Introduction:

Generally, we want to learn from a winner. Someone who has proven that a particular thing can be done; a game can be won; money can be acquired; a psychological problem can be resolved; a physical handicap can be overcome; a lawsuit can be won; and so forth.

Bookstore shelves are full of the works of authors, both secular and Christian, who urge the readers to enjoy the fruits of success, as exemplified by their own experiences.

Various "Successful Living" seminar gurus earn millions while they hawk their particular brand of motivational techniques. Willing participants pay thousands in the hope of learning how to achieve a similar successful lifestyle as that of their inspirational instructor.

Rarely do we take the time to learn from those who have failed. They, after all, don't have anything to contribute, since their own life is in shambles. In fact, in most cases, failure does not beget inquiry. Most "success type" books and "success type" seminar leaders urge their followers to avoid losers like the plague.

I certainly don't recommend that the behavior of losers should be copied. But, we do need to be aware of the pitfalls which accompany negative thought processes, bad value systems and incompatible behaviors which unsuccessful people (Christians) allow to dominate and control their lives.

With that premise in mind, I want us to consider the life of Judas Iscariot, who undoubtedly is the greatest loser of the last 2,000 years and , perhaps, of all eternity. His selfish actions formed the standard which most other losers slavishly follow. 'Tho he had the best of opportunity (a Disciple of Jesus) he foolhardily threw it away while he "worshipped" at the feet of greed and secularism.

A. Being in the group does not automatically make you a loyal disciple (follower).

(Mat 10:1 NKJV) "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."

(Mat 10:2 NKJV) "Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;"

(Mat 10:3 NKJV) "Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;"

(Mat 10:4 NKJV) "Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him."

B. Money influences motivation, morality and value system

(John 12:1 NKJV) "Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead."

(John 12:2 NKJV) "There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him."

(John 12:3 NKJV) "Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil."

(John 12:4 NKJV) "Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said,"

(John 12:5 NKJV) ""Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?""

(John 12:6 NKJV) "This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it."

(John 12:8 NKJV) "For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."

C. Treachery controls and manipulates behavior.

(Mat 26:14 NKJV) "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests"

(Mat 26:15 NKJV) "and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver."

(Mat 26:16 NKJV) "So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him."

(Mat 26:18 NKJV) "And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."'

(Mat 26:19 NKJV) "So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover."

(Mat 26:20 NKJV) "When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve."

(Mat 26:21 NKJV) "Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.""

(Mat 26:22 NKJV) "And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?""

(Mat 26:23 NKJV) "He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.

(Mat 26:24 NKJV) ""The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.""

(Mat 26:25 NKJV) "Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him, "You have said it.""

(John 13:26 NKJV) "Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon."

(John 13:27 NKJV) "Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly.""

(John 13:28 NKJV) "But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him."

(John 13:29 NKJV) "For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor."

(John 13:30 NKJV) "Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night."

(Luke 22:47 NKJV) "And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him."

(Luke 22:48 NKJV) "But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?""

(Luke 22:49 NKJV) "When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?""

(Luke 22:50 NKJV) "And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear."

(Luke 22:51 NKJV) "But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him."

(Luke 22:52 NKJV) "Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs?"

(Luke 22:53 NKJV) "When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

D. Deception forces the loser to go to the wrong source for help.

 E. Futility - a sense of desperation - often ends in suicide or some other destructive action.

(Mat 27:5 NKJV) "Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself."

(John 10:10 NKJV) ""The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

CLOSE:

The next time you see a Christian who is squandering away their calling, anointing, and victory -- see what you can learn from their failures. Analyze their mistakes and determine that you will not repeat them in your Christian life.