SOAP Devotional 2014-06-04
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Scripture:
So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. (1 John 2:21-26 NLT)
Observation:
A reminder to stay faithful with what we were taught about Christ and the Father so that we can remain in fellowship with the Father and the Son. Although some may argue, this means so we can stay saved. All these things we discussed for the past few devotions talk about what true believers are. John wrote this because we know the difference between the truth and lies that says we can do these other things and still stay saved. Plus we must not accept those who have strayed from the faith to say that Jesus is not the Christ or denies the relationship between the Father and the Son. Both Father and son must be accepted for who they are. This is a warning about those that would lead us astray.
Application:
In the past men like Charles Taze Russell and Joseph Smith changed doctrine to build their own faith which denied what we were taught by the apostles from the beginning and we ended up with cults like the Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormon church. Although they did not take it to the extremes it later had, their lead followers took it even further. There have been others who twist the truth and lead astray those who knew better. We must beware of anyone who changes the truth from what the apostles first taught in Scripture. The best way to do that is to seek out the scriptures for ourselves. Remember to always read things in context and not just cherry pick a scripture because it sounds good or a preacher somewhere made a big deal about it. I would encourage even as Paul did the Bereans, even check out what I teach and preach. Make sure it lines up with the Word of God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to always stay true to your word. Let me study scriptures and doctrines in context with what your word really says rather than try to build doctrines by cherry picking scriptures here and there. And help me to recognize when other stray from your truth. Let me be wise and not gullible.
