experience. Salvation involves knowledge, but it is much more than knowledge. Salvation produces good works, but it is much more than good works.

In those matters, neither you nor I come close to Judas. He was not only an apostle, but in all probability, the most highly esteemed of all the apostles. That is, until he betrayed the master. He was never once, insofar as the scriptures tell us, reprimanded for anything. Judas seems to stand head and shoulders above the rest, even after he had been distinctly identified as the betrayer of his master.

Listen to these words, last paragraph, page three, from John 13, 21 through 30. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit and testified and said, verily, verily, I say unto you that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, Simon Peter. Therefore beckoned to him that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then, lying on Jesus' breast, said unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, he it is to whom I shall give a sop when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot.

You see that? Did you catch that? The Lord told him right out who it was that was going to do it. But now look how the Lord works in the hearts and the minds of men and the ears of men. He said, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop, Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, that thou doest do quickly.

Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. They could see him speaking to Judas. But they had no understanding of what it was he was saying, even though he had just told them, the very one that I give this up to, this is the one who's going to betray me.

Now, let's go on. Listen to God's word here. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, in other words, he was the treasurer, he carried the money, they trusted him so much that he carried the treasury. that he would purchase and get supplies with and pay the tolls and customs that he needed to pay to the tax collectors. That Jesus had said unto him, buy those things that we may have need against the feast, or that he should give something to the poor.

He then, having received the shop, went immediately out and it was night. So we see right there in scripture, God gives us a clear point after telling his disciples, the apostles, who it was going to be, that they couldn't even understand what he said at that time. Go to page four. It would seem none of the disciples were suspicious of him.

Folks, salvation is Christ in you, as it says in Colossians 1 verse 27. Salvation is a living union of faith. We are saved by grace through faith. It's a living union of faith with the Son of God. Salvation is a heart work, a work of God in our hearts.

That's what he was saying to Nicodemus when I read back there that you must be born again. He wasn't talking about climbing back in his mother's womb. In fact, Nicodemus even asked that question. What, should I go back into my mother's womb? No. This is a work of God. God must give life to a spiritually dead person. Lazarus is a perfect example of that very thing. You can't get any more clear than Lazarus. He was dead, wasn't he? Do you think Lazarus could sit up there in the grave and think about it for a minute?

I'm not sure if I want to make a decision for the Lord. I'm kind of busy right now with some things going on in my life. I think I'll wait and make a decision later. No! I mentioned this in the pulpit last Sunday. Did the apostles, when the Lord passed by the sea and called them, did they, oh, well, I've got to go take care of some things first. No, the Scriptures tell us they got up and immediately followed the Lord.

Salvation is a living union with the Son of God. Salvation is a heart work, a work of God in our hearts. Salvation is not something you can muster. It's not something the preacher can bestow. It's not something parents can pass on to their children. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is the utter surrender of a sinner to the rule, dominion, and the will of God by faith in Christ. When a person comes to know Christ, he does willingly what the first Adam refused to do. He bows, surrenders to God as God, acknowledging his right to be God and thus to do what he will.

Listen to these words here. And there went great multitudes with them. And he turned and said unto them, if any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and of his own life. Now, I want to stop there for just a moment. No, we'll go on. It'll explain itself. He cannot be my disciple. And whosoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

For which of you intend to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether ye have sufficient to finish it, lest happily after he hath laid the foundation and is not able to finish it. All that behold it began to mock him, saying, this man began to build and was not able to finish. Or what king going to make war against another king sitteth not down first and consulteth whether he is able with 10,000 to meet him that cometh against him with 20,000 or else? while the other is yet great a way off. He sendeth an ambassadge and desires conditions of peace.

So likewise, and here's the description of the whole thing, so likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, this is talking about Christ being our preeminence, Christ being our all in all, who forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

There can be no other God before the God of all creation. There can be no other God. See, that's our problem, folks. We want to be gods ourselves. We want to be like the Most High. We want to make decisions for ourselves. We want to determine when we're going to do things. And we're not accepting God and everything that happens around us being under His control.

Look at these words at the bottom of page 4 there. We are brought to know Him as He is described in God's Word, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, page 5. For by him, speaking of Christ, were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. Do you know an apple cannot fall from a tree if it wasn't under the power of Jesus Christ our Lord? That's what powers is. All things were created by him. and for Him, and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body of the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him, that is in Christ Jesus, should all the fullness dwell." That's Colossians 1, verse 15-19.

Second paragraph, page five, we may also learn from Judas's example that there is a repentance that needs to be repented from. I remember the first time I heard a visiting pastor was preaching about repentance. And he said, I've got to repent from my repentance. I've got to turn from my turning. We put so much trust in, oh, I've repented from my sin. I don't do that anymore. Listen to these words from Matthew 27 verses 3-5 which we just read a moment ago.

Then Judas, which had betrayed him when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself. Did you catch that? He repented himself. It wasn't a repentance given to him by God. It was repentance. He repented himself. and brought again the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priest and the elders saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, what is this to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed and went and hanged himself.

