Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 25, 2023: SOAP #5135: 1John 1-5

SCRIPTURE:  1John (NIV) 3:8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 9 No-one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

OBSERVATION:  On Christmas day, with all the attention given to the birth of Jesus and the events surrounding his birth, it is good to be reminded of the purpose of His coming.  The reason He appeared: “to destroy the devil’s work.”

Those loving Jesus will do their best to keep from sin.  Of course, they do not have the power to live a sinless life by themselves; they need the help of the Holy Spirit. 

APPLICATION:  Jesus destroyed the work of the devil in many ways while He walked on the earth.   He revealed lies and hypocrisy; he pointed out many sins of civil and religious leaders. 

But I am discovering that the greatest way Jesus destroys the devil’s work is by living in Leon!  His presence heightens my desire to please Him.  His presence brings conviction when I move into questionable areas.  He does not always keep me from temptation, but He gives me strength to resist temptation!   

PRAYER:  Lord, I am blest to know that “destroying the work of the devil” is specifically and clearly mentioned as a reason for your coming.  When temptation comes my way, I need your help.   May it be easy for people to identify me as one of your children!   Amen

Pastor Leon 
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