Hebrews 4:12 - SOAP

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ~Hebrews 4:12

In Wayne Cordero’s book Divine Mentor he says that people are always asking him to mentor them. He always says, “Sure. Meet me at this coffee house from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.” How does the pastor of a church of 20,000 mentor everyone who asks? Here’s how he does it.

Whoever shows up follows Pastor Cordero’s SOAP plan. “S” (Scripture) – for 20 minutes they all read the same passage silently. “O” (Observation), “A” (Application), and “P” (Prayer) – for 20 minutes they silently write down what God is teaching them from that passage. They write out everything they observe from the teaching. Then they write how they can apply the truths to their own lives. Lastly, they write out a prayer asking God for help in living out these truths in their lives.

The attendees finally each read aloud to the rest of the group what they wrote down. You may say, “But Pastor Cordero isn’t mentoring them. They are just reading the Word.” Actually, he is guiding them to the best mentor they could have – the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that when He left, He would leave a teacher to guide us -- His Holy Spirit.

Today, walk through the SOAP system with the Scripture above – Hebrews 4:12.

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Observe: What are your observations about this passage.

Further Thoughts: Ask yourself some questions and apply this passage to your life.

Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you today to follow these truths

Colossians 1:24-27 "Mystery Revealed"

Read Colossians 1:24-27.

"...the mystery that has been kept hidden....is now disclosed." NIV

The mystery. Paul uses this term very deliberately here because the "mystery religions" believed that truth was revealed to only a select few. However, every time Paul uses the word "mystery," he always combines it with "revealed," disclosed," "made known," because what was hidden is now revealed. There are no mysteries other that those that God chooses to keep from everyone. (i.e. When Christ will return, etc.) The hope of mankind is out there in the form of Jesus Christ. Everyone has access to Him. Everyone can receive their rhema through the Word of God. Different people have different giftings in the body of Christ, the Church, but all people have access to know God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He's available to anyone, not just a few chosen ones. So Paul's statements here were very much directed at the problems creeping into the church in Colosse at the time.

But the truth of his message is eternal.

I love mysteries. I read voraciously (when I'm not on a writing deadline.) And mostly I read mysteries and thrillers. They are my favorite. I see how fast I can figure the outcome based on the clues. My favorite thing is to compare with other people reading the same book and see if I solved the mystery before them. (Okay, I'm a little competitive.)

My point is, what is the basic premise of any mystery? There's an answer that is hidden from general knowledge; there are clues to that answer; the clues accumulate until the protagonist of the story figures out the answer, and the mystery is solved. Paul is saying here that Jesus did exist; He was the plan all along. But God had hidden Him from us until the right time. We had clues in the prophet's revelations, but even the clues got messed up. The Jews understood a Messiah was coming, but they thought a great warrior/political leader would come in and rescue them from their oppressors. They still believe that. But in God's great wisdom, the mystery is revealed outside of our paradigm and expectations. Christ came in the humble example of how we are to live our lives. And now we have the hope of glory..... Hmmm, never saw that one coming.....

Further Thoughts:

1. Look up OT Scriptures that are revelations (clues) of Christ's coming as a baby and Savior.
2. Do you believe and live as one who is a recipient of God's revelations? Or do you rely on others that you think are "the chosen" to reveal God's truth? If yes, why? Is that biblical?
3. Research the Greek words, logos and rhema.
4. Ask God to reveal Himself and His wisdom to you today. (Where in Scripture does He promise to answer that request?)

Colossians 1:5-7 "Absolute Truth"

Read Colossians 1:5-7.

"...the word of truth...." NIV

Even though my degree is in English, I've always had a love for the sciences. In fact math and science were my best subjects in school. (I know, why did I get an English degree? That's a God story for another time.) My point is that I have always been one that loved facts. I have always seen life very black and white. If there is no empirical evidence, then how is it true? Except in my spiritual walk. Ironically, every spiritual test I take comes back really high in faith. The only way I can figure that one is that my faith is based on Truth and the data I have is my experience with the Almighty.

