SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 2.

Scripture

“Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned.” –2 Peter 2:2

Observation

False teachers will arise in the church (vs. 1).
These false teachers will…

1. Be sensual: unbridled lust, excess lasciviousness, licentiousness, outrageousness, shamelessness
2. Lead others into sensual behavior
3. Exploit other people–use them for their gain
4. Be greedy for more

Because of these false teachers, the way of God will be maligned–railed at, reviled, be spoken of as evil, blasphemed.

Application

I expect false teachers, exploiting others and leading them into sin, in the world (on campus, Hollywood, etc), but when they are in the church, they are particularly disgusting, bothersome and dangerous.

Just think of the harm done by Catholic priests with their sexual scandals. Or consider the destruction and damage being done by “evangelicals” who are coming out in support of same-sex marriage. These people must be confronted, challenged and rebuked, or their false teaching will spread like cancer.

But I also think of false teachers in our schools, media, etc. People who would never listen to a Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, Imam or even Joel Olstein and think nothing of paying money and listening to an atheist teaching and promoting a sensual path as long as that teacher is a professor or entertainment celebrity. We must warn and be on guard for these as well.

Prayer

Father, it seems as if the battle is never ending. The adversary is relentless in spreading false teaching and enticing people into sin. Our walls of protection have been broken down. Even your flock is in constant danger.

I pray for the grace, wisdom, courage and perseverance to fight the good fight, to protect Your church, to confront evil and evil-doers. I pray Your church would be protected from evil. I pray we can push back the darkness. I pray that Your word–Your truth–will spread rapidly and prevail!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 1.

Scripture

“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them…I consider it right, as long as I’m in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder.” –2 Peter 1:12-13

Observation

Peter didn’t shy away from teaching things people had already heard and believed. He was READY (prepared) to do so, and he considered it RIGHT to do so.

People need to be stirred-up with truths they already know.

Application

I need to be reminded and stirred-up.

I need to remind and stir-up others. People tend toward spiritual apathy and need to be exhorted.

Don’t feel I always need to share something new. That’s just pride. The most profound, life-changing truths have been around for a long time!

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your unchanging truth. If there are new things I’m to learn and teach, might I discover them. But there’s so much I already know and yet drift away from. Remind me! Stir me up! And use me to remind others. Deliver me from the pride of thinking I need to teach something new. Your word is alive and exciting enough! Be blessed in the way I teach it! Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 1.

Scripture

“For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” –2 Peter 1:4

Observation

God’s promises enable us to be like God.

His divine nature is the opposite of the corrupt, worldly nature of lust. By God’s promises, we ESCAPE the trap of lust.

Application

Know the promises of God! Believe them! Claim them! Live in light of them! Particularly, promises about God developing LOVE in me.

Prayer

Father, Your promises are precious; they’re magnificent! They enable me to escape the corruption caused by selfish LUST and to partake of Your loving nature.

Father, it seems that hardly anyone believes this anymore. So few people–even godly leaders–seem to believe it’s possible to overcome lust and walk in divine love. But I believe Your promises! Please make me a living demonstration of the power of Your promises to radically change a life and be glorified in me, I pray! Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 3.

Scripture

“Know this first of all, that in the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts.” 2 Peter 3:3

Observation

Mockers aren’t following their intelligence–they’re following their lusts.

Know, realize, don’t be caught off guard or surprised by mockers.

Last days–>People given to their lusts–>more mockers mocking

Application

Expect to be mocked; it goes with being a Christian. But realize WHY mockers mock me: it’s because I’m living for Jesus, and they’re living for their lustful selves. Don’t be drawn into rabbit trail arguments; learn to bring attention to the real problem.

Prayer

Father, You have ordained that I live at this present-time–what very well may be the last days. How exciting but how challenging. Mockers mock while hiding their lust and justifying their sinful lives behind intellectual attacks on our faith.

Help me always to see sin and sinners’ justifications for what they really are, to expose them and call them to repentance.

I pray this for Your name and glory, Amen.

 

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 1 Peter 1.

Scripture

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.” –1 Peter 1:1

Observation

The first word he uses to identify himself is “bond-servant.”
Doulos: a slave; devoted to another to disregard of one’s own interests.
Metph: one who gives himself up to another’s will; those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men.

Application

My first identity must be as a bond-servant of Christ. His will must be MY will.

Prayer

Father, I pledge myself to be a bond-servant of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. His will is my will; His desire is my command. I seek to please Him in all that I do. This is my heart’s desire; deepen this conviction and commitment in my heart, I pray.

I live in a Christian culture that acts as if You are to be our servant; might my life clearly demonstrate the proper relationship of You as Lord. And I pray my wife, kids and their spouses would be your bond-servants as well.

Be glorified in us, I pray. Amen.