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

November 29: 1Thes 4-5; 2Thes 1-3

Scripture: 1Thessalonians (NIV) 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

Observation: A quick look around reveals how sexually focused our society is, and how the immorality of "yesterday" is accepted as permissible today. Immoral issues that once were hidden are being discussed openly, even legalized. Those assigned to uphold moral laws are replacing morality with immorality.
Although our society is changing, what we are experiencing is not new to the world. The nature of sin has not changed. The nature of man has not changed. The effect of sin within the heart of man has not changed. The immorality in the days of Noah was rampant within the Roman Empire in the days of Paul, and is now rampant in our day.

Application: The nature of man has not changed; the nature of sin has not changed; and neither has the nature of God! It is God’s will that I avoid sexual immorality—control my own body and live a holy life.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I need you to be strong in me as I walk in a world full of temptation. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!