Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 06, 2023: SOAP #5086: Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3,4

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,

OBSERVATION:  The law did not bring sin.  It only defined the sin that was present in the world.  The law showed us there was only one remedy for sin — death. The law also helped us identify the Savior — the only one who was born without sin and perfectly kept the law.  He needed no sacrifice to atone for His sin; He became the perfect, lawful sacrifice to atone for our sin!

The law was not given with the thought that man would ever be able to keep the law.  At the same time the law was given, sacrifices were established.  The law contained no rewards for perfectly keeping the law, only sacrifices for breaking the law.

APPLICATION:  People like to make “laws” for their followers.  Laws like what food not to eat, how to worship, what songs to sing, what days are for worship, what clothes to wear, etc.  Following those laws make it easy for them to identify their faithful followers.  The Law works from the outside to force us into someone’s acceptable image.  The Holy Spirit, received by faith, works from the inside.  It is not the keeping of the law, but the presence of the Holy Spirit that makes it easy for God to identify His followers. 

True followers of Jesus are those in whom His Spirit lives.  In my heart, the Spirit speaks to me.  He becomes my conscience and I have an inner compass of right and wrong.  In my mind, I become aware of something that needs to be done.  As I do it, the love of God flows out of me.  People see Jesus living in me!  

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, what a joy to know that you are living in me and molding my life to be like Jesus.  May I know that I please you by the witness of your presence in my life and the working of your gifts through me.  We work together for the glory of Jesus; in His Wonderful Name I pray,  Amen! 

Pastor Leon
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