December 01, 2021: SOAP #4381:  Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

OBSERVATION: A Mother knows that it is important to warn her child of the dangers in the room, but she also understands that he is focused on those things; they hold an attraction for him.  So, she, who has experienced the grief they can bring, now stays in the room with the child, and works to keep the child’s focus on herself and away from those things she knows are harmful.  Her presence is protection for her child.  Her wisdom is now available to the child.  Her experience and maturity are now available to guide and protect the child.  Her presence makes all the difference.

If she had just warned the child, then left the room, the child would soon wander into the forbidden area, but her watchful eye keeps him safe. Her warning teaches, but her presence insures!  How true of our walk with God.  God desires that we learn and grow in understanding, so He gives us His Word, the Bible.  God also knows that we need His watchful eye on us, so He gives us His Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION:  And in addition to all this, it is the joy of the mother to spend the time with her child, and so it is not grievous for God to spend the personal time with each of us!   He joys in us even as a mother in her children.  Let us be children that bring Him much joy!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you know me so well!  You knew that I would need the instruction of the scriptures.  And you also knew that I would need your Holy Spirit dwelling in me to give me warning and encouragement.  Thank you! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!