Oh, yes, there is a lot of data to prove that Creation was only 6000 years ago, not billions of years. There is proof of many of the Old Testament stories -- the flood, artifacts in The Holy Land, excavated cities, etc. There's even written history for the existence of Jesus Christ. But the Truth of a relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit within me is experiential and can't be proven with tests tubes, Dead Sea Scrolls, or death cloths. But it is living and breathing -- embodied in all believers who have surrendered to His power. Truth is in the cross, tomb, and resurrection. Truth is in God's grace (vs. 6). Truth is in the moment-by-moment guidance of His Spirit in my life. That is the Truth I stand on and will never deny.

The sinful nature is flooded in the temptation to lie -- truth is relative. Religions are even built around relative truth -- deciding what you will believe, and it is different for everyone. In a physical world based on so many absolute truths (i.e. gravity), I am amazed that anyone can't see that there can be a spiritual truth to go with it. But thank our Lord, His Truth is firm and steadfast. The God of Truth who created our universe with laws and absolutes, loves us in the same Truth. His gospel is sure and trustworthy.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is your faith based on Truth or your own ideas? Really think about that. Even Christians can get sucked into beliefs that are not based on God's Truth but on man's traditions, biases, and cultures.
2. Why is truthfulness so hard to today? Lying seems to be the norm. Why?
   
3. Compare and contrast man's truth with God's Truth. Support with Scripture.
4. Even though there is not a lot of empirical data for God's Truth, what will happen in the future that will provide that proof?

1 John 4:1-6 "The Truth"

Read 1 John 4:1-6.

"This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God...." NIV

It's interesting how history does repeat itself. John had Gnosticism to contend with and we have relativism. They take different paths, but end up at the same conclusion. They desire a religion that works for them rather than a relationship that is based on Truth. And John very clearly shows us how to recognize them. The Divinity of Christ is the key. I know many people who believe Jesus existed. They even admire Him and want to emulate His life. But that He is God and the only way to salvation? No way. That's where they reveal their true love -- self. The way of the cross is easily gained, but difficult to walk. It requires self-denial, sacrifice. It's a place for humility, not boasting. 

Relativism picks and chooses the parts of a spiritual life that appeal to them. God says that the path to Him is narrow and we must walk it if we are to live by His Spirit.

Dear Lord, open eyes so they can see the real Truth.

Further Thoughts:

1. What does Jesus say about the path of righteousness? List specific passages.
   
2. Is Christianity supposed to be easy? Explain and support with Scripture.
   
3. In what way did Judas and the Pharisees choose relativism?
   
4. Do you have someone you know trapped in the falsehood of relativism? Pray for them and share from your heart when the opportunities arise. There is hope.

1 John 2:18-27 "Truth Never Changes"

Read 1 John 2:18-27.

"I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray." NIV

This is an interesting passage because it is one of those that to be totally understood, you must know the context in which it was written and to whom it was written. Remember that one of the main purposes of this letter is to refute Gnosticism.

I want to focus specifically on verses 24-27. John says that we need to be sure that "what you have heard from the beginning remains in you." In their case it was the truth that the apostles taught them. The same is true for us through the written Word, but it can also be through preaching, teaching, and discipling that we have received. Keeping the Truth of Jesus Christ hidden in our hearts and not opening the door to distortion or doubt is our first objective. Truth does not change; our Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. So anyone that tells me this is not Truth is claiming an evolution of Truth which is not possible. And that's a trick of the enemy.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit is our daily teacher. It is through the anointing within us that we are to be guided through the process of daily living. He is our True Counselor and Guide. The Gnostics believed that they had a higher anointing, but Jesus told us that each of us would receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He lives within us. There isn't a higher anointing than that.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is your initial action when you need Truth? Do you seek it from your family and friends? the Bible? Oprah? 
   
2. Can we have an absolutely complete understanding of the Bible? Why or why not?
   
3. What is the relationship between our understanding of the Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
   
4. Are you allowing any Truth doubters into your life? Why? (I'm not speaking about non-believers you are trying to develop a relationship with. I'm talking about people who are trying to convince you that Truth is not Truth.)
   

2 Peter 1:12-21 "A Reminder"

Read 2 Peter 1:12-21.

