Introduction
As we continue this series on “What Must I Do to Please God?”, we turn to an essential truth: walking in Christ. The whole of Scripture is designed to teach us about God, and throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the Lord Jesus Christ is revealed. The Gospels introduce us to His life and ministry, while the Epistles give us practical instruction on how to live out our faith in Him. To please God, we must not only believe in Christ, but walk in Him—living lives that reflect His character and His teachings.
The Bible calls us to follow Christ in both word and deed. Walking in Christ is not a casual suggestion; it is a command for believers who desire to please God. In 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Paul urges the church to follow Christ's teachings so that their lives may be pleasing to God. It is through daily obedience, faith, and surrender that we walk in Christ and live a life worthy of His calling.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
1 Thessalonians 4:1 (AMP): "Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God (just as you are actually doing) and that you excel even more and more [in pursuing a life of purpose and living in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]."
Context of 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians offers practical advice and encouragement for believers who want to live in a way that pleases God. In this particular scripture, Paul calls the church to continue walking in the teachings they have received. They were already living in a way that reflected their faith, but Paul encouraged them to "excel even more." This suggests that there is always room for growth in our walk with Christ. We are not called to be stagnant or complacent in our faith but to continually pursue deeper fellowship and obedience.
Paul’s exhortation in this verse is a reminder that walking in Christ is an ongoing journey. It requires perseverance, spiritual growth, and an eagerness to learn more about Christ’s teachings. Pleasing God is not about a single moment of decision but about a lifetime of faithful walking with Him.
Walking in Christ to Please God
Key Phrase: "Follow the instruction… about how you ought to walk and please God."
Walking in Christ means living in alignment with His teachings. This involves studying the Scriptures, allowing God’s Word to transform us, and living out that transformation in our daily lives. The Gospels give us the life of Christ as an example, showing us how He loved, served, and obeyed the Father. The Epistles, on the other hand, provide specific guidance on how believers are to live in this world, following Christ’s example.
To walk in Christ is to let His character and His Spirit guide our actions, thoughts, and decisions. It means choosing to live a life that reflects His holiness, compassion, and righteousness. When we walk in Christ, we not only please God but also demonstrate to the world the power of the Gospel in our lives. In recent years there has been a popular statement “what would Jesus Do?” We are called as Christians to not just casually spout that when we think it’s cute or cool, but to live, to love, and treat others, and serve God, as Jesus does! Note, I wrote, “does” not did. Selah!
Colossians 2:6-7 (AMP): "Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin],having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and becoming increasingly more established in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude."
In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul emphasizes the importance of walking in Christ in a way that reflects His (Christ’s) character and points others to Him. This verse highlights the idea that walking in Christ is an active, ongoing process of being rooted in Him and growing in faith. The more we walk in Christ, the more established we become in our relationship with God.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For Christians today, walking in Christ is the foundation of living a life that pleases God. It is not enough to believe in Christ intellectually or to attend church; we must live out our faith daily. Walking in Christ means allowing Him to shape every part of our lives—how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we prioritize our time and resources.
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, walking in Christ requires intentionality and perseverance. It is a choice to follow Him, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. As believers, we are called to walk in Christ in such a way that others see Him through us. By doing so, we not only honor God but also fulfill our purpose as His witnesses in the world.
The Whole of What It Means to Please God
While today’s focus is on walking in Christ, it is important to remember that pleasing God involves multiple aspects of our lives. On our first day, we discussed making a choice to serve God, and yesterday, we examined the importance of speaking the Gospel. These elements, along with others, form the whole of what it means to please God.
There is no strict order to these principles, but they work together to shape a life that honors God. Walking in Christ is inseparable from making a choice to serve Him, speaking the Gospel, loving others, and obeying His commands. These actions are intertwined and together lead to a life that pleases God.
Galatians 5:16 (AMP): "But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]."
Galatians 5:16 reinforces the call to walk in Christ by living in step with the Holy Spirit. Walking in Christ means surrendering our own desires and allowing the Spirit to guide our actions, so that we can live in obedience to God.
Summary
On this third day of our series, we have explored the importance of walking in Christ as an essential part of pleasing God. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 calls believers to follow Christ’s teachings and to live in a way that reflects gratitude for the salvation we have received. Walking in Christ is an ongoing process that involves studying the Scriptures, reflecting His character, and growing in faith. It is through this daily walk with Christ that we please God and live out His purpose for our lives.
Walking in Christ is not an isolated command but part of the greater whole of what it means to live a life pleasing to God. It is inseparable from other aspects of faith, such as choosing to serve God and speaking the Gospel. Together, these elements form the foundation of a life that honors God.
As we continue in this series, let today’s focus on walking in Christ encourage you to pursue a deeper relationship with Him. Choose to follow His teachings, reflect His character, and walk in a way that pleases God every day.
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