SOAP 12/10/2015; 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4

S) "¹¹ It is a trustworthy statement:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
¹² If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
¹³ If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."

2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NASB)

O) This passage has always stood out to me, because it shows us a few things. First of all, it reminds us of our promise of eternal life in Christ, if we have died to ourselves. It reminds us that we will have opposition from the world, and that we must endure and overcome that opposition. In doing so, we will receive a reward from God. It is a warning, that we cannot fool God, being double-tongued, and saying one thing to God in prayer and another thing to others in public (which also corresponds to the first part of v.12). Throughout those first two verses (11 and 12), we are shown how we can resemble God. When we are brought to life spiritually, God is in a process of sanctifying us, and we are being made holy like He is holy. We are seeking to be matured in Christ, becoming more and more like Him, as we submit to His authority each day. But then, almost jarring because of its contrast (considering all of the similes before it), v.13 comes and reminds us that we are not the same as God. I have tried briefly, to get more clarification on the words "faithless" and "faithful" that are used here, because they aren't really opposites. In the other verses, Paul is showing how two things are the same, in us and in God. Then, in v.13, it would seem he is showing how two things are opposed. However, being faithless would mean unbelieving. Yet, to be faithful means to be committed, pure in devotion, or honest. The opposite of faithless would be having faith. The opposite of faithful is simply unfaithful. In some translations, there seems to be more opposing vocabulary used, and in others more of this duality is presented (being two different concepts, presented as opposites when they aren't necessarily). The more I consider it, though, the less it seems to matter. Supposing the latter (using the contemporary definitions), God will not stop being who He is, just because we stop believing. This is a valid statement, and reminds us of the grace that was at work when God was pursuing us, even though we were faithless. So, if we stop believing, we will die without Him, He will still live, we will not endure, He will still reign, etc. And, if the first word is better translated "unfaithful" then it is effectively the same as "unbelieving" and the rest is the same. If I am unfaithful, God will still be faithful. He will not change. This means that, if I am struggling to believe, I can rest assured that His faithfulness remains, as I strive to believe. It also means that, if I am struggling to remain faithful (that is, if I am struggling with sin), that He remains faithful during my struggle. In either case, God will remain faithful to His promises, and to His character, whether I am having a hard time being faithless or being unfaithful. When I repent, God will still receive me in the same grace He first saved me.

A) Hope. In this verse there is promise and warning and hope. I am therefore encouraged when I am doing well, rebuked when I am not doing well, but I have hope throughout. God will not abandon me because I mess up too much. He will not abandon me because I have doubts. That gives me the boldness to declare Him as Lord. That gives me the strength to endure and continue to fight to believe and to fight to be faithful. That gives me the courage to die to myself, and to live for Him.

P) Father, You are holy. In many ways, I am able to be like You because of the work of Christ on the cross and the Holy Spirit within me. I desire to be holy as You are holy. But, it is also a great encouragement to remember that You are not going to be like me. When I am in You, I will be good like You. When I am not in You, I will not be good, but You will remain good. You always remain good. That is such a great source of hope and encouragement, God. Thank You for the grace that You showed me, and continue to show me, loving me in despite my brokenness, sin, and failure. Please continue to work Your good work within me, and sanctify me. All of this to Your glory alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/09/2015; Psalm 132:3-5

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

S) "³ 'Surely I will not enter my house,
Nor lie on my bed;
⁴ I will not give sleep to my eyes
Or slumber to my eyelids,
⁵ Until I find a place for the Lord,
A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.'"

Psalm 132:3-5 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 132

O) The psalmist is actually quoting David in these verses, remembering his vow to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem, to establish a house for God. While we know that making vows to God is not something He wants (see Matthew 5:33-37), this passage still reveals a very powerful lesson about serving God. David had a clear vision for what he purposed in his heart to do. It was so clear, and powerful, that everyone around him knew what he was about. In fact, the whole nation knew this was his heart's desire (although he was in a unique position to influence, as king). This passage reminds us how seriously David took this mission. He was making it his sole ambition, until it was done. If we read through the historical books, we learn that even upon learning he would not construct the temple, he only altered his the execution of his life's mission. He decided to prepare everything beforehand, so that his son Solomon would be ready to build the temple upon his ascension. David had lofty goals, and even when he realized he wouldn't meet them (at least, how he envisioned them), he did not let that defeat or deflate him.

A) When I experience the goodness of God, as I have so frequently and so strongly throughout my life, my spirit springs to life with a desire to repay Him. Even though there is no actual ledger, and there is certainly nothing I can do that would amount to paying for my redemption (otherwise, what is the grace?). But, sometimes I feel like I'm at a loss for direction. When I meditate on His goodness to me, the grace that has always been at work in my life, the ways that He continues to provide for - not just my needs, but even just things I want - I get so inspired that I can hardly contain myself. Then, I start to feel like a kid who drank a 2 liter of Mountain Dew and has no one to play with. It is so important that I have a clear vision for how I can serve God, because He deserves my devotion and servitude, and when I am moved to worship and serve Him, I cannot sit on that feeling because of indecision. Right now, I am serving in a few different ways, leading a Life Group and helping with the elementary school kids on Wednesdays... there is also always the opportunity to serve my family. Sometimes those church opportunities seem like they lack opportunity (since we meet weekly), but I need to remember the powerful benefits of prayer. Taking my inspiration and focusing it into prayer for the other families in my Life Group, or the kids at Son Life, is always a worthwhile ministry, serving God by serving others. Also, I am deceiving myself if I think I lack opportunity, when it comes to serving my family. Even just giving them my time in fellowship, goes a long way in blessing them and honoring God. Even if I never form a life-long mission, the important thing is that I am pursuing my service to God as seriously as David did. I cannot get distracted or relent. God deserves at least that much commitment.

P) Father, You are interminably good to me. This week, I am reminded that Your grace precedes my sinfulness. If I fall on my face, sinning in foolishness, even over and over in a short period, none of that is going to negate Your goodness. Over and over, You astound me with the way You love me in spite of my many faults. It's not even just that You love me, but that Your love is so good. Thank You, Father, I am humbled. Help me to meditate on Your goodness, especially through this Christmas season. Let me be nothing short of completely bold with my testimonies of Your grace and mercy and love. There is no easier time to share the gospel, than around this holiday, so don't let me waste this, Lord. Give me opportunities, and let me be obedient to the lead of the Holy Spirit. With thanksgiving, help me to serve my Life Group faithfully, in prayer if nothing else. Help me serve the Son Life group at church faithfully, in prayer if nothing else. Help me to serve my family, with time or in prayer, if nothing else. Be glorified, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/08/2015; 1 Timothy 3:1-3

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4

S) "¹ It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. ² An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money."

1 Timothy 3:1-3 (NASB)

O) Maybe the most noteworthy thing about this passage (and this qualifying really goes through v.7), is that Paul describes it as, "a fine work he desires," That is, aspiring to the office of an overseer seems commendable to Paul. This struck me as almost being contrary to James 1, but in reading the qualifications, I think Paul is setting the bar high so that not many will become overseers, even if their desire for it is good. Also, it's worth noting that James said not many should teach, but teaching ability is only a small part of what Paul said would qualify a man as an overseer. It's also worth pointing out that, while the qualifications of the office are described, the responsibilities of the office are not.

A) There aren't a lot of positions of leadership listed in the Bible. The first century church certainly looked a lot different than the corporate organizations we see today (at least in the Western World). Still, the simple truth is that people benefit from good leadership, and people need to be pastored (shepherded, lead, mentored, whatever we want to call it). In that vein, I do desire to lead people. I think God has given me a certain amount of leadership traits that come to me easily, and I have other gifts to give (including the ability to teach). So, when I read the qualifications of an overseer, I really read this as a conviction-check. This is a passage that I want to read, and re-read, with a humble heart, asking God to rebuke me by the Holy Spirit. As I read it today, the term that struck me the most was the command not to be pugnacious, but gentle. I think that I can be gentle to certain people, or in certain circumstances. However, I also recognize that I have a tendency to be argumentative with others, and in some other circumstances. I know that God has brought me considerable growth in this area of my life, but I'm certainly not done. Keeping my mind on being gentle and peaceable, at all times, to all people, will help me to become more Christlike. As with all improvements to character, I make efforts, but I rely on the Holy Spirit to change me, ultimately.

P) Father, Your grace at work in me is constantly humbling. Every time I take a minute, to think about who I was and who I am now, I am stunned. It is all grace, though. I know that I cannot make any changes on my own. Even the simple desire to be a better man is a direct result of the Holy Spirit at work within me, opening my eyes to Your lovingkindness and compassion, drawing me to repentance. Your Word convicts me, God. When I read this passage, I was immediately drawn to this concept of not being pugnacious. I don't want to be combative with people, Lord. I confess myself as Your servant, Your ambassador, and it is therefore my will to share Your invitation in love and peace. I want to glorify You in my relationships, God. I want to be a source of joy and peace and comfort to people, in the name of Jesus Christ. Help me to be a better reflection of Your character, day by day. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/07/2015; Psalm 129:1-2

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

S) "¹ 'Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up,'
Let Israel now say,
² 'Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.'"

Psalm 129:1-2 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 129

O) This is a prayer to overthrow the enemies of Zion. Like many of the Psalms, this is asking for God to show His faithfulness to Israel by destroying the enemies of His people. This song opens with a testimony about the persecution they have endured. Notably, they mention that their persecution has been long, but unsuccessful. There is a significant note of violence in v.3, also. Even still, despite the violent, persistent hostility, they persevered in the LORD. It is from that testimony, that they prepare their prayers for vindication.

A) There are a few things that need to be clarified, before this verse can be applied. First, is the reminder that my battle is not against flesh and blood (see Ephesians 6:12). Second, that Jesus made it clear we are to pray for our enemies and love them. In the Old Testament, God's people would pray for an end to evil, by asking for the wicked to be destroyed. In the New Testament, we ask for an end to evil, by asking for the wicked to be redeemed. That is the start of my story (a wicked young man being redeemed), and so I should pray that it is the start of every person's testimony. Ultimately, I rest assured that there will be a final judgment for any who refuse the free offer of redemption. So, while I patiently await that day, I should be praying for the reconciliation of every enemy of God, to their Creator. Third, I need to remember that everything God does is by His grace, not by some obligation to me because of my righteousness. The righteousness I have is not even my own, it is given to me through Christ Jesus, alone.
Having said all of that, the first thing that came to mind, when I read this verse, was the importance of perseverance through hostility. In my youth, I sought to serve God in obedience. I was persecuted for it. Sadly, I slacked in my obedience to Christ, living a completely unfruitful and selfish life of sin for several years. Then, when I realized the risk of spiritual death I faced, by the grace of God I was led back to Him. Since then, I have faced persecution, but it did not prevail against me. Even still, it is not always the persecution that will become the pitfall. For me, it was a life of comfort and self-indulgence. In any case, I must remain on the alert to serve the LORD my God completely, whether in the face of persecution or temptation.

P) Father, I can never boast about perseverance, because everything I have comes from You. In Your grace, I am made to be strong. In Your grace, I am trained to resist temptation. Even still, I know I am obliged to obey what You command. So, I commit myself to overcome persecution. I know that the world has been hostile against Your Word forever. The world hated Jesus, so I cannot expect to live without strife, if I am living for His name. Do not let hostilities prevail against me, God. Not for my own sake, but for the sake of Your name and the gospel, that others would see, the life I am given in Jesus Christ, through my obedience. To Your name be all praise, glory, and honor. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/06/2015; Psalm 116:17-18

Today's reading: Philippians 1, 2, 3, 4*

S) "¹⁷ To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And call upon the name of the Lord.
¹⁸ I shall pay my vows to the Lord,
Oh may it be in the presence of all His people,"

Psalm 116:17-18 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 116

O) These verses answer the question posed in v.12, about how to respond to the goodness of the LORD. This is the outcome of a life saved, as we read in the first part of this Psalm. In the Old Testament context, a sacrifice of thanksgiving was a literally sacrificing an animal, and this was a sacrifice to God aside from sacrifices of atonement. Likewise, there were many vows that people made to God, that were literally and physically done, like a Nazarene vow, or vowing a child to God (both of which we see in the life of Samuel the prophet).

A) The concept of sacrifice is integral to what Christianity really is. Christ died as the sacrifice that atones for sins, once for all. Before that, He instructed His disciples to serve one another, teaching that the last will be first and the first will be last. There are lots of Scriptures about what it means to sacrifice for others, preferring our neighbors more than ourselves, or sacrificially giving to support ministry. But, what does it mean to sacrifice to God under the New Testament? Perhaps the most clear answer comes from Romans 12:1, that I am to offer my body as a living sacrifice. That is my spiritual (or rational) service of worship to God. The next application is to repay my vows to the LORD, but first I need to know what (if anything) I have vowed to Him. Jesus actually addressed this much more directly. In Matthew 5:33-37, He said not to make oaths at all, but to let our statements be, "Yes, yes" or "No, no" because anything more than that is of evil. That was specifically His response to the concept of fulfilling vows to the LORD. With that in mind, in my youth I certainly made many promises to God and I invariably broke them all, eventually. I think maybe that is why Jesus was so sternly against that in the first place. Giving to God is one thing, but to take an oath and vow something to God is well beyond my ability to ensure. Furthermore, God doesn't want my promises, but my obedience. He knows how and when I will fail, and saying something special before I commit to doing something, will not convince God that I will do it (He already knows whether or not I will be successful in my obedience!). So then, instead of paying my vows to the LORD, under the new covenant I really just need to be committed to obedience, to being a disciple of Christ, and to submitting myself to His authority to live my life as He dictates. This is my response to Jesus Christ saving my life.

P) Father, You brought me from death to life. In Your good grace, I am alive. Help me to dwell on that truth. Help me to walk in an awareness of that, so my life is affected by it. This is the truth of Your Word, that I was redeemed at a price. Still, I confess that I have been disobedient. In my selfishness and shortsighted flesh, I have sinned. Please forgive me again, God. Father, I need Your discipline. I need to be trained to be holy as You are holy. Cleanse me again, God. Create in me a clean heart, to put no false god where only You belong. May the Holy Spirit be upon my life richly, all to the glory of Your name, Lord. Heal my spirit, and restore my strength, that I may be used for Your purposes. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.