Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 15, 2023: SOAP #4972: Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 12:9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

OBSERVATION:  What a thought: “That we may share in his holiness.”  Of course, God’s discipline is for our good!  It is designed to make us more like Him!

His holiness is imputed to us through the sacrifice of Jesus.  Verse 14 says without it “no man will see the Lord.”  It is His holiness.  Jesus died for our sins and imputes His holiness to us, then the Spirit teaches us to live out that holiness in our daily lives.  The Holy Spirit helps us move holiness from the inside to the outside where it can be seen by others. 

We share in it because (first) Jesus is imputed to us, and (second) the Holy Spirit enables us to live it.  As we grow in Christ, the carnal ways that once dominated our flesh are being replaced by spiritual ways in line with the nature and character of Jesus! 

APPLICATION:  Accepting Jesus into my life makes a big change.  I begin to see things differently—from His point of view.  As I am faithful to read and listen to His word, He reveals things to me that need changing.  The Holy Spirit is my resident tutor.  He reveals God’s word to me.  He teaches me, He corrects me.  He makes sure I learn the lesson when God disciplines me.  He becomes to me like Jesus was to the disciples—only better.  He is with me 24 hours every day! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me enough to discipline me.  Help me be mature enough to know that it is for my good.  I want to respond in a way that brings the greatest good into my life and the greatest glory to the Father!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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