Life that pleases God
What does a life that pleases God look like? In fact it is quite simple. We are drawn to relationships that sing. So to walk with Jesus, we live a life that pleases him.
What does the Bible say about a godly lifestyle? -
- A godly example - Philemon 1v4-7
- Live Jesus' way - 1 Thessalonians 4v1-2
- Live in purity - 1 Thessalonians 4v3-8
- Live in Love - 1 Thessalonians 4v9-10
- Live in contentment - 2 Thessalonians 4v11-12
- Humility - Micah 6v8
A godly life
Philemon 1v4-7
I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What about Philemon’s lifestyle has impressed Paul?
Thoughts to consider
Philemon’s faith and love has refreshed God’s people. This godliness has come through understanding and experiencing what Jesus has brought to his life.
Live Jesus' way
1 Thessalonians 4v1-2
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is the aim and motivation of this way of life?
- Why is it important that this message is not the writer’s (Paul) idea, but Jesus’?
Thoughts to consider
What will follow is about pleasing God. This is not about making ourselves acceptable, that has been done through Jesus’ death on the cross. This is about a life of joy and togetherness with Jesus who loves us.
Live in purity
1 Thessalonians 4v3-8
God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- Paul’s summary statement here is ‘to be holy.’ What do you think it means to be holy?
- What does it mean in your situation to live in holiness and honour?
Thoughts to consider
A holy life is a life that is set apart for God. Our focus then is not the gratification of our sensual desires, but focusing on Jesus, developing our relationship with him, enjoying what he has given us to enjoy, working together with him on the tasks that he has set before us.
Live in love
1 Thessalonians 4v9-10
But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- Paul highlights the importance of love. What do you think is involved in love?
- How can you grow in love?
Thoughts to consider
Love is a quality of life and attitude more than a specific action – “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not easily angered, ...” 1 Corinthians 13.
Live in contentment
1 Thessalonians 4v11-12
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How would you summarise the instructions of this last part of a life that will please God?
- What is the outcome that God is looking for in this aspect of our lifestyle?
Thoughts to consider
When we walk with Jesus, we are walking with someone who had humility. We don’t need to make a big thing of what we know or understand. We don’t need to be someone the Lord has not made us to be. The Lord Jesus is able to use us to get his message across in his way.
Humility
Micah 6v8
The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How would this text from the Old Testament connect with the 1Thessalonians 4 passage?
- How could you summarise the life that pleases God?
Thoughts to consider
The life that Jesus is looking for has much more to do with the way we behave towards others than what we achieve. This behaviour is one of respect, honour and humility.
Overview questions for reflection or discussion
- Take some time to reflect on these areas of lifestyle. How do these contrast to the dos and donts that are often taught?
Thoughts to consider
The life that Jesus is looking for has much more to do with the way we behave towards others than what we achieve. This behaviour is one of respect, honour and humility.
