As I write these posts, it occurred to me that you might be interested in my devotional method. There isn’t anything unique or original about it, but I thought if I showed you how I approached these texts in my devotional time in the morning, that might help you with your time. This is not how I study a passage, or how I prepare to teach or preach a passage. But I do find it to be a helpful way to meditate on a text of scripture.
I use what is sometimes called the S.O.A.P. approach in my devotional time. This S.O.A.P. stands for Scripture, Observe, Apply, Pray. Another similar method is identified by the acrostic H.E.A.R. (which stands for Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond). Both methods take the same approach. First, you read the entire chapter or passage and identify one verse that really stands out to you. Next, you look at the passage, observing what is said and take the time to explain the meaning of the verse in your own words. Then, you draw from the meaning of that verse a personal application of the verse to your life. Finally, you respond in prayer to God about what you have just read. What I want to do in this post is show you how I would use the S.O.A.P. method in meditating on Acts 2. I have chosen several different verses to show how this could work for you.
S: Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (v. 21)
O: Peter is explaining the significance of the Pentecost event by showing it to be the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. The varied languages were just the first taste of the extent of God’s plan to reach all the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A: The church was “born” for this purpose. This is our calling. We are to be God’s instruments in proclaiming the name of Jesus so that all who call on him will be saved.
P: Father, keep me on task. Keep our church on mission. Empower us with boldness to proclaim the name of Jesus as you give us the opportunities. Amen.
Simple enough, right? Let’s try another one:
S: Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. (v. 23)
O: Christ’s death was part of God’s predetermined plan but that did not relieve the people who crucified him of their personal culpability for such sin.
A: God’s sovereignty and human free agency are not opposed but stand together. As Spurgeon said, “That there is a providence who ordains everything does not take away from any person the full responsibility for anything he or she does.” Because the Bible teaches this so clearly and so frequently, I need to realize that even in the worst circumstances, God’s sovereign hand is at work, assuredly accomplishing his good purposes.
P: God, help me to trust you when I can’t understand my circumstances, to see your hand at work, even in the sinful choices of human beings. Remind me of your goodness and your promise to work all things for your purpose and for my good. Amen.
I did the same thing for v. 38 and v. 42, but I won’t write them out here. This is an easy way to make sure you come away from your daily Bible reading with something to meditate on and to apply. Give it a try and then let me know how it is working for you.
Blessings!