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

April 9: 1Samuel 6-7; Psalm 72; 2Corinthians 9

Scripture: 2Corinthians (NIV) 9:13 You have shown yourselves to be worthy by what you have given. So people will praise God because you obey him. That proves that you really believe the good news about Christ. They will also praise God because you share freely with them and with everyone else.
14 Their hearts will be filled with longing for you when they pray for you. God has given you grace that is better than anything.

Observation: Paul was writing to encourage the believers in the city of Corinth to give to help those going through a drought in Jerusalem. The people had earlier promised to give; Paul would be traveling through their city and would take their gifts with him to Jerusalem.

Application: The best benefit of giving to help people in need is that God receives praise. I give because God has blest me. He has blest me with finances to be able to give but mostly He has blest me with His great grace. Giving is acknowledging that He is the source of my finances. A second benefit of giving is that those being helped pray for me with sincerity. Paul knew the value of having people praying for him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for allowing me to participate in your kingdom by giving. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!