Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 13, 2023: SOAP #4820: Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 20:32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

OBSERVATION:  Paul is giving his farewell sermon to the elders from Ephesus.  They had come to Meletus to meet with Paul.  He closes his sermon with giving himself as an example of how to work and handle money.  He had worked to provide for his own needs and for the needs of those with him.  He did not expect others to provide for his needs.  When people sent money, he thanked them but he did not ask or expect them to send him money.  He used his money to supply his “own needs” and to “help the weak.” 

He believed the words of Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

APPLICATION: When I have financial needs, I have found that often my greatest need is to give.  Giving is like sowing seeds into the ground.  Moisture and time cause them to sprout, grow, and produce more seeds.  Some seeds I can eat, and some must be planted for a future harvest.  My planting may be small to start, but it will increase. 

Consider:  the portion of seed  I eat is the largest it will ever be; but the portion of seed I plant is the smallest it will ever be!   I plant by giving! 

PRAYER:   Lord, finances is such an important part of my life.  Thank you for your words and for the examples you have given.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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