Why Do People Betray Others? Series

Friendly Fire Sermon Series

(Inspired by Perry Stone’s book, “Judas Goat”)

“Why Do People Betray Others?” 1 of 3

1/5/2014 Chester’s FBC Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson

Introduction:

A

I Why Betrayal Happens

A The 1611 version of the KJV Bible mentions “betrayal” 17 times, 16 of those references are aimed at Judas Iscariot.

1 “Betray” (paradidomi) means “to yield up, surrender or transmit.”

a To betray a trust is to surrender information about a situation, a person, or another person.

aa To betray a friendship is to “give up a friend”, separate from someone who has built a relationship in your life.

bb To betray in a marriage is to break vows.

b Betrayal breaks the trust that acts as the glue that bonds a relationship in place.

2 Relationships are based/build upon trust.

a Psalm 7:1 (KJV) O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me . . .”

aa Trust here is “yasha’” means to be wide open, free.

bb David, “I’ll open my heart/spirit to you”

cc When you trust someone you open your heart to another person.

b Psalm 11.1 (KJV) “In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

aa “chacah” means to “flee for protection in the sense of confiding in.”

bb David, “When I’m hurting, wounded, discouraged I’m going to run to you for protection.”

cc When we have placed a confidence in friends we trust them to protect our reputation, integrity, and we confide in them public/private information.

B When you are betrayed, the betrayer has surrendered information that was given in trust when your heart was open/exposed to them.

1 An enemy doesn’t (nor can they) betray you ...betrayal requires friendship.

a “No love lost” means there was no relationship/friendship to begin with.

b Only someone you have opened your heart to can “betray.”

2 David experience betrayal many times in his life Psalm 55:12-14 (NASB)12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him. 13 But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend; 14 We who had sweet fellowship together Walked in the house of God in the throng.

a Jesus warned His disciples that prior to His return betrayal in the church will run wild

Matthew 24:10 (NASB) 10 "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

b If King David/King Jesus experienced/warned us about betrayal, we should pay some attention to it!

C The root cause of betrayal is OFFENSE.

1 “Offend” gk. (Skandalizo) means, “to set a trap, to ensnare something.”

a A scandal occurs when a person destroys the trust/confidence of others through actions/deeds.

aa Watergate, Clinton/Lewinski/Benghazi . . . scandals during 3 administrations.

bb The media stirs the news story, especially if there is a dislike for the administration that the scandal occurred under.

b When you become offended (broken trust), if you don’t check your attitude/forgive/move forward, you will begin the betrayal process. (Always starts when someone is offended.)

aa Best friend becomes worst enemy.

bb Good memories are erased from the hard drive of our minds.

cc Secrets entrusted with others are now openly discussed with others, using that information as a weapon to defend why you have a good reason to remain in your offense.

dd “Let me tell you why I’m so ticked off at so-& so . . .”

c Offense leads to betrayal.

II How to Overcome Betrayal

A John 20:23 (NASB) 23 "If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained."

1 This verse is not intended to mean we can tell people their sins are forgiven as Christ did in His earthly ministry (He’s our High Priest!)

a The text speaks to us forgiving people who have sinned against us personally/caused us offense/hurt.

b When a believer has asked us to forgive them, we need to forgive them at that moment/instant.

c Failure to forgive one who has asked for forgiveness is . . .

aa a sin. (We are to forgive in the way God has forgiven us.)

bb a sin that carries spiritual consequences.

2 In the days of Moses’ Tabernacle (Temple), once a year two goats were brought before the High Priest as a sin offering for the nation.

a One was slain/sacrificed, blood sprinkled on mercy seat, the other was a scapegoat.

aa Priest would lay his hands on the goats head, transferring the sins of the nation.