Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 14, 2023: SOAP #4849: Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

OBSERVATION:  Yes, I have freedom!   The death of Jesus on the cross set me free from the bondage of sin.  Freedom gives me choices.  I can choose to do what is right, or I can choose to sin.  God does not tie my hands and lock me in a box.  My service to God only honors God when it is freely given.  God is much too holy and worthy to be served by those who have no choice but to serve Him.  He will use people, but His joy comes when I choose to serve Him.

As I understand it, God is working in my life to lovingly win me into loving Him.  I am committed to God because I love Him.   

From God’s point, it is risky.  People can accept His forgiveness then go out and sin again, and again until they are back in bondage to sin.  It hurts God’s heart!  I am His creation.  He loves me.  He is pulling for my good! 

APPLICATION: There is only one sacrifice that covers my sin — the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  And only one life that gives me power to live above sin — the resurrected life of Jesus living within.  The sacrifice of Jesus put an end to relying on the law given to Moses, but it did not negate the eternal truth that the wages of sin is death.  Repentance means confessing AND turning from sin.  I must die to myself and come alive to His life within! 

PRAYER:   Lord, by your forgiveness you free me from the guilt of past sins, and by your life you free me from the power of temptation today.  Forgive me for thinking it is OK to sin and then ask forgiveness later.  Holy Spirit, today you will be facing with me any temptation coming my way today.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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