Living to Please God

Afternoon!

I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to blog today because something caused me not to be able to get into my site. I had to put my URL/dashboard in to get here, but I’m here now anyway!

The message today is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

If we aren’t living to please God, we need to start thinking of ways to more do so. Changing habits, thoughts, and plans.

Paul tells them in his letter that finally, they are living to please Him but that they need to do it more and more. They need more instruction and exhortation. He is encouraging more growth, in other words.

How do we live to please God in this day and age?

These verses tell us:

4:1-2 When, Who, Where?

4:3-6a What, How (can I please God)

4:6b-7 Why

4:8 How can I be holy?

We have been justified the minute we put our faith in Jesus. He got our sins, we get His righteousness. When we trust in Christ, we are born again.

God is pleased with us when we have a relationship with Him which is positional, unconditional, and results in justification.

The focus of what Paul is saying is fellowship is conditional, practical, and results in sanctification.

He says, “Be holy. No sexual immortality. No pronography, no bestiality, no incest. Learn to control your own body…it can be done! Don’t lust after others. Don’t wrong a brother or sister.”

You do it by silencing that little voice that says “it’s just how I am, I can’t help it.” You can and you better. The consequences are not good. You know right from wrong, so if you continue to do wrong, you will be judged and punished.

Christianity grew in Thessalonica because they realized they could express morality without the (Jewish) hangups.

Isnt it grand that we are no longer under law but under grace, grace which gives us hope.

Don’t lie, don’t slander, don’t gossip.

If we think of ourselves as part of the priesthood -which we are- then we are more likely to behave as holy people, pleasing to God. A priest isn’t supposed to sin. (I know it happens, but you get the point)

We are not animals. Not heathens, are we? We are human beings, sacred and holy. So do not be immoral and corrupt another person. (adultery breaks 6 of the 10 commandments)

1. As We Are Affirmed In Our Walk With Christ, We Are Called To Please God Through Our Choices. (4:1-6a)

Faith without obedience is pointless. God will punish those who practice immorality. You must have good doctrine and good behavior to back it up.

2. Our Lord Provides Reasons to Please Him and the Means to Do It. (4:6b-8)

I could relate to this message because as I’ve said before, I’ve already changed my music and got rid of most of my bad habits. That’s a start, but I can always do more, like Paul said. Cleaning up my language, picking more wholesome programs to watch…leaving behind worłdly things. It’s harder than you think but it would please God to see you trying. I have to believe that.

What could change in your life to make you more pleasing to God? Think about it and start trying to implement it.

Thanks for being here, I appreciate your eyes and your comments. 😌🙏