June 3, 2015: SOAP #2008:

Scripture: Romans (NIV) 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me.

Observation: Paul had not visited the church in Rome before writing this letter so he covered basic truths that he would have taught in person to the other churches. As he comes to the close of his letter, he acknowledges that there are people in the church who would be well able to teach what he has just written to them. Paul’s letter would verify what they had been taught and serve as a reminder. It was good for them to hear it again!

Application: Having been in church all my life, there are very few messages that I have not heard preached before—many that I have preached myself. Now on Sunday mornings I find myself sitting in the pew listening to others. What a privilege is mine as the sermons verify what I know, remind me of things I have forgotten, and speak correction and encouragement to my life. It is good for me to hear it again! I remember singing, “I love to tell the story for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness to make Your Word ever new! Amen