Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 25, 2023: SOAP #4860: Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1Corinthians 10

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 10:24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others … . 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God —  33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

OBSERVATION:  My attention was drawn to the word “seek.”  These verses address our thought life.  When I am seeking something, it has the focus of my attention.  I am actively thinking.  Paul carefully considered how his life could best serve “the good of the many.” 

What was Paul’s goal in serving others?  “…that they may be saved.”   He may have helped them in various ways, but his goal was their salvation! 

APPLICATION:  Verse 25 tells me how to apply my thoughts.  With the Holy Spirit’s help, my mind can be re-trained to think of others first—to seek how I can serve others.    

How does this work out in my everyday life?  When I have some extra time, do I consider what I would like to do, or how I can use the time to help someone else?   When I have some extra money, do I consider how I can use it to please myself, or use it to serve someone else?  

My goal in serving others is not to provide money, or food, or other physical needs, but their salvation.  Where will they spend eternity?  

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of why I am here, and why I do what I do.  …so that many “may be saved.”   In reading your Word, you speak to me.  In writing the SOAPs you clarify what you are saying to me.  In sending out the SOAPs, you use them to bless and speak to others. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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