"So I will always remind you of these things even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have." NIV

I was recently talking with a friend about how little believers study their Bible's. Then I was reading about research done by a large mid-western church and they confirmed in their studies that the percentages are not very high. Why is that? Time. Difficult language and cultural references? Do not see the relevancy? Act of duty instead of an act of love?

Many factors could influence why believers are not studying the Word, but the fact remains that no matter what stage in our Christian walk we are, we will never know enough of the Word and the things the Father wants us to learn. We need to be constantly reminded of the Truths that will prepare us to face difficulties and victories, guide us in our relationships, help us to resist temptation, and so on. And it will never end. In fact, the more I study the Word, the less I feel I really know about my God. In the depths of His Word He becomes vaster and vaster (Yes, I made a new word. Did you understand my meaning? Then it works. :) 

I can't just be reading about the prophesies or looking through the life of Jesus and walk away and say, "Well, that's that. I've read it." We must constantly come back to it again and again to learn new Truths that the Holy Spirit wants to reveal. Maybe we are going through something that the Word can address. More often than not the Lord reveals Scripture to me that prepares me for something that is about to happen. Then when I go through that whatever event, I know immediately what He was trying to teach me and I am prepared to scripturally face anything. I may have read that passage before, but by studying it again, the Word became active in my life right now where I am at.

The Word of God never becomes stale. It is alive and active -- changing, directing, molding us into the people God has called us to be. "... and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place." Thank You, Father, for Your Word. May I never become dulled to its meanings or complacent with the study of it. I cherish what you have to say to me.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is the Word difficult for you to get into? Here's some possible reasons why: 1)You have received Jesus as your Savior, but have not completely surrendered to Jesus as the Lord of your life so His words do not carry a relevancy to your life. Full surrender is the beginning of a desire to know Him more. 2) You need an easier translation to read.  3) You need study helps.  4) You don't allow time to reflect on what you have read and make application to your life. 5) You need an accountability partner to help you develop good habits of study and reflection on the Word.     These are just some possibilities. But you can ask the Lord to reveal to you your particular reason.
   

James 1:13-18 "Two Births"

Read James 1:13-18.

"Every good and perfect gift...." NIV

I am struck with the two "births" contrasted in this passage. First is a birth spawned by the sinful nature. The enemy plays to our sinful nature by tempting us in any area that will drive us farther from the Father. And if we yield to the desires he is tempting us with, we plant a seed in our spirit. We nurture those desires with thoughts, plans, and dreams of acting them out. And if we allow those thoughts to grow within us, we will succumb to the temptation and sin is born. Embracing that sin will only lead to our spiritual death because we have chosen a path separate from Christ.

But we have a Father who loves us and did not leave us to the wiles of the enemy. The father of lies will continually drag us from one temptation to another. But the Father of Mankind is a constant in our life. He never changes; He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Almighty does not want to lead us to death, but to eternal life if we will only follow His direction and embrace His love and gift. He does not tempt us to give birth to sin, but He gives us birth through the word of truth -- His Son Jesus Christ. He have been given a life choice not filled with lies, uncertainty and sin, but one full of hope, direction, and truth.

We have been given a heritage through the scattered Christians of James day -- one of perseverance and tenacity. They were not swayed by temporal temptations that shift with the wind. They chose what appeared to be a harder path, but one that ends in rewards beyond any human imagination. The scattered tribes were displaced, but only temporarily. They were bound for a unified home -- with the Father -- and nothing would stop them from reaching their goal. Mere inconveniences were just small obstacles compared to the hope of heaven and eternity with Christ.

Each day as we take up our cross to follow Him, we are also choosing which birth to embrace -- one to sin or to life. I choose to accept the birth of life through the Word of Truth.

Further Thoughts:

1. Research "holiness." What does it mean? Why are we called to it? How do we achieve holiness?
2. Compare and contrast the Hebrew children's journey from Egypt to our individual spiritual journey. What "births" do you note in each? How do we break the cycle? Can it be broken?
3. What obstacles or temptations are you facing that would pull you away from following the Almighty? Why are you entertaining those thoughts? What do you need to do to get your direction back on the right path?
4. Why is resisting temptation so difficult? Are there major changes you need to make in your life to avoid those temptations? Make them.

