The way that pleases God by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Topic: The way that pleases God

 

The study will be done with the following sub-heading:

Background

Why did they need to please Him

How to please him

Rewards for pleasing Him

Conclusion

 

Background

 

Apostle Paul as inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote the letter to the Thessalonians brethren/church, Paul was forced out by the vehement opposition and persecution that he encountered in that region Acts 17:1-9, he then wrote them basically to do two things viz: to express his gratitude to them for their faithfulness to God and His course despite of the prevalent situation. (can anyone including God attest to our own faithfulness today? God attested to Abraham’s and Job’s Gen.18:19, Job 1:8, 2:2-35 respectively) Secondly he wrote to encourage everyone in this young church to remain firm/resolute in and for God. May we receive grace to remain in and with God irrespective of circumstances in Jesus mighty name .amen

 

Why did they need to please Him

 

Ø  They were urged  vs. 1

Ø  They were taught by God’s authority Vs.1 & 2

Ø  It is God’s will Vs.3 & 9

 

In the same trace we are urged, it also possible to have been taught earlier which is further reiterated now and Jesus laid a very practical example in the scriptures as detailed in His saying in John 4:34 which says my meat is to do the will (to please, to do the bidding) of He that sent me and to finish it.

How to please him

Ø  Holy living vs. 3-5 Rom.12:1-2

Ø  Don’t harm or cheat anyone at all vs.6

Ø  Loving one another vs.9,1 John 4:8

Ø  Living a quiet life, minding your business and working with your hands. Vs.11, it may be close to impossible to mind your business when you have to do the following:

 

1. Conversion of souls to Christ

2. When you intend to correct in love

3. When you want to help others/less privileged with Godly/pure intentions

4. When invited to intervene in an issue/rift

5. When you have physical or spiritual oversight over a people and you have to carry it out with Jesus model.

Rewards for pleasing Him

 

Ø  God will be pleased

Ø  Believers and unbelievers alike will respect the decency and rewards that pleasing God attracts and displays. Vs.12

Ø   There won’t be need to depend on others as God and good work will also be blessed by God. Vs.12

Ø  We receive what we ask from Him 1 John 3:22

Ø  God’s presence and support always John 8:29

Conclusion

 

If the persecution was not an alibi for the Thessalonians against pleasing God it won’t be for us, in fact we were created to please God Rev.4:11 the earlier we realize and align appropriately the better for us and the earlier we stopped defeating essence.

 

Shalom.