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

December 6: Philippians 1-4

Scripture: Philippians (NIV) 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die gain.

Observation: There is only one purpose for Paul’s life—indeed for all our lives! To live is Christ! To live, not just to exist, but to truly live life to the fullness can only be done in Christ. I can live my life, but I cannot live His life. If I am to live His life, He must come and live His own life through me. I may make a good copy of His life, or I may make a poor copy. If I put myself to it, I may be able to train the flesh to duplicate many characteristics of Jesus’ life. I may be able to fool a lot of people, and be proud of how good I am. I may find encouragement in the compliments that come my way as I live the "good" life. But those compliments may work against me, if they encourage me to continue training the flesh to be "like Jesus." Paul did not say, for me to live is to be "like Jesus," but "for to me, to live is Christ." What an important difference!

Application: My Christian life is not a cleaned-up Leon, but a new Leon. When I confessed my sins and invited Jesus to live in me as my Lord, I was born again. Christ’s life within me makes me a new person. As I get to know God’s Word and learn to listen to the Holy Spirit I find my words and actions more and more becoming expressions of His presence.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, use me in my circumstances today. I desire that others see you living in me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!