Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 07, 2022: SOAP #4599: Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews (NIV) 4:2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard it did not combine (KJV. mix) it with faith….
6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. 7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

OBSERVATION:  The promises come from God.  God has also given each one “the measure of faith.”  (Romans 12:2)   God’s promises have no value to us unless mix them with faith.  But faith is more than a mental acknowledgement that God is real and that His word is important.  Verses six and seven give two characteristics of NOT mixing in faith. 

In verse six, the expression of “no-mix-faith” is disobedience.  The main expression of faith is obedience.  Some may remember singing, “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way…”  When I believe God is really God, then I will do what He says.  It is foolish to disobey God!   I trust Him; I believe Him; I do as He says!  

In verse seven we find another characteristic of “no-mix-faith:” a hard heart.  It is acting as though God is quite unimportant.  It is ignoring Him.  It is being so busy that there is no time for God.   It is making an issue of living “MY” life the way “I” want.  God slowly gets pushed totally out of the picture.   

APPLICATION: When I believe God, I make it a point to do what He says.  What He says is important.  I know that obeying Him blesses Him AND a benefits me!   Careful obedience is the best way to tell God that I believe Him, and I trust Him.

When I tell God what He told me in the past, I am not jogging His memory, I am showing Him that I remember and that His words/promises are important to me! 

PRAYER:  Lord, I believe your promises.  I know I can trust you!  Amen

Pastor Leon    
Making friends for time and eternity!