Title: “How To Please God”
Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-21
Introduction:
Living to please God should be the desire of every Christian individual. His Word challenges us to live lives that are pleasing unto Him. In order to do this; we must first understand “how to please God?”
I. EXPECT THE PRESENCE OF GOD
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:8)
A. Some Christians fail to expect God’s presence because they neglect fellowship with God
B. Few, if any, Christians always feels God’s nearness
1. We can draw close to God by coming before Him in desperation, believing in the power of prayer
2. To expect His presence is to believe for His presence
Illustration:
Prayer moves the hand of the one that moves the world.
C. We please God when we expect and accept His presence by faith
1. He promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)
2. The greatest riches that a person can have lies within Him who makes this promise
II. EXPLORE THE PROMISES OF GOD
“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)
A. God promised to multiply Abraham’s descendants but the promise did not come to pass immediately
1. Abraham waited with faith and patience until it did (Hebrews 6:15)
2. Any promise of God is as certain of fulfillment as if it had already taken place
B. We must explore the promises until we find those that suit our personal needs, then accept them as our own
1. Like Abraham, we must wait with faith and patience
2. God’s timing is always best
Illustration:
Christians often treat the promises of God in this way. They hang them on their walls in beautiful plaques; they treasure them in little promise boxes that play invitingly, “Standing on the Promises of God.” But they do not claim the promises for themselves in times of need. Of what use are they on plaques and in boxes if they are not in our hearts?
III. EXPERIENCE THE PEACE OF GOD
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
A. Many Christians lack the peace that God offers
1. They worry and fret about temporal possessions and pursuits
2. The peace that God provides is not given as the world gives, His gift of peace is forever
B. It pleases God for us to have His peace
1. It is His will for us
2. Jesus said, “My peace I give unto you”
3. We must accept His peace
C. God’s Word promises perfect peace to those who keep their minds on and trust in the Lord (Isaiah 26:3)
IV. EXPRESS THE PRAISES OF GOD
“While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” (Psalms 146:2)
A. Most Christians fail to praise the Lord enough
1. Some neglect; some forget, and some are too busy
2. God is displeased
B. All heaven praises the Lord
1. The angles and God’s host praise Him continually
2. We need to begin now
C. The psalmist said, “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth”
(Psalms 34:1)
Conclusion:
The life that pleases God is a life that is blessed, harmonious, and truthful. We have been given the admonition to live to please God and the explanation as to how we are to please God. What then will be the goal of our lives? Will we purpose to live our lives to please God, to please ourselves, or to please someone else?
