SOAP 12/13/2014; Hebrews 9:24-26

Today's reading: Hebrews 9, 10, 11

S) "²⁴ For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; ²⁵ nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own. ²⁶ Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

Hebrews 9:24-26 (NASB)

O) The Writer is reasserting the divinity of Jesus, that He is our high priest, but not as the high priests that came before Him. This is essential to know, that the Messiah was not only a man, not as so many of the Hebrews were expecting. Many of them expected Him to come and rule, to fulfill many Scriptural prophesies of freedom, peace, and prosperity. What they didn't see coming, was that His reign and priesthood would be spiritual and eternal, not physical or temporal. Because of this, we have an eternal spiritual peace, knowing that the sacrifice for our sins is perpetual. This means that the phrase "put away sin" really means that He destroyed it, it's gone, it won't be a problem anymore. The sacrifice of Jesus resolved the problem of sin permanently. By putting our faith in Him, confessing and repenting from our sins, we are forgiven forever.

A) There is a problem I have, when I have fallen into sin, that I feel like I want to do... something. Like, to atone for my sin, I need to take some kind of action - this is after I have confessed and repented, asking God to forgive me. That problem really has its roots in a lack of understanding (or remembering, or believing) the perpetually sufficient sacrifice of Jesus. That application of these verses, is simply to remind myself that they are truth. I don't have to do anything in addition to what Jesus did. Even typing that out feels silly, but that's how I feel sometimes. His sacrifice is perpetually, completely, irrevocably sufficient.

P) Father, forgive me for trying to do more. Your plan is perfect, and I have this tendency to want to add to it - as if I have a better idea, or a more complete understanding of what is needed or good. Help me to rest and trust in Your perfect will, Your perfect forgiveness, Your perfect love. Soften my heart, to receive this verse sewn deeply into it, so that when I have fallen to sin I will correctly remember the perpetually sufficient sacrifice of Your son. No further payment is needed; Jesus completed the work on the cross. Let me remember that, and let Your will continue to prevail. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/12/2014; Hebrews 5:12-13

Today's reading: Hebrews 5, 6, 7, 8

S) "¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant."

Hebrews 5:12-13 (NASB)

O) Keeping this passage in context, particularly the audience, is very important in seeing the real point being made. The Writer was speaking to Hebrew Christians. These were men and women who "grew up in the church," so-to-speak. Their whole lives, they had read the Scriptures, heard the prophesies, knew the basics of their history with The LORD. These were not Pharisees or Sadducees, though, so their eyes were not completely darkened, and their ears heard and accepted the gospel. They understood who Jesus was, and accepted it, believed it… and that's it. That's as far as they'd gotten. This is where the Writer was addressing them. Of all of the people in the new Christian culture that had just started emerging, these were the people who should have hit the ground running with the great commission. They should have been able to jump straight in, with spreading the gospel, making new disciples, and walking in righteousness. However, they weren't growing. They were stuck in infancy of faith, unwilling to chew on the meatier elements of discipleship to Jesus.

A) My wife once revealed one of her biggest annoyances, as far as it goes with excuses Christians cop, for why they stop going to a particular church. We've heard people say something like, "I just wasn't being fed there." She said she gets so annoyed, thinking to herself, "You're an adult; feed yourself" (or something like that). She nailed it. That's what this passage is all about. God wants us growing! We cain't be a true disciple, if we're content hearing the same soft message, over and over, without ever challenging our belief to become faith, by trial through action. I don't need to hear the gospel over and over (not that it's bad, mind you, just not enough to keep growing). I need to hear messages that will challenge me to live out my beliefs in ways that prove my faith. Hearing the gospel should always be a welcome, refreshing supplement, but it will stunt growth of that's all I ever hear. The analogy from Hebrews is so perfect! Milk will get me going, and be just enough to prevent death. In order to thrive, though, I'll need solid food. Milk will always be welcomed, and often be refreshing, but it will accompany the solid food. I don't want to be infantile in my faith.

P) Father, challenge me to grow. I see the mature things You have in store. I know there is deeper relationship with You to be had. I know there is more work to be done. All of this and more, before ever mentioning more blessings to be received. I want to grow, God. I worry that there may be things that have, and maybe continue to, stunt my growth. Purge my heart of those things, Father. Prune my branches as a vinedresser. Discipline me as a Father. Draw me up to Your higher standards, God. Open my eyes to see and ears to hear, so I can clearly know where work is to be done. Draw me close, so I am remembering what it's all about: communion with You. Protect me, that I do not bite off more than I can chew, but let me take on more solid food, along with some milk. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/11/2014; Hebrews 3:13

Today's reading: Philemon 1; Hebrews 1, 2, 3, 4

S) "¹³ But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Hebrews 3:13 (NASB)