Matthew 27:1-10 "Consistency"

Read Matthew 27:1-10.

"Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death....." "....It is against the law to put this (30 coins) into the treasury, since it is blood money." NIV

Woe to the blind and deceived. The chief priests and elders of the Jewish people, their spiritual (and political) leaders, decided to put Jesus to death. That is just so hard for me to fathom. But it was another time and place than my reality. I wonder how many others they had put to death for blasphemy? But here, they are ready to have an innocent man executed. So since their right to capital punishment had been taken away by the Romans, they turn Jesus over to Pilate as a traitor to be put to death. The overwhelming sadness of that decision paralyzes me. What kind of hubris and hate could cause men to do this? And these are the spiritual leaders of God's chosen people.

Now look just five verses later, after Judas, out of an act of remorse, throws the thirty pieces of silver into the temple, the chief priests state that they can't take blood money. Are you kidding me? They can send an innocent man to his death, but they can't use the money they paid to have him brought in for the temple. It's amazing how fast they collectively grew a moral and ethical conscience. Of course, it's a relative conscience that serves their own purposes and desires. But a conscience none the less.

How often do we justify our actions by following up with something good and right? And it all makes sense to the person doing it while everyone around them is left scratching their head. The enemy loves to have us in this position - situational ethics. "I believe what I need to believe to serve my purpose at this moment. And if that belief changes later, so be it. That's what I need it to be at that moment." Why can't truth be truth and relativity thrown out with last week's garbage. Life would be so much simpler if everyone was on the same page, living for the same purpose. I guess that's called heaven. And I'll hang onto that hope.

In the meantime, we must live with inconsistencies and poor judgements rampant around us. Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not always consistent. Nobody is. But I will keep striving to line up with Truth and stay on that straight and narrow way until I no longer walk this earth.

Holy Spirit, guide me in Truth to remain true.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you make your decisions based on Truth or what works for you? Think about this. Consistency is needed in all areas of our lives, not just in the big decisions. Walking a life of Truth is not for Sunday only. It's a day to day process that requires a consistent checking of the compass.
2. Compare and contrast the life of Saul and the life of David. What was different about their consistency? Notice what each does when they do fail to stay on track. What are their different responses to others and to God?

Matthew 12:22-29 "The Illogical Argument"

Read Matthew 12:22-29.

"It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons." NIV

It just absolutely amazes me the illogical arguments that people will make against Christ and Christianity. Here is a prime example. Teachers of the law, God's law, accuse Christ of being a conduit of Satan to drive out demons. Why would Satan ever do that? He put the demon in the man in the first place to do his work. Yet that is the Pharisees' answer for who Jesus must be. And these were the wise men of the day -- the learned? Reminds me of Matthew 11:25 when Jesus says, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." Now I'm not against education at all. I'm an educator. But really, some common sense has to come into play sometime.

Jesus answers so beautiful with pure logic. "If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?"

So it just seems that this is the kind of argument that we still face to this day. People want truth yet they embrace relativism exactly like the Pharisees did. The Pharisees didn't want to see Jesus as the Messiah or their own sins and hypocrisy would be exposed and their power ripped away. Maybe that's the same reasoning today. If Jesus is embraced as the truth, then I will be shone as a person that does not follow truth. Therefore, I will create my own truth that I can follow religiously. The problem with creating our own truth is that it's truth for only us. And it can change with our whim. We stand on nothing concrete and so flounder in a world of our own making that shifts like the sand. Who are you really and what do you believe in? I guess it comes down to you only believe in yourself so you are making yourself your own god.

The Almighty does not change with the wind. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is a foundation that will never shift or crack because He is not only just, but loving. He is the perfect balance. God is good in all circumstances and His precepts are true. With God, there is no compromise. Full devotion is normal, not the exception. He is a mighty fortress, a strong tower. He will never leave me or forsake me. His decisions are not based on hormones, profit margins, or present circumstances. He is always right and in control. His truth is unwavering, and the path to Him is straight and narrow. He lives in the realm of black and white, no gray. Rigid, probably. Compassionate, absolutely. He embodies pure mercy and grace through His Son, Jesus Christ and desires that none of His children should perish. He is the Caring Shepherd pursuing tirelessly His lost sheep. He is never taken by surprise and never confused. His way is sure.

