Pleasing God

Northwest Bible Church – June 18, 2023 – 1 Thess. – Alan Conner
1 Thess. 4:1-2
Pleasing God

Intro
Sanctification: what is it and why is it important?

A. EXCEL STILL MORE IN A SANCTIFIED LIFE (1).

1. They were taught how they ought to walk and please God (1).
a. Walk –
b. Please God –
2. They actually do walk this way.
3. Excel still more.

B. REMEMBER OUR PREVIOUS INSTRUCTION (2).

1. Reminder of their previous instructions about Christ’s commands (v. 2).
2. These instructions dealt with their practical, moral character.

C. THE AIM OF PLEASING GOD.

1. Pleasing God is a vital focus of the Christian life.

2. Christ is our example. John 8:29

3. Paul was not a people-pleaser, 1Th. 2:4; Gal. 1:10

4. Make pleasing God your ambition. 2Cor. 5:9; Col. 1:10

5. Living a life pleasing to God is pleasing to God. Heb. 11:5; Prov. 16:7

6. How do we please God?
a. Faith – Heb. 11:6
b. Obedience – 1John 3:22
c. Doing good and sharing – Heb. 13:16
d. Abstaining from fleshly living – Rom. 8:8
e. Humility – 1Kings 3:10
f. Praise and thanksgiving – Psa. 69:30-31
g. Fearing God – Ps. 147:10-11

7. The pleasure of God.
a. It pleased the Father to save His elect people – Ps. 149:4
b. It pleased the Father to send His Son – Col. 1:19
c. It pleased the Father to sacrifice His Son – Isa. 53:10

Conclusion

Discussion questions: What is sanctification and why is it important? What are some of the ways we can please God? Why did it please the Father to crush His Son (Isa. 53:10)? How can we develop a heart that desires to please God?