Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 28, 2022: SOAP #4559: Proverbs 7-9; Romans 9

SCRIPTURE:  Proverbs (NIV) 9:8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”

OBSERVATION: It is wise for those who carry the weight of their sins to fear God.  The “fear of the Lord” is not wisdom, only the beginning of wisdom.  It will lead us to the understanding found in the second part of this verse.  Understanding comes from “the knowledge of God,” not just knowing about God.  It is that personal, intimate knowledge of God that fills our minds, our hearts, and our lives with understanding. In relating to Him we discover and come to understand the real purpose for our existence.

APPLICATION: The better I know God, the better I understand the world around me. The better I understand His character, what breaks His heart, what makes Him smile then the better I understand this world He created and my place in it.  The better I understand His holiness, the better I understand what sin is and why His Son had to pay such a terrible price for my sins.  The better I understand His love, the better I understand why He sent His Son. 

PRAYER:  Lord, To know You. I want to know You more. Amen

Pastor Leon
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