📖 SOAP – Matthew 18–19
🟢 S — Scripture
Matthew 18:3–4
“Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:12–14
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?”
Matthew 18:33–35
“Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? … So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Matthew 19:6
“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Matthew 19:21–22
“If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor… and come, follow Me.”
“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
Matthew 19:26
“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
🟡 O — Observations
- The disciples argue about greatness; Jesus defines greatness as humility and childlike dependence.
- Jesus speaks radically about removing whatever causes sin — showing the seriousness of offense and pride.
- The parable of the lost sheep highlights God’s personal pursuit of the wandering one.
- The unforgiving servant reveals that receiving mercy must produce mercy.
- In Matthew 19, Jesus returns to God’s original design for marriage — unity and covenant faithfulness.
- Children are again welcomed, reinforcing humility and dependence.
- The rich young ruler appears morally upright but reveals an idol when asked to surrender wealth.
- Jesus teaches that salvation is impossible through human effort — only possible with God.
Humility is the thread running through both chapters.
🔵 A — Application
1️⃣ Humility Over Pride
Pride is the trigger for many sins — self-dependence, defensiveness, control, passive aggression.
To become like a child means daily dependence on Jesus — not self-reliance.
I must ask regularly:
- Where am I clinging to control?
- Where is pride protecting me?
- What would I resist if Jesus said, “Release that”?
2️⃣ Ruthlessness Toward Sin
Jesus’ language about cutting off what causes sin shows I must not negotiate with sin.
I must deal seriously with thoughts, habits, and attitudes that pull me away from Him.
3️⃣ Forgiveness Flow
I have received extraordinary mercy.
If I withhold forgiveness, I reveal pride.
Grace received must become grace extended.
4️⃣ Wealth and Allegiance
The rich young ruler’s sorrow exposed his true god.
The issue was not money — it was allegiance.
When given a binary choice — follow Christ or keep comfort — what rises in me?
5️⃣ Marriage Gratitude
God’s design for marriage is covenant unity.
Humility strengthens marriage:
- Quick repentance
- Direct communication
- Appreciation
- No scorekeeping
I am thankful for Cindy and must cultivate daily gratitude.
6️⃣ The Lost Sheep
God pursued me when I was isolated and at my lowest.
He left the ninety-nine and came after me.
My life now is not chance — it is rescue.
7️⃣ Dependence Daily
“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Job decisions.
Housing.
Finances.
Health.
Counseling.
Helping others.
All require dependence.
🔴 P — Prayer
Lord,
Make me humble like a child — dependent, trusting, surrendered.
Expose pride quickly in me. Remove distractions and self-reliance.
Help me deal seriously with sin and not negotiate with it.
Teach me to forgive as I have been forgiven.
Guard my heart from idols — wealth, control, comfort, reputation.
Strengthen my marriage. Help me cherish Cindy daily.
Thank You for pursuing me when I was lost.
With You, what is impossible for me becomes possible.
Guide me in work, housing, health, and purpose.
I surrender it all to You.
Amen.