O) The writer of Hebrews is not exactly known (commonly thought to be Paul, or one of his close students), so I will refer to him as the Writer. In this chapter, the Writer begins to build two main points. First, it's the case that Jesus is our perfect High Priest. Second, it's the encouragement to persevere in righteousness, to attain the Lord's rest. It is in the case for the second point, that we find the verse above. It is a very straight-forward command, and so short that it's easy to miss that there is actual instruction there. The Writer admonishes us, "Today" to encourage one another. In a way, this verse was almost written with a sort of "meta" that has become common in various media in today's culture, because the Writer is almost aware of the fact that this verse will outlast the original audience. This makes it impossible to minimize the relevance of the command. It's also very specific as to the reason we are to obey: so that we are not hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

A) This has huge implications, and is an excellent reminder of why we need authentic, challenging, vulnerable fellowship with trusted believers. Sin is deceitful, making it very difficult for us to see it clearly in our own lives. In our church, we have Life Groups; handfuls of families meet together every week, apart from Sunday services, to have times of mutual ministry. A very, very important part of that time, is the transparent accountability that we bring to the group, for this exact purpose. We need consistent encouragement, so that the schemes of the enemy become more apparent, and so that the deceitfulness of sin cannot so easily harden our hearts. In times of consistent transparency, when I am confessing - not just sin, but - the temptations and struggles I am facing, I have noticeably more victory in my life, than in the seasons of life when I am not receiving (or giving) consistent, genuine encouragement. Sometimes, I am afraid that I am being needy, when I try to reach out to others, but this verse is such a great encouragement to me! Being in touch with others "day after day" is not too often, but totally biblical! That's not to say that it is a requirement, but if it's possible, I don't see the downside. It still needs to be real. I can't do it for the sake of hype or pretense. As long as it is honest, I think it is good.

P) Father, I am constantly humbled by the goodness of Your designs for my life. It seems so silly, to still be in awe at the flawless way that Your will and plan works, but I am still, just awestruck sometimes! The plan of mutually ministering to, and with, other disciples of Jesus, is such a perfect model to encourage and build each other up in faith, victory, and glory to Your Name. As great as it is, in my own life, to receive that kind of consistent feedback and prayer and encouragement from others, let me be faithful in my ministry to them, as much as I desire to receive from them. As Kristin and I undertake a new Life Group, leading others to this same plan that You have, and the vision that our church has, keep me humble. Let Your will be done, only, as we seek to fulfill the commands You gave us through Your Word. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/10/2014; 2 Timothy 1:16-18

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4

S) "¹⁶ The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; ¹⁷ but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— ¹⁸ the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus."

2 Timothy 1:16-18 (NASB)

O) The early church was suffering some serious divisions at this time. Paul, in particular, was under some attack, particularly in Asia (see v.15). On the flipside, he mentions this family of Onesiphorus. This family was a particular blessing to Paul, on more than one occasion, even when he was actually arrested. He also sought Paul out while he was in Rome, not just seeking him, but finding him. Because of that faithfulness, in his desire to serve the church (at Ephesus) and Paul, he received blessings, encouragements, and prayers back from Paul and the church.

A) We are not supposed to serve in order to receive blessings. However, it can sometimes be a good reminder that we're not serving for nothing. Most importantly, though, the example of serving a church and a minister in particular, is noteworthy. Verse 17 really stands out, that Onesiphorus wanted to bless Paul, and sought Paul out, and didn't stop seeking him until he was able to find him and bless him. That is a dedication to a ministry that I need to adopt. The attitude of my heart should be that I am faithfully supporting it, even when it takes serious effort.

P) Father, Your kingdom is vast. I pray that Your will is done on earth as it is in Heaven, and I want to be a part of that happening. Open my eyes and ears, that I may know how I can support the church faithfully, and bless a ministry directly. Put a particular desire in my heart, according to Your will, that I may support them as You want. Please bless the people who have supported my ministries over the years. Grant them mercy on Your day, for their faithfulness to me also. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/09/2014; 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 5, 6; Titus 1, 2, 3

S) "¹ Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, ² the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity."

1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NASB)

O) The entire letter to Timothy (both letters) was written to a young pastor. Reading these verses in that context, sheds light on why this command is as it is. While it's good to treat everyone well, and while we shouldn't have to think of them as our family in order to treat them well, this passage isn't just about daily interactions. This is actually speaking about discipline. We are being told not to sharply rebuke... that isn't to say that we should not rebuke. Furthermore, this is instruction that while rebuking we must remember to approach others in love.

A) Whether there is an official role of being a pastor, or this is just about mutual ministry with my peers, the instruction is the same. At the core of this instruction, is the humility to remember that I am not in charge. I have reminded my kids often, that they are not in charge of each other. Because of that, I encourage them to remind each other of the rules set by Mom and Dad, but to refrain from actually bossing someone around. With the older kids, I especially put an emphasis on the fact that, their words will be more effective if they are words of appeal and encouragement, instead of reprimand or command. The same is true when I approach others to rebuke them. If I am just trying to command them, I won't get far. Instead, if I appeal to them, especially referring back to the Bible as the authority (never my opinion), then they are much more likely to accept the instruction, knowing that my rebuke is born from love, and based solely on the words of God. Being sure to use the Bible as my only true measure, I will also ensure correct motives within myself, which will in turn keep me grounded in purity. Before I approach anyone to rebuke them (whether my wife or kids, or an actual sibling, or any other person), it would be wise for me to approach the LORD in prayer, and ask Him to reveal any impure motives in my own heart.

