Welcome back friends.  Everyday I go through a new section of scripture and I journal about it.  I have decided to share it with all of you.  And it is done in an easy format that you can follow along with or even do yourself!

The format is called SOAP, which stands for Scripture, Observations, Application, and Prayer.  Please let me know what you think!

Scripture:

Honor the Elders (1 Timothy 5:17-25)

Observations:

We should give extra honor to the elders who do well in their ministry and study the Word.  The Bible tells us to do this.  5:17-18

Be careful what you listen to about them from others.  There must be more than one complaint to have credence.  5:19

Public humiliation makes a good example to others.  5:20

All should be held to these consequences.  5:21

Control yourself, think before you act, and don’t be involved with the others’ sins.  5:22

Paul knew that a “LITTLE” wine is good for your body.  5:23

Some sins are clearly seen, others won’t be seen until later.  5:24

The same can be said of good-works.  5:25

Application:

We should give extra honor to our Christian elders if they do well in ministry and study the Word.  This is clear in the Bible.  Don’t take one man’s word about something the elders have done.  There must be more than one witness/complaint.  If and elder has sinned then it may not be a bad idea to make and example of him/her by either having them repent of be cast out (depending on their choice) in front of the church body.  We should think before we act and not get involved with the sinful acts of others.  A little wine may be good for your body but the Bible is clear on excess.  Just like sins, some good-works are seen right away and others aren’t seen until later.  However, God sees them all first-hand.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to honor those whom are my elders.  Please, show me how to respect them.  I ask that You would strengthen their integrity; make them greater examples.  Help me to think with Your wisdom and avoid sin.  I know You see all my sin and good-works; please guide me.