Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

December 4: Ephesians 1-4

Scripture: Ephesians (NIV) 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Observation: In this we see the personhood of the Holy Spirit—He feels the pain of disappointment. There are two ways in which the Holy Spirit can be grieved. First, He can be grieved when we do those things that he has forbidden. Second, He can be grieved when we do not do those things he desires.

Application: I believe I have more often grieved the Holy Spirit by not doing what he wanted me to do. I found some excuse for not following those thoughts in my mind. I did not recognize the thoughts as being from Him. I ignore them and push them aside. I have discovered a good question: “If I do not do this will I feel like I have missed God?” If the answer is “yes,” then I set myself to obey.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I do not want to grieve you. I want to please you. I know that doing what you say is always best. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!