Daily Devotional

S.O.A.P.

In yesterday’s message, Pastor Ryan taught us the importance of spending time with God through spending time in His Word. While worship, prayer, serving, and community are all essential parts of our faith, the most crucial step we can take to grow our relationship with God is spending consistent time in Scripture. 

But sometimes the hardest part isn’t wanting to read the Bible, it’s knowing how. 

Oftentimes we ask questions like: 

When will I meet with God? 

Where will I meet with Him? 

What Scripture will I read? 

How will I engage with those Scriptures? 

Since you’re reading this devotional, you’ve already made time to meet with God today! So we’re going to help you with the what and how. 

Yesterday, Pastor Ryan introduced a simple, but helpful study tool called the S.O.A.P. method: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Today we’re going to strengthen our spiritual muscles by practicing this together with the verse below. 

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4

Scripture: Start by writing Matthew 4:4 in your journal. Read it a few times and consider reading it in more than one translation. This helps you slow down, focus on what you’re reading, and begin retaining God’s Word. 

Observation: Now, take time to understand what the verse actually means. Before asking, “What does this mean to me?” we want to ask the Lord, “What does this truly mean?”

Here are a few observations to start with: 

• What is the genre? Matthew is a gospel, a written account of the life and ministry of Jesus.
• Who is the author? Matthew is one of Jesus’ disciples and a former tax collector.
• Who is the original audience? The Jewish people.
• What was the author’s objective? To show that Jesus is the promised Messiah. 
• What is happening in this passage? Jesus was fasting in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, and when He was most hungry, Satan came to tempt Him. In response to temptation, He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 and when He quoted this verse, Satan fled.
• Why is this significant? Deuteronomy 8 describes Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness, where they had to depend on God for manna each day. Fast forward, after Jesus has spent 40 days in the wilderness, He echoes the importance of depending on God, and how His Word brings us strength in our weakness. 

Application: Next, reflect: How can I apply this to my life?

When Jesus faced temptation, He responded with the truth of Scripture. His response reminds us that God’s Word isn’t just something we read. It’s a truth we can lean on, and a spiritual sword against the enemy’s tactics. 

Prayer: Finally, end in prayer, asking God to help you retain this Scripture and live out this truth daily. 

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me Your living Word. Please give me a deeper hunger and thirst for your Word. Help me to depend on Your truth every day. When I face temptation, remind me of Your Word that is the sword of the Spirit. Help me to stand firm in declaring Your promises over my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.