SOAP Devotions

A MEANS TO AN END / A MEANS TO THE END

2/8/20

SCRIPTURE: John 5:39-40 “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

OBSERVATION: It is important when you read this to realise that John is not referring to the bible and the new covenant (it will be a few hundred years before that all comes together). He is talking to his Jewish leaders about the Law and Prophets that they study for eternal life; but there is no eternal life in the Law and Prophets. Eternal life is only found in Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant; which does contain eternal life as it connects us straight to Jesus.

APPLICATION: The SOAP devotions bible reading plan is very important, but it needs to be read with the right understanding. The old testament gives us history and inspiring examples of what to do and what not to do when walking with God. But the new testament shifts into a personal transformation by the work of the Holy Spirit within; transforming us from the inside out. Rather than our life being about following the law, Jesus focuses on us loving God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind first, and then loving our neighbours as ourselves. Even though the bible is all inspired, all authoritative and all inerrant, it is not all equally applicable. We read it all and are to be inspired by it all, but we only apply what comes through the cross into Jesus’ new covenant. Why? Because the new becomes the vehicle to transport us to the feet of Jesus for our transformation into the image of Christ. As we are being transformed, we are becoming vessels that overflow with the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER: Father, help me to realise the old covenant was a means to an end, while the new covenant is a means to the end – Jesus himself. Amen.

written by Ps Kev

At OurChurch, we follow the Life Journal Reading Plan and use the SOAP journaling method - Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Download a booklet here for some tips on how you can get started.