Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 1, 2022: SOAP #4533:  1Chronicles 14, 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

OBSERVATION: These guidelines have great benefit.  First:  They are relational.  There is high value on the relationship.  Second:  They allow for misjudgment and correction.  One may find out that things are not as they appear.  Third:  There is a strong emphasis on restoration and working to restore the fallen.  Fourth:  They allow for sin to be dealt with without hanging out the dirty laundry for all to see.  Fifth:  They show that the church is too important than to allow sin to continue.   Sixth:  They show the Father’s love flowing through people.  The guilty person is important to the one doing the confronting and there is a desire to help and not cause further hurt.

APPLICATION: I should not be surprised that our loving and holy God gave specific standards for dealing with sin.  Sin harms the individual, the church, and the Savior.  There is great wisdom in following the scriptures.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for caring enough to provide for correction and restoration.  How you love us, and how you love your church!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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