June 23, 2021: SOAP #4220:  2Kings 10; 2Chronicles 22,23; 1Timothy 5

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 5:1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

OBSERVATION: From the first few verses of this book, we read that Paul had sent Timothy to Ephesus to lead the church.  Among other things, he was to make sure that they did not fall into false doctrine.  He was to watch his life and live as an example for others. 

In the verses above we see the challenge in Timothy’s relationships.  He was a leader and to use his authority to protect the church and guide them.  Yet in being over them he was to treat them as family.  He was to have respect for the older men and women.  He was to the younger men and women as his siblings.  Timothy was caught between being their spiritual leader and being a member of their family.  He would need the Holy Spirit directing his steps! 

APPLICATION:  Like Timothy, we are often caught in the middle.  Now as a senior citizen with some life experience, I see things that could be done in what I think is a better way, but God has assigned me to support leadership.  (This SOAP ministry started because a younger pastor asked me to do my daily devotions in this way.  I did not want to, but God told me to follow his direction.  Pastor Dayton’s direction has proved to be God’s direction.)  Like Timothy, I need the Holy Spirit to direct my response to those around me. 

Parents especially need the Holy Spirit’s help as they transition from responsible adults in their children’s lives…transition to older advisors encouraging their adult children to make their own decisions.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, how I need your guidance in this season of my life.  Show me when I need to keep my mouth shut.  Give me wisdom in how I give advice.  Keep me from “belly aching” and complaining!  May I be supportive and an encourager. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity.