S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #10 - November 10, 2022 - "Don't Cause the Weak to Stumble."

S. 1 Cor. 8:9 (NIV) 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

O. Paul is teaching the church at Corinth to give careful consideration in how they live out the freedom they have in Christ Jesus. Some believers had knowledge that idols were really nothing and therefore had no problem eating meat that had been offred to idols. Others had what Paul describes as a “weak conscience.” Those that had the “weak conscience” had a little remaining knowledge about things offered to idols that weakened (the word means feeble or infirm) and therefore their conscience (that part of us that knows right from wrong) was being increasingly “defiled” (word means contiminated or stained) everytime they were engaged in this practice. To violate one’s conscience, whether strong or weak, is to initiate a downward (deteriorating) spiral.

Therefore Paul teaches us to express care in how we live out our freedom in Christ Jesus.

A. I love the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus - yet I do not wish to be a stumbling block (one that causes another to stumble in their Christian faith), so I will give careful consideration to others in my freedom - for the sake or cause of Jesus Christ.

P. Thank you Lord Jesus for the freedom that we all have in you. Holy Spirit grant me wisdom in finding the delicate balance of how I live out the freedom I have in Jesus without causing others to be tripped up in their faith. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #9 November 9th, 2022 "Positive Responses to Negative Situations"

S. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13, 16 (NIV)

12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. 14 I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. 15 Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

O. Paul encouraged that we follow his example of humility in our response to hard times. Though, as an Apostle (a messenger of Jesus Christ), he could insist on a variety of “rights” - he did not. Paul exemplified a humble response to opposition and to harsh treatment of others (c.f. Phil. 2).

A. There are times I believe we are to boldly stand for the Gospel of Jesus Christ - no compromise. However when it comes to how I am personally treated, I will do my best to follow Paul’s example of humility and not insist on any rights that I might have so I can not only follow his example but also the example set by Jesus in Philippians 2.

P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you for Paul’s example of humility in times of opposition. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to imitate Paul’s lifestyle as I proclaim your Word. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #8 November 8, 2022 "God Gifts the Called"

S. 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (NIV)

4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

O. God is faithful - He is faithful to those He has called. How?

*** He enriches us in every way (v.5)

*** He equips us (we do not lack - V.7)

*** He establishes us (to confirm, make sure V. 8)

Where God guides He provides.

God doesn’t call the gifted - He gifts the called.

A. What a great teaching of Paul. He reminds the church that God has called them and as a measure of His faithfulness - He gifts those He calls. I have everthing I need to carry out the ministry/calling He has called me to.

P. Thank you Father for calling me and gifting me to carry out your important Kingdom work through preaching, teaching, disciple-making and encouraging others. Thank you Father for your Son Jesus and for the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name!