Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 21, 2023: SOAP #5009: Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; Psalm 118; 1John 2

SCRIPTURE:  1John (NIV) 2: 3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

OBSERVATION:  If I must walk (live) as Jesus did, there must be some way for me to know how Jesus lived.   Surely God would not require something of me that I cannot do.  I believe there are several ways today I can learn how Jesus lived His life.  One would be to read the Bible.  The first four books of the New Testament, the Gospels, are books about how Jesus lived His life here on earth.  From the example of His life I can learn what attitudes I should have.  From His teachings I can learn many important things. 

Another way I can learn is from the lives of other believers who have been following Jesus longer than myself.  I can watch the lives of mature believers who have been studying the scriptures for years.  God has placed leaders in the church to help us live our daily lives. 

But the most important way for me to “walk as Jesus did,” is to walk full of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus did not begin His ministry until He was baptized in water and the Holy Spirit descended on Him as a dove. (John 1:32) His life and ministry were guided by the Holy Spirit. (Luke 4:1,18) Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach us of Him! (John 14:26; 16:13-15)

APPLICATION:  I need to be faithful to make myself available to the Word of God however it is available to me.  …by reading, by hearing it read, by hearing Spirit anointed preaching, by discussion and asking questions.  

I need to walk with the Holy Spirit as my constant companion and guide.  He is the same Spirit that was with Christ!   (Romans 8:11, 14-16)

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, fill me.  Be my guide.  Make me like Jesus!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon