March 15, 2020: SOAP #3754:  Deuteronomy 28-29; Galatians 6

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 6:6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Observation:  My attention was drawn to verse 10.  I have learned that when we see the word “Therefore,” we should see what it is there for.  What follows “therefore” is related to what came before.  In verses 6-9 we read that we should consider wealth, material possessions, knowledge, and understanding as seeds that we can sow.  They can be sown into the world to benefit ourselves OR in other people and their ministries.  Either way, we should expect to reap a harvest.

God wants us to do good to all people, especially fellow believers.  This is not a universal command for us to meet the needs of every believer in the world, but “as we have opportunity.”  Opportunity may be limited by distance.  It may be limited by available resources.

Application:   Opportunity may become known by hearing about a need.  Opportunity may become available by extra material things or finances given to us or we discover among our possessions.  (Actually, they are not our possessions, but HIS!)  As we grow in our spiritual walk, we will find the Holy Spirit directs us to opportunity for which we must give in faith that He will provide.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, as I grow in my spiritual walk, I find you often speak to me about finances and material possessions.  May I be an avenue through which you can bless others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!