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

June 27: 2Kings 13,14; 2Chronicles 25; 2Timothy 3

Scripture: 2Timothy (NIV) 3:10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Observation: Paul experienced many troubles and persecutions. Satan does not like it when Jesus is exalted and he stirred up people to oppose Paul and his ministry. Paul’s attitude is that troubles and persecution are normal and should not surprise us. They are a part of living a victorious life for Jesus. Paul’s testimony is, “THE LORD rescued me from ALL of them.”

Application: If I am an effective soldier for Jesus, I should expect that Satan will do what he can to destroy my testimony. Those in Satan’s kingdom will stir up people to test me. They will try to get me to respond in a way that is not like Jesus. However when I humbly walk under the leading of the Holy Spirit, I too will be able to testify, “THE LORD rescues me from ALL of them!”

Prayer: Lord, I depend on your Holy Spirit to lead me and empower me to live in victory! Help me to not be surprised by trouble and persecution. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!