2 Timothy 4:1-5

*The S.O.A.P. guide shifts in the weeks before Easter to focus our attention on evangelism.

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(2 Timothy 4:1-5, NLT) I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 

Observation

▪ I notice the contrasting word “but” at the beginning of this scripture. Luke (the writer of Acts) is contrasting what he was previously saying in verses 1-7. Jesus was telling his disciples to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them, giving them the power they needed to advance the Good News across the globe.

▪ When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive power so that we can be God’s “witnesses” everywhere. This includes Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Application

▪ As a follower of Jesus, who is commissioned to be his witness everywhere, I need to make sure my witness is represented in all four locations Jesus mentioned. I need to witness in my city, my state, my nation, and the world. 

▪ The power I have been given through the Holy Spirit needs to be used for his purpose, not my own.

Prayer

God of the harvest! I pray for more harvest and more workers. Please, help me to continue this practice. However, help me to make sure that I am not just praying. Help me to make sure I am also going as a witness to the city, state, nation, and world. Anything else is unacceptable. Give me more power so that I can accomplish what you have for me to accomplish. May the lost be saved! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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