This is the Truth that I stand on. This is my argument against the shifting views that so many want to take today. Call me, conservative; call me, rigid; even call me, intolerant. I serve a jealous God and must remain true to Him. Any way other than His is the wrong way. Truth is still truth even if no one believes in it.

Further Thoughts:

1. How does Noah and the flood support my last statement?
2. Do you struggle with compromise like the Pharisees? Why? In what areas? What in your life needs to change to be back on the straight and narrow road?
3. Do you face constant opposition because of your faith? View their arguments in light of God's truth and stand on His firm foundation. You are not the one being rejected, He is. And He can stand up to anyone.

Matthew 5:33-37 "I Give You My Word"

Read Matthew 5:33-37.

While this is in direct reference to the third commandment and is obviously important, it is an area I don't really struggle with to the best of my knowledge. As I read the commentaries and study notes for the exact meaning of this passage, I see several areas referenced.

• When you need to swear an oath of importance, i.e. on a witness stand, tell the truth and do not do it lightly.
• Do not swear by God's name and then tell lies. It is of gravest importance when using the name of God.
• In most cases in your life, you should not need to swear by anything. Your integrity should be that if you say yes, you mean yes. And if you say no, you mean no. No suspicion of falsehood should ever be associated with your word.

This is a tough one in our society -- to believe people's word. Lying has become a norm and tainted the thought of integrity in all men and women. I just hate that. I want to believe people, but do I seriously have to ask someone, "Do you swear?" to trust their word? Can't we all just agree to speak the truth at all times and eliminate the doubt? I especially want to put this question to our politicians. I think I'm going to start a truth-telling crusade. Will you join me?

Further Thoughts:

1. Look up the third commandment and read study notes on it.
2. Lying must be a long term disease. Look in a concordance at the number of verses that have the word "truth" in them. Jesus repeatedly said, "I tell you the truth...."
3. Who is the Spirit of Truth and how should he affect our lives?
4. Compare and contrast integrity and lying. How does one affect the other?
5. Is your word true? Can you be trusted at all times to speak truth without having to swear to its veracity? If not, how can you expect others to tell you the truth? What about your children; do they see you modeling truth?

Ephesians 6:14a "To Tell the Truth"

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...." NIV

Truth has become such a relative term today. It seems that society has suddenly given me the power to make truth anything I want it to be. And what you want it to be. And what my neighbor wants it to be. There doesn't seem to be an absolute truth anymore. And if I there is no absolute truth for our beliefs, then why do I need to live a truthful life if lies serve me better? And the rabbit hole gets deeper and deeper.

But there is an absolute truth. Jesus Christ is still truth even if nobody else believes in Him. Belief doesn't change the truth, only celebrates and affirms it in my life. And I will stand on that truth and living truthfully for as long as I can stand.

Okay, so I sound pretty passionate today, huh? My children know how I feel about truth-telling. They know it's much better to tell me the truth and suffer the consequences than to lie. If I found out they lied, the punishment will be oh so much worse. Our word is our integrity. If people can't trust what we say, how can they ever trust us. Why should they?

The belt being the symbol of truth is significant in a couple of ways. First, the belt is near the loins suggesting intimacy and importance in our lives. Our integrity is who we are. Secondly, for a soldier the belt was used to hold in the robes so they were ready for battle. If we are living a true life, we are ready to face the obstacles thrown at us.

So I choose truth with a "T" and a "t," and I will keep them very close to me. I will daily wrap it around me to hold in all that I am. It will bind my body with His truth to keep me on the straight and narrow.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where are we first told not to lie?
2. Where does Jesus say that He is the Truth?
3. How are truth-telling and integrity tied together? Support with Scripture.
4. Do we ask others to lie for us? What is that telling them about us?