What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of July 12th
Out of the Darkness and Into the Light

OVERVIEW

We are in a message series designed to help us examine whether we are merely "Christians" by indentity alone or are we actually becoming Christlike? This Sunday we examined the thought, "Christians often pretend to be healthy. Followers will admit they’re sick."

One of humanity's deepest fears is the fear of rejection. It causes us to hide behind carefully crafted images, pretending to be stronger, healthier, and more put together than we really are. Yet Jesus never asked us to perform for His acceptance. He came to rescue us from our brokenness, not reward our performance. Through the calling of Matthew and Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees, we discover that authentic followers of Jesus don't pretend to have it all together, they simply and honestly admit their need for God's mercy and grace. Healing begins when we step into the light, confess our sin, and receive the grace that Jesus freely offers.

KEY POINTS

We were created in the image of a relational God whose very nature is love. Deep within every person is a longing to be known, accepted, and to belong. Unfortunately, the fear of rejection often convinces us that we must hide our flaws and project an image that seems more acceptable to others.

The problem is that while people may be fooled by the image we present, Jesus is not.

Jesus didn't come to save our image, He came to save us.

Matthew's story beautifully illustrates this truth. As a tax collector, he was rejected by society and viewed as beyond redemption. Yet Jesus intentionally sought him out, invited him to follow Him, and welcomed him into God's family before Matthew ever cleaned up his life.

The Pharisees, however, believed holiness meant separating themselves from sinful people. Although outwardly moral, they had become blind to their own need for mercy. Their external righteousness concealed internal pride, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness.

Jesus' words are both convicting and freeing:

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick... I desire mercy, not sacrifice." (Matthew 9:12–13)

Followers of Jesus understand they never outgrow their need for grace. The closer we walk with Christ, the more aware we become of His holiness and our continual dependence on His mercy.

John reminds believers that walking in the light doesn't mean living perfectly, it means living honestly.

Walking in the light involves two simple but life-changing responses:

  • Admit when you get it wrong.
  • Commit to doing what's right.

Confession isn't about condemnation; it's about healing. God's forgiveness removes our guilt, while honest relationships with trusted believers removes our shame.

When we stop pretending, we begin experiencing the freedom Jesus came to give us.

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from the series. 

1 John 1:5–9 (NIV) "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all... If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Additional Scriptures

  • Matthew 9:9–13
  • Matthew 23:27–28
  • Genesis 1:26–27
  • Genesis 2:18

OBSERVATION

The following 4 questions will help you to unpack what it means to choose Light over Darkness.

Q1. - The Fear of Rejection. The message Sunday described rejection as one of our deepest fears. How has the fear of rejection influenced the way you present yourself to others, and how does God's love speak into that fear?

Q2. - Mercy over Image. Jesus said, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Why do you think it's easier to focus on looking spiritually healthy than admitting where we need God's mercy?

Q3. - Walking in the Light. According to 1 John 1:5–9, walking in the light involves honesty rather than perfection. What practical steps can help create a culture of confession, grace, and accountability in our relationships and small groups?

Q4. - Living Authentically. PC challenged us on Sunday to "admit when you get it wrong and commit to doing what's right." What is one area where God is inviting you to stop pretending and take a step toward healing and obedience this week?

 APPLICATION

Ask yourself these questions this week:

  • Where have I been presenting an image instead of my authentic self?
  • Is there a hidden struggle I've been trying to manage alone?
  • Am I relying more on my performance than on God's mercy?
  • Is there someone I trust with whom I need to honestly confess my struggle?

This week, take one courageous step into the light.

Perhaps that means:

  • Confessing a hidden sin to God.
  • Sharing honestly with a trusted Christian friend or small group.
  • Asking for prayer instead of pretending you're okay.
  • Choosing mercy over judgment toward someone else.
  • Seeing people through God's eyes rather than through your own assumptions.

Remember: Healing begins where honesty meets grace.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me as I am and yet refusing to leave me there. Thank You that Your acceptance isn't based on my performance but on the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Forgive me for the times I've hidden behind appearances, pretending to be stronger or holier than I really am. Reveal the places where fear and pride have kept me in the darkness.

Give me the courage to step into Your light and to walk in Your light. Help me to confess my sins honestly, to trust Your mercy completely, and to receive the forgiveness You freely offer.

Teach me to extend the same grace to others that You have shown to me. May I never become someone who values appearances over compassion or sacrifice over mercy.

Continue transforming me from the inside out until my life reflects the heart of Jesus. In His name I pray,

Amen.

WHAT NEXT? SERVE ON A TEAM
Next Steps

Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.

  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
  • Invest. Investing financially at BeLoved helps us to stay on mission. You can find the best way to give at belovedchurch.ca/give Take a step, start your faithful practice of tithes and offering.
  • Discover. Embark on the journey at belovedchurch.ca/grow Take a step and invest into your discipleship journey at BeLoved.
  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism