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

December 9: 1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

Scripture: 1Timothy (NIV) 6:9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith…
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Observation: In verse 10, it is not money, but the love of money that is a motivation for many evil deeds. Surely the love of money has been a cause for breaking every one of the Ten Commandments. A few verses later in the same chapter, we read about those who are rich and how they should use their money to serve God’s kingdom.

Greed is never satisfied with extra money; it always wants more. On the other hand, generosity is never stopped by a lack of money; it always finds a way to give.

Application: There is no one more generous than God. One evidence of His presence in me will be that I am generous—generous with my acceptance and words of encouragement—generous with forgiveness—generous with time and finances.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, greed is contrary to your character. You desire that generosity be evidence of your presence in my life. May you not be disappointed! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!