Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 22, 2023: SOAP #4949: 2Kings 8,9; 2Chronicles 21; 1Timothy 4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

OBSERVATION:  These are the later times and there are many false teachers active today.  The media makes it easy for them to spread their doctrines around the world.  In the grace of God this is also a time of abundance when it comes to God’s word.  Consider all the translations and versions of the Bible that are available today.  Many individual Bibles have been printed and distributed throughout the world in the past.  And today, even more Bibles are being printed.  Many versions of the Bible are available on the web. 

In the scriptures we see that God, the Father, is a speaker.  We also read that God the Son, Jesus, is a speaker. And, not to our surprise, here we read that the Holy Spirit is a speaker!  So, I must pay attention to the un-easy, troubled feeling, telling me, “Something is not right!  Step back!  Take another look!”   For my good, the Spirit dwelling within is troubling my spirit. 

APPLICATION:  The better I know God’s Word, the better I can identify false doctrines.   The better I know God’s character, the better I can recognize what He would be saying and what He would not be saying.  The better I pay attention to the Holy Spirit, the better I will be prepared for the troubled times ahead. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, as I read the Bible, reveal to me the character of my Heavenly Father.  Sharpen my spiritual perception.  Help me easily recognize false teachers and their doctrines.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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