P) Father, I want You to use me to minister to others. I especially want You to use me for encouragement and strengthening others. I am not very excited at the idea of rebuking, admonishing, or correcting anyone else. I know that as I endeavor to be used more and more by You, though, this will become more and more of a role for me. I pray that my eyes and ears are fully open, though, to know my own heart and sins, before I ever try to minister to another person. Whether this is leading my wife, or parenting, or any other form of ministry, keep me humble Father God. Let me always rely solely on Your Word for discipline and instruction. Let the Holy Spirit unify me with my brothers and sisters in Christ, so that any ministry I give, whether rebuke or encouragement, is given and received according to Your will alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/08/2014; 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4

S) "³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. "

1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NASB)

O) This passage is reaffirming a call to prayer. In the first two verses, Paul reminds us to pray for all people, including our leaders. The above verses tells us why, that God desires all men to be redeemed. It is noteworthy that at this time, virtually none of the political and military leaders were Christians. This was a very practical problem for the early church, so prayer for the local governing authorities was vital. This was especially true when Christianity was actually outlawed.

A) There is a danger in thinking anyone is a "lost cause" of some kind. This is especially problematic with political leaders. In the current culture of the American Christian, I'm afraid that politics are mistreated. There is a draw, even a pressure, to vote for certain moralities, more than actual, political platforms. This assumes a lot. This assumes that good morals make for an effective politician. This also assumes that morals that do not align with the Bible, mean that the political leader is unfit to govern. Perhaps the biggest error: it assumes that we know who God wants in office (see Romans 13:1). Additionally, I've had a tendency to "give up" when I voted for a leader who wasn't elected. I need to remember that God is still sovereign, and it might very well be His plan for the leader to be elected so that I will pray for them. I need to commit to prayer for all of the leadership in my life, especially the unsaved authorities over me (bosses at work, local government, big government). God wants them saved, too.

P) Father, You are sovereign and purposeful. I do not want to presume that anything is lost, based on the outcome of some political election. Help me to stay faithful in praying for the authorities in my life. You have a plan, and I want to walk in it with You. Please bless my bosses at work, the management above me. Let them see the light You are within me. Please bless the local authorities in my town and state. Help them to see the movement of Your church, the ministries and good works we do in Your name, that You would be glorified. Please bless the government of my country. Lead them to see the impact and influence of Your church, on our country and world. Bring them to the knowledge of the truth, and save them. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/07/2014; Colossians 1:28-29

Today's reading: Colossians 1, 2, 3, 4

S) "²⁸ We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. ²⁹ For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."

Colossians 1:28-29 (NASB)

O) Paul, speaking of the deity of Christ, places Him centrally to his every teaching. His goal is not wisdom for the sake of more knowledge. His goal is that every man would become complete in Christ, that is, perfected into His glory. The teaching does not simply come with knowledge, but applied knowledge. This is where it becomes admonishment (where correction is necessary) and wisdom (to guide future behaviors). Paul keeps this in focus by a very deliberate life, using strong language in "labor" and "striving" to describe his teaching. At the same time, He reasserts his point, that it is not through his efforts that anyone is saved. He confesses that he is only able because of the power of God working within him. By saying that God is working "mightily" within him to this end, he paints a picture that there was a great deficiency in his ability to do this apart from the power of God being manifested in his life.

A) There is a great struggle to teach and remain humble, but it is absolutely vital. Without acknowledging that my ability to teach is completely dependent on the power of God working in and through me, then I am setting myself up for a humiliation directly from my Father God. He will not abide haughty eyes, and will humble the proud. In humility now, I welcome that rebuke from His loving hand, because if it is necessary for my salvation, then I want nothing less. As I undertake the role of leading my family, a small group, peer-to-peer counseling, mutual ministry, and the like, it is crucial that I approach it all humbly, acknowledging all of the grace that was and is involved. As hard as that is, it may not even be the hardest part of Paul's example above. Teaching wisdom can be fairly easy, as it is usually welcomed. Admonishing others, though, can be very intimidating. In both cases (admonishing others, and being humble while teaching wisdom), the root of the answer is the same: The Word. By going back to the Bible, over and over, I am administering the words of God to teach wisdom (not from myself, but from Him), and I am administering the words of God to admonish (not from myself, but from Him). In both cases, that is the power of God actively at work through me.

P) Father God, I am still in awe at the grace You have at work in my life. As I reflect on Your hand over me, throughout my life, and the way You are still, currently, actively working through me, I am humbled by Your grace. I want to do this right, Father. I welcome Your discipline, if I am getting anything wrong. I welcome Your grace, but also Your rebuke. Open my eyes and ears, especially as I study Your words. As I attempt to convey the wisdom of Your words, and I take up the responsibility of admonishing others, please continue to work through me graciously. So that I may present them as complete in Christ, please let me be successful, for their sake and Your glory. Minimize my own impact in those ministry opportunities. Make it less and less me, and more and more You. Work powerfully through me, in spite of me if You must, to accomplish Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.