Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 06, 2023: SOAP #5116: Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Paul’s joy in his prayers for those in Philippi comes from two sources.  First, he has joy because they are partners together in ministry.  They had been sending money, enabling Paul to focus on His ministry.  Note: the partnering was not in the Philippians asking Paul for His support, but them choosing to support Paul.  And it was not Paul asking for their support.  I believe it was the Holy Spirit impressing it on the Philippians hearts to support Paul with their finances.

A second source of Paul’s joy came from the truth that the work started in Philippi was an eternal work.  The Eternal God had started the work; the Eternal God was presently working in them; and the Eternal God would complete what He had started!!! It would continue long after Paul was gone! 

APPLICATION:  That same Eternal God is at work today.  Children born into our families are eternal lives.  Their lives will continue long after life on earth is over.  When they surrender their lives to Jesus and follow Him, we can rejoice that God will continue His work in and through them. 

This SOAP ministry was started by the Lord.  He is the one who has caused it to grow.  He is the one who sets a partner relationship with those who do the translating, the printing, the forwarding, the setting up of print centers, the purchase of printers, paper and ink, the distribution, etc.  Those who hand a copy of the SOAP to another person, and those who forward an email are all a part of God’s team.   In God’s eyes, they may be the most important part!   

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, your Holy Spirit has organized and unofficial SOAP ministry team that reaches into many nations.  It brings me joy being a part of such a team.  We are all your servants and serve you joyfully.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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