Introduction
On this fourteenth and final day of our series on "What Must I Do to Please God?”, we arrive at a fitting conclusion: recognizing that pleasing God fills our lives with joyful optimism. God, in His love, reached out to us even when we were lost in sin, reconciling us to Himself through Christ. With such a loving, faithful God on our side, we have every reason to live with hope and confidence. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works in Christ, works that He has prepared and equipped us for through His Spirit. Embracing God’s purpose fills us with joy and motivation, as we understand that each day offers an opportunity to live for His glory.
Living a life that pleases God is not merely about fulfilling requirements; it’s about recognizing the incredible joy and purpose He has for us. His Spirit fills us, guides us, and empowers us to live a life that reflects His love. As we look back on the principles of pleasing God that we’ve explored over these past two weeks, we see a complete picture of a life surrendered to Him, one that honors Him in every area.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Ephesians 2:10 (AMP): "For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]."
Context of Ephesians 2:10
In Ephesians 2:10, Paul reminds believers that we are God’s workmanship, His unique creation, designed and crafted for a life filled with purpose. Created anew in Christ, we have been equipped for good works that reflect God’s love, truth, and grace. Paul emphasizes that these works are not random but are prepared by God Himself, aligning us with His divine purpose. This scripture invites us to view our lives through a lens of optimism and gratitude, knowing that we walk in paths prepared by God.
Paul’s words encourage us to embrace the reality that pleasing God is an active, joyful journey. When we understand that we are His masterpiece, we are inspired to live in a way that brings Him glory. Recognizing this truth fills us with optimism, as we realize that each moment is an opportunity to fulfill the purpose for which we were created.
Reviewing "What Must I Do to Please God?"
Key Phrase: "Living a life that pleases God is a joyful commitment."
Throughout these past thirteen days, we have journeyed through the core practices that lead to a life that pleases God. Together, these principles create a solid foundation for a life fully devoted to Him, each step building upon the others to shape a heart, mind, and life aligned with God’s will.
Choosing to Serve God: The journey begins with a deliberate decision to serve God wholeheartedly, placing Him above all competing distractions or desires. This choice is foundational, a commitment to center our lives on God’s purpose, acknowledging that nothing else can compare to His calling.
Sharing the Gospel: Our calling as believers is to share the Gospel. By communicating His truth, we allow God to work through us, becoming a voice for His grace. Sharing the Gospel is both a responsibility and a privilege, as we witness to others about His redemptive love and invite them into the same hope we have.
Walking in Christ: Each day, our walk should reflect the relationship we have with Christ, striving to live according to His example. Walking in Christ means embracing His love, seeking His purpose, and allowing His influence to shape our actions and decisions.
Living by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh: To please God, we must resist the impulses of the flesh and instead live by the guidance of the Spirit. Living in alignment with God’s Spirit enables us to draw on His strength, letting go of the selfish desires that lead us away from Him and choosing a life that reflects His character.
Remaining in Christ: A life that pleases God is deeply rooted in Christ. Remaining in Him is more than belief; it’s about abiding in His presence and allowing His life to flow through us, producing fruit that reflects His love, truth, and grace.
Being Filled with and Yielding to the Spirit: Our lives are pleasing to God when we are filled with His Spirit, yielding to His leading. This means giving Him the authority in our lives and honoring His presence, listening for His guidance and allowing Him to shape our path.
Praying with Thanksgiving and Praise: A life of prayer, marked by thanksgiving and praise, acknowledges God’s faithfulness in all circumstances. This continual gratitude builds a life rooted in His goodness, regardless of our situation, bringing us closer to Him and strengthening our faith.
Engaging with Scripture: Reading, meditating on, and studying the Bible allows us to know God more intimately and equips us with His truth. This engagement with Scripture forms the foundation for our choices, shaping our hearts and minds to reflect His will and wisdom.
Living as Christ’s Ambassador: To live as Christ’s ambassador is to represent Him in all aspects of life, sharing His love and grace wherever we go. As His representatives, we are called to show His compassion and truth, becoming a reflection of His character to others.
Daily Surrender and Self-Denial: Pleasing God requires a willingness to surrender daily, choosing His will above our own. This act of self-denial allows us to let go of our desires and open our hearts to His leading, trusting that His plans are greater than our own.
Renewing Our Minds: Transformation through mind renewal helps us resist the influence of the world, aligning our thoughts with God’s truth. This daily renewal reorients us toward God’s perspective, strengthening us against worldly temptations and allowing His wisdom to shape our lives.
Rejoicing in the Lord: A heart that rejoices in the Lord brings God joy, as we focus on His goodness and faithfulness despite our circumstances. Rejoicing is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty, choosing to celebrate His presence in our lives.
Grieving the Sins of People and Praying for Them: To please God, we are called to care deeply for those who are lost, grieving over sin’s destructive effects. Through prayer, we intercede for others, asking God to reach their hearts and bring them closer to Him, reflecting His desire for all to know His love.
Embracing a Life that Pleases God: This journey toward pleasing God requires consistency, humility, and a deep love for Him. Each principle, from choosing to serve God to grieving the sins of men and praying for them, forms part of a larger picture of a life surrendered to His will. To please God is to align every part of our lives with His purpose, to live in gratitude, and to be filled with the Spirit who enables us to grow in faith, love, and obedience.
Psalm 37:4 (AMP): "Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart."
This scripture beautifully captures the heart of a life that pleases God, calling us to delight in Him. As we do so, our desires align with His, creating a life filled with purpose and peace. Let us continue this journey with a heart set on pleasing God, knowing that every step brings us closer to the life He designed for us.
Each of the previous steps provides a glimpse into what it means to live for God. They call us to a life of devotion, obedience, and joy, one that seeks God’s presence and reflects His love.
Relevance to Today’s Believers:
For believers today, these principles form a roadmap for a life that pleases God. By embracing them, we cultivate a life marked by faith, joy, and a commitment to God’s purpose. Knowing that God created us for good works, we can live each day with optimism, trusting that He has equipped us for His calling. Pleasing God is a daily journey, one that involves constant growth, surrender, and reliance on His Spirit.
Living in a way that pleases God doesn’t mean perfection; it means faithfulness. It means making a choice each day to walk in His ways, to trust in His goodness, and to seek His presence. This life of joyful optimism and purpose is not only fulfilling but also a reflection of God’s glory.
The Whole of What It Means to Please God
Key Phrase: "A life that pleases God is rooted in love, joy, and purpose."
Throughout this series, we have examined steps that, when taken together, build a life that pleases God. Each step, from choosing to serve Him to rejoicing in His presence, points to a relationship with God that is both deep and transformative. Pleasing God is about aligning every part of our lives with His will, allowing His Spirit to guide, empower, and fill us. When we embrace this journey, we experience the fullness of joy that comes from living for Him.
John 15:7 (AMP): “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.”
This scripture reminds us that as we remain in God, our hearts align with His, and we find fulfillment in living according to His will.
Summary
On this fourteenth and final day of our series, we celebrate the journey of “What Must I Do to Please God?”, Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created for good works that He has prepared for us. Recognizing this truth fills us with optimism, knowing that God’s purpose for us is joyful and fulfilling. Over the past two weeks, we have explored the key principles of a life that pleases God, from choosing to serve Him to grieving over sin and praying for others.
Pleasing God is not a task to be completed but a relationship to be cultivated. As we follow these principles, we grow in faith, love, and understanding, drawing closer to God and reflecting His glory to the world. Let today’s focus on joyful optimism inspire you to embrace each day with a heart surrendered to Him, trusting in His purpose and living in a way that truly pleases our loving Father.
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