Obviously, this was not the repentance of faith, but merely the repentance of a horrified man. conscious of the fact that he had committed a damning deed and terrified for the judgment of God. Judas was horrified when he saw that he was condemned. Maybe he thought he could never have done such a thing. Maybe it was something that he looked at and he thought to himself, oh, how could I ever? How could I have done such an evil and wicked thing? Maybe he dreamed that the Son of God would be crucified. Maybe he never dreamed that the Son of God would be crucified as a result of his betrayal.

You know, he did witness several times where the Lord just disappeared in a crowd. A crowd that rose up to harm the Lord because of one of the things of his sovereignty he was speaking of. He did what he did because he saw a chance to make a little money, that's for sure, by kissing the Master.

The things of this world were more important to him than anything spiritual. But when he saw what the results of his betrayal were, when he saw that monkey court of religious men who had nothing but hatred in their hearts, you know, we see a lot of that in today's world, don't we? Very same thing. So much hatred in everyone's heart. When he saw that, he was condemned with utter terror.

He tried to undo the mischief of his crime. We are plainly told that Judas repented himself. He confessed. He says, I have betrayed innocent blood. He made restitution by giving the money back. But Judas's repentance was a fearful example of that repentance which needs to be repented of.

Listen to these words from 2 Corinthians 7 verse 10. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of, but to sorrow of the world worketh death. Do you catch that? See what we're talking about? This matter, page six, deserves special attention, this matter of repentance. Multitudes have a form of repentance that, like Judas, will bring them at last to hell. Solomon warns us that many shall call upon God, but he will not answer. They shall seek him clearly, early, They shall seek him early, but they shall not find him, as it says in Proverbs 1, verse 28.

Judas repented not because he had seen the glory of God in Christ, but because he was terrified of the prospect of God's wrath. He wanted salvation, but not the Savior. He wanted mercy, but not the Master. He wanted grace, but cared nothing for the glory of God. Jesus Christ will not be a fire escape as Don Fortner puts it. There is a great difference in being afraid of God and fearing God. There is a great difference between an awareness of guilt and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Stop right there for just a moment. Put your finger there. Think about why there are so many religions in this world. All the religions of this world have one thing. They fear the wrath of God. Therefore, they are going about what they think. What they think is is the right way to satisfy God's wrath from them. Now back to where your finger is there. True repentance is the gift of God's goodness, not the fear of His wrath. Listen to these words from Romans 2, 1 through 4.

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest. For wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself. For thou that judgest does the same things, but we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth. against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Judas stands as a beacon to warn us. that the things of this world give no comfort to an immortal soul leaving this world. Listen to these words from Proverbs 10 verse 2.

The treasures of the wicked profit nothing. The money Judas wanted so desperately and the money he earned so wickedly brought him nothing but bitterness and sorrow. I suspect that Judas is still trying to cast it away. Listen to this, it says, what shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Judas teaches us that no sinner is so great a sinner as that sinner who sins against light and knowledge and privilege. He knew all three of those things, yet he sinned against them. With an unregenerate heart, he went out and he hanged himself. Page 7. It takes God to give one a heart for him. It takes God to bring life into a spirit that was once dead.

Our Savior tells us in Ezekiel 36, verses 22 through 28, therefore say unto the house of Israel. Who are the house of Israel? Folks, God's people. all of his people. You know it says, all that the Father giveth me shall come to me. That's Israel. Every single one for whom he is loved from before the world, every single one for whom he speaks of, where he says, I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy. Every single one of his people, his bride, are Israel. Say unto the house of Israel, he's talking to you and I. He's talking to all of his people throughout all time.

Thus saith the Lord, I do not this for your sakes. Folks, it's grace. It's all about grace. It's unmerited favor. That's exactly what he's saying. He says, I do all this not for your sakes. What does he do? O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen. Is there anyone who could raise their hand right now and say, that's me? I did that? I earned his wrath? Whither ye went, and I will sanctify my great name, it says, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them.

And the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you." When he shall be set apart in us. Folks, that's what Judas did not have. He did not have the Christ, the glory of God sanctified, set apart in his heart. Because his heart was still an unregenerate heart, the very heart we all come into this world with.

He says, when I will be sanctified in you before their eyes, for I will take you from among the heathen and gather you out of all countries and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle you, or will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean. From all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh."

That's the heart that shook its fist at God and said, I will not do it your way. I want to do it my way. I'll come to you when I want to. That's that old stony heart that He'll take out of our flesh. And I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you. And cause you to walk in My statutes. And you shall keep My judgments and do them. And you shall dwell in the land that I gave your fathers. And you shall be My people. And I will be your God.

What a sad tale the life of Judas is. Here is an apostle of Christ, a preacher, a table companion of Peter, James, and John, hanged by his own hands. He came to the very door of heaven, but he went to hell. Be wise and remember Judas. He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29, verse 1. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. Prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates. 2 Corinthians 13, 5.