HOW TO PLEASE GOD
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning and evening, Mar. 21, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
HOW TO PLEASE GOD
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
Introduction: “Help” books and “How To” books are very popular. They are available on how to get peace, friends, money, power, fame, happiness, lovers, good health, good looks, etc. I’m sure someone has done what I am about to suggest, but I am not aware of it having been done in my lifetime. I think someone ought to write a book on HOW TO PLEASE GOD. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Paul taught his converts how to please God.
I hope this message will give us some guidance to that end. I’m not saying that in one sermon I can cover EVERYTHING that pleases God, but I WILL give you some things that are clearly stated in the Bible that please God. Don’t you want to please HIM? Let’s look at the Bible to see how it may be done:
FIRST,
I. TO PLEASE GOD, DEPEND UPON HIM
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A. For deliverance from hell
* Acts 16:30-31
* Eph. 2:8-9
B. For direction in life
* 1 Kings 3:5-10
* 1 Kings 3:9-10 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
II. TO PLEASE GOD, DEVELOP A FEAR OF GOD
Psalms 147:10-11 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
In order to please God,
A. A child needs to fear God
B. A couple needs to fear God
C. A Christian needs to fear God
D. A church needs to fear God
E. A country needs to fear God
III. TO PLEASE GOD, DECLARE GOD’S GREATNESS
Psalms 69:30-31 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 31 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
A. Speak His praises
B. Shout His praises
C. Sing His praises
IV. TO PLEASE GOD, DEDICATE YOURSELF TO HIM
2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
A. Stay loose from this life’s concerns
B. Stay loyal to our Lord’s commands
V. TO PLEASE GOD, DECIDE TO OBEY YOUR PARENTS
Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
A. Submit to authority
* It is a choice you make
B. Signify your appreciation
C. Show your affection
VI. TO PLEASE GOD, DO GOOD
Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
A. Good works are the plan of God – Eph. 2:10
B. Good works are productive – Mt. 5:16
C. Good works are profitable – Tit. 3:8
VII. TO PLEASE GOD, DISTRIBUTE FREELY
Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
To communicate means to give financial support. See Phil. 4:15 for the definition in scripture.
This includes giving to the poor, but a person’s real obedience in giving is seen in his giving to the Lord through the local church. According to 1 Cor. 16:1-4, that giving should be
A. Periodic – upon the first day of the week
B. Personal – let every one of you
C. Placed – lay by him in store
D. Proportionate – as God hath prospered him
E. Purposeful – that there be no gatherings when I come
F. With pleasure – God loveth a cheerful giver