Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 21, 2022: SOAP #4583: 2Kings 6,7; 2Chronicles 20; 1Timothy 3

SCRIPTURE: 1Timothy (NIV) 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, … …and on through verse 7   (And then the qualifications for deacons in verses 8-13)

OBSERVATION:  In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he gives instructions for setting order in the church.  Paul trusted Timothy and sent him to help the churches, but Timothy was young and would need some guidance.  So, the Holy Spirit anoints Paul as he writes it in a letter.  The letters would encourage Timothy and give him some support for decisions he would have to make, especially about setting leaders in a congregation of mostly new believers. 

In times of disagreement, Timothy could take out this letter and say, “Let’s see what Paul says about this matter.”   Some people might think that Timothy was too young to be making such decisions, but they would not argue with the Apostle Paul. 

APPLICATION: Knowing that issues of leadership would continue to arise within churches, the Holy Spirit wisely made sure that this letter was included in the Bible.  We can all read and see the qualifications God expects in church leaders.  Those are the same qualifications we should expect.  They are no secret!  They are clearly stated in the scriptures.  We should not be following leaders who do not have these qualities. 

As a leader, I need to check myself by the qualifications in these scriptures.  And in setting leaders in the church, I need to be sure that they meet these qualifications. 

These would make good qualification for parents. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I know that you anointed the Apostle Paul to write these scriptures.  Now, I need your help in becoming, and being, what I should be.  Reveal truth to me and help me express that truth through my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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