June 12, 2018: SOAP #3113: 1Kings 12; 2Chronicles 10,11; Philippians 2

Scripture:  Philippians (NIV) 2:6 Who [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Observation:  For Jesus, being born as a man was not enough.  Even then He humbled Himself, becoming willing to submit to that which was required of Him, even death. And if that was not enough, and in the justice of God it was not, the death was on a cross, showing it was under the curse of sin.

We see five steps of emptying/humbling that the Son completed:
#1.  …from being God to making Himself nothing; #2. …to taking on the nature of a servant; #3. …to becoming a man; #4. …to death; #5. …to death under the curse as a criminal.

What a contrast to the five “I wills” of satan in Isaiah 14:13 and 14:
#1.  “I will ascend to heaven; 2.  I will raise my throne above the stars of God; #3.  I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. #4.  I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; #5.  I will make myself like the Most High.”

It was satan’s goal was to raise himself to the place from which Jesus was willing to descend.  How we should appreciate the great sacrifice of our Precious Savior.  It is no wonder that the Father has highly exalted Jesus! Note:  Philippians 2:9,10.

Application:  Satan’s goal was to gain for himself; Jesus goal was to gain for others—for me!  Being like Jesus means that I must be willing to humble myself.  What is my goal?

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, today, help me walk humbly before God and people.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

June 10, 2018: SOAP #3111: Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1

Scripture:  Philippians (NIV) 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Observation:   From the context, I believe Paul is referring to whatever might happen to himself.  Paul is writing from prison and is not sure if he will be released or executed.  They should not let whatever happens to Paul, or to themselves stop them from heeding his council.

If they will conduct themselves in a manner that speaks well of the gospel, then the reports that Paul will receive in person or through a messenger, will always reassure him that they are standing steadfast and in unity against all enemies of the gospel.

Application:   In every circumstance, in all troubles, in great joy or sorrow, gain or loss, I should always conduct myself in a manner that speaks well of the good news that Christ Jesus came to earth to die for my sins and that He rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven where He is preparing a place for me and He will return for me soon!  That is truth, and I should live as though it is true!

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, help me live a life worthy of the fact that my sins are forgiven and that you are always with me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!