Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 10, 2022: SOAP #4725: Job 35, 36; 1Corinthians 7, 8

(re-worked SOAP from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But the man who loves God is known by God.

OBSERVATION:  We all have some measure of knowledge.  As my knowledge expands, my concept of self-importance can also expand.  It can puff me up with pride.  I began thinking that I know so much—that I have all the answers—everyone should do as I say.  

Three remedies are provided in these verses.
First: Love God.  I must love and get to know the One Who knows all about me-and loves me anyway!  
Second:   I must acknowledge that there is yet much for me to learn.
Third:  I must always have more love in my heart than knowledge in my head.  Then the knowledge in my head can flow out of me through a heart of love.  The truth that flows out of me should be wrapped in love! 

APPLICATION: The above truth is the basis for the judgments Paul gives regarding an issue in the daily lives of his readers, namely: eating meat that had been dedicated to an idol. 

The above truth should be the foundation for basic life decisions I make today.

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, help the love level in my heart to always exceed the knowledge level in my head.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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