1 Corinthians 8:10 S.O.A.P.

Scripture
1 Corinthians 8:10
For suppose someone sees you, a man having knowledge [of God, with an intelligent view of this subject and] reclining at table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged and emboldened [to violate his own conscientious scruples] if he is weak and uncertain, and eat what [to him] is for the purpose of idol worship?

Observation
Paul is instructing the Corinthian church regarding limiting their behavior even though their conscious gave them the liberty to eat in temples built for idols.

Action / Application
This is a reminder that, as Christians, we are not islands. What we do, and how we are perceived by others DOES matter. Knowingly influencing others in a way that causes their conscious convicts them IS sin although the action itself may not be.

Prayer
Lord, help me not to be so self-righteous that I destroy my brother.

FAIL, ADAPT, SUCCEED! – 1 Corinthians 4:3-5

1Co 4:3-5
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment:yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified:but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.
(ASV)

Thought about this verse while listening to someone speaking about adaptability. What resonated was not judging things before time. We should not be quick to label “our successes” and “our failures.” If we sincerely aim for favorable praise from God, being able to learn and change for the better, God will praise us WHEN the time comes.

If we are afraid to “fail” in an attempt to “succeed” we will waste time and fall short of our God-given potential. However, if we are willing and able to receive correction quickly, the Lord will bring all to light.

1 Corinthians 6:7 S.O.A.P.

Scripture
1 Corinthians 6:7
Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?

Observation
Paul encourages the Corinthian church to suffer wrong rather than go to unbelieving judges to settle disputes. He points out that, win or lose, doing that is always a defeat.

Action / Application
Especially when wronged by believers, it is better for me to forgive and move on if a dispute with my brother doesn’t get resolved to my liking.

Prayer
Lord, help me be willing to accept being wronged without seeking vengeance or justification. Help me to do so without ignoring the lessons you are teaching me while rejecting the condemnation that comes from the enemy.

Pertaining to Life AND Godliness

2 Peter 1:3 King James Version (KJV)
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Today I was thinking about all the music that exists, . and the subset of that that I actually like to listen to, . AND the subset of that I would be appropriate for Sunday morning. It occurred to me that stuff that I like falls into two categories: LIFE and GODLINESS. The stuff I like the MOST falls into both.

1 Corinthians 5:11 S.O.A.P.

Scripture
1 Corinthians 5:11
I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.

Observation
Paul was very straightforward here. He commands believers to distance themselves from “believers” that don’t act in a godly way.

Action / Application
While we are instructed to go to all the world, this passage draws a line for those that believe. We shouldn’t invite people into our circle that habitually practice sin. Also, if I find myself causing mature believers to pull away, what may God be saying to me?

Prayer
Help me father not to be so sympathetic that I become associated with the ungodly or, myself, begin showing ungodly behavior.