Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 22, 2022: SOAP #4523:  1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

OBSERVATION: This chapter has several examples of visible faith.  Here in verse 2 it is the faith of the four friends who carried this man to Jesus.  In verse 18, it is the faith of a “ruler” who came on behalf of his daughter.  In verse 20 it is a lady with an issue of blood who got close enough to Jesus to touch the edge of his clothes.  In verse 27 it was two blind men who heard that Jesus was nearby and began to make a racket in calling for him.  In verse 32 it was a demon-possessed man brought to Jesus by others. 

They were convinced that Jesus could make a difference in their lives or the lives of their family and friends.  They became so convinced that they acted on their faith.  Their actions based on faith were very logical! 

APPLICATION: Logical faith always leads to actions that may be considered illogical to others.  Logical faith is visible, but the person with faith is not concerned with what others see and think.  They are convinced that God is able and so they take appropriate action!  

Logical faith is based on the word of God.  It is based on what God has personally spoken to me, most often through the Scriptures.  He has many ways of speaking to me, but they are never contrary to the Bible. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, faith is an action word.  I am putting my understanding of your words into how I live my life—what I say and do.  May those around me see that my faith in you makes a difference in how I talk and  walk—in how I live.  May you be glorified in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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