Pleasing God: A Study in the Scriptures, by Diane Dew

PLEASING GOD

"Wherefore we labor (or, endeavor) that .... we may be accepted of Him."
2 Corinthians 5:9

I. It is not in the offering of a sacrifice that God today finds pleasure, but in the
goodness of those things which proceed from the hearts of His people.

Psalms 40:6; 69:30, 31
Micah 6:6-8
Mark 12:33, 34
Hebrews 10:6, 8

II. In all things, it is the life of Jesus that remains our pattern for perfection (or, maturity).

Mark 8:34 ("Come ... follow Me ...")
1 Peter 2:21
1 John 2:6

A. The life of Jesus was declared "pleasing" in the sight of God by the Father Himself.

Matthew 3:7; 17:5

B. Likewise, Enoch (among others) also "had this testimony, that he pleased God."

Hebrews 11:5 (See also Genesis 5:22-24.)

C. We must seek to please not man but God.

John 5:41, 44
Ephesians 6:6
Colossians 3:22

D. It is by the working of the Holy Spirit, not our own efforts, that our
lives are made "well-pleasing in His sight."

Philippians 2:13
Hebrews 13:21

III. What pleases God?

A. A humble heart.

Psalms 51:16, 17
Micah 6:6-8

B. Obedience; righteousness.

1 Samuel 15:22
Deuteronomy 10:12, 13
Psalms 4:5; 51:19
Malachi 3:3, 4

C. Faith.

John 6:28, 29
Hebrews 11:6

D. Thanksgiving and praise.

Psalms 27:6; 50:14; 69:30, 31; 107:22; 116:17; 119:108
Jeremiah 17:26; 33:11
Hosea 14:2
Jonah 2:9
Hebrews 13:15

E. The knowledge of God.

Hosea 6:6 (Matthew 9:13; 12:7)
Colossians 1:10

F. Love toward God; the fear of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 10:12, 13
Psalms 147:11

G. Holiness (separation unto Him).

Romans 8:8; 12:12
2 Timothy 2:4

H. A surrendered life.

Luke 22:42 (Mark 14:36)
John 8:29
Hebrews 10:6, 7 (Psalms 40:6-8)

I. Justice; doing good.

Proverbs 21:3
Micah 6:6-8
Hebrews 13:16

J. Patience.

1 Peter 2:19, 20

IV. Pleasing God involves more than the avoidance of "serious sin."
Failure to abide by some of the most basic principles of the kingdom
will grieve the Spirit of God.

A. Lack of endurance.

1 Corinthians 10:5
Hebrews 10:38

B. Unbelief.

Hebrews 11:6

V. It is not merely in the things we do that God takes delight (see Section
I-2 above), but in us His people (Isaiah 62:4, 5, margin). It was for His
pleasure that we were created (Psalms 149:4a; Revelation 4:11).

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