SOAP Study - July 30, 2020
SCRIPTURE:
Romans 15:1-6
15 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”[a] 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
PERSONAL SOAP STUDY
OBSERVATION:
- What verse stood out to you while you were reading?
- What did you discover about God, yourself, and others?
APPLICATION:
- How should this information impact your life?
- What needs to be different about the way you are currently living?
PRAYER:
- Take some time to talk to God about the things you just learned and how you want your life to look different. Give God thanks for revealing these things to you, ask Him for wisdom and courage to move forward so that you can apply these things to your life.
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STAFF SOAP STUDY
OBSERVATION:
Paul continues the conversation that we’ve discussed the past three days, but he adds another and different command in verse 2. The last three days, Paul reminds those who are strong in their faith to be patient, gracious, and sacrificial in order to help the weak in their faith grow in their faith. In this verse Paul adds another command. Those who are strong in their faith must also be intentional about teaching and encouraging those weak in the faith with the truth of God’s word about how to follow Jesus. Paul says, “build them up in the Lord.” In other words, we are called to give those weak in their faith time, truth, and grace in order to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus and strengthen their walk with Jesus. The Gospel of John says that Jesus came to the world full of Grace and Truth. We must also come to others full of grace and truth.
APPLICATION:
If we are honest, we are often hesitant and avoid encouraging people with the truth of God’s word to grow their relationship with Jesus and strengthen their walk with Jesus. For some of us, it may be a lack of competence in God’s word. For some, it is a lack of confidence in God’s word and communicating God’s word. For some of us, it is a lack of courage. Finally, for some of us, it is not a priority. However, for those of us who are believers, we have a responsibility to our sisters and brothers in Christ to encourage them with God’s word and encourage them in their walk with Christ so that they can grow in their faith and avoid falling in their faith. Who are you encouraging in God’s truth? Who in your life needs to be encouraged in God’s truth, but you are hesitant and avoiding that opportunity?
PRAYER:
Father, your word is such a gift. It has changed my life and given me life. But it is not just a gift for me. It is a gift you have called me to give to others so that they may have life too. Lord, you give me so many opportunities to encourage and challenge people with your truth. There are times, where I embrace those opportunities. But there are also times where I don’t embrace these opportunities. Sometimes it is a lack of courage, sometimes a lack of confidence, sometimes a lack of competence, and sometimes it is just not a priority. Please forgive me. Open my eyes to see the open doors to encourage people in your word, and give me the words to say what people need to hear in that moment.