Conspicuous? (A SOAP Journal from 1 Timothy 5)

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In addition to regular articles, I will once again be posting highlights of some simple SOAP journals that were produced during a regular gathering of pastors to journal, pray, and encourage one another. These are not exhaustively studied as they are generally the work of 20 minutes of reading, 20 minutes of writing, and 20 minutes of sharing with each other what we have written. These brief devotional journal posts will begin in the Pastoral epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus). Hopefully, they will be encouraging to the readers of this blog.

We used the simple SOAP acronym as a devotional guide... which stands for:

• Scripture—what verse or short section caught my attention today?
• Observation—what can I briefly notice that the passage specifically says?
• Application—what will I do differently as a result of having read this today?
• Prayer—what will I ask the Triune God to do for, in, and through me today?

Conspicuous in an Age of Anonymity and Indifference (1 Timothy 5:24-25)

S = “The sins of some men are conspicuous, 
                            going before them to judgment, 
   but the sins of others appear later. 
          So also, good works are conspicuous, 
                 and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.”

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O = Some of the people we know are sinners and that is obvious to all—with others we only find out later what has all along been in their hearts. Nothing is hidden forever. It will eventually master them in catastrophic failure, or simply ooze out when the skin of their defenses has become thin or is rubbed raw by adversity. This is good to know and a bit scary too. However, it seems as though the point of this verse is actually about good works. It is a “just as” type of comparison here marked by the “So, also”. Just as hidden sin will come to light in the end, so will our good works as we participate in the love of Christ. Paul is encouraging the young pastor, Timothy, that even if no one notices, even if you are not recognized for your goodness to widows, to needy families, or for serving as an elder laboring in preaching and teaching in all purity…your work and your progress cannot remain hidden forever.

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A = This goes back to the previous chapter for me…about my progress being noticeable. So, what do people notice about me? Am I making progress? Do goodness and love show themselves in times of pressure, stress, and exhaustion? I desire to want to do good for the sake of pleasing Christ who has done everything for me. My heart is not to do things for applause or public reaction. I am usually content to leave recognition and reward in God’s hands, but for times when I grow tired and impatient this verse is a good reminder that, thankfully, it is from Christ that my reward will come.

P = O Lord, convince me again that you are the one whom I serve. You notice everything about me—good or bad. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy! Lead me in your way, the righteous way. Let me judge myself first, and then others according to your standards—not the popular view—but the right view. Help me to encourage others to be all they can be for you. And if I am conspicuous, may it be for good! Amen.