PLEASING THE LORD ALWAYS

PLEASING THE LORD ALWAYS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:9

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:9
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.”

Supporting Texts: Colossians 1:9-10; Hebrews 11:5-6; John 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Description: Pleasing the Lord means making God's approval the highest goal of our lives and ordering our thoughts, choices, character, and service according to His will.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is not primarily about pleasing people, gaining recognition, or achieving earthly success. The supreme goal of every believer should be to please the Lord. Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 5:9, “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” His greatest concern was not simply what people thought about him, but whether his life was acceptable to Christ.

We live in a generation where people can easily become controlled by the opinions of others. The desire for acceptance can cause people to compromise their convictions, abandon biblical principles, and make decisions simply to receive human approval. But the believer must remember that human applause is temporary, while God's approval has eternal value.

Pleasing the Lord is not a single act; it is a lifestyle. It involves our private life and public life, our thoughts and words, our relationships and decisions, our ministry and daily conduct. When pleasing God becomes our priority, we will have the courage to reject what displeases Him and the grace to pursue what brings Him glory.

1. MAKE PLEASING GOD THE PURPOSE OF YOUR LIFE

A believer must deliberately make God's pleasure the governing principle of life. We were created to know God, love Him, serve Him, and bring glory to His name.

a. Live for God's Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) — Whatever we do should be done with the desire to glorify God.

b. Seek God's Approval Above Human Approval (Galatians 1:10) — We cannot faithfully serve Christ if the opinions of people control our decisions.

c. Present Your Life to God (Romans 12:1) — Our bodies and entire lives should be offered to God as living sacrifices.

d. Put God's Kingdom First (Matthew 6:33) — When God's kingdom becomes our priority, other areas of life are placed in their proper order.

Biblical Example: Jesus consistently sought to do the Father's will rather than His own, declaring, “I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29).

2. PLEASING GOD REQUIRES FAITH

Faith is essential to pleasing God because we cannot live acceptably before Him while refusing to trust Him.

a. Believe That God Exists (Hebrews 11:6) — Genuine faith begins with acknowledging the reality and sovereignty of God.

b. Trust God's Character (Psalm 9:10) — Those who know God's name can confidently put their trust in Him.

c. Believe God's Promises (Hebrews 10:23) — We please God when we hold firmly to the hope He has given us.

d. Walk by Faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) — Faith enables us to live according to God's Word even when circumstances are contrary.

Biblical Example: Enoch walked with God and pleased Him because of his faith and consistent fellowship with God (Hebrews 11:5-6).

3. PLEASING GOD REQUIRES OBEDIENCE

God is not merely looking for religious activity; He desires hearts that respond to His Word with obedience.

a. Obey God's Word (John 14:15) — Love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments.

b. Do What God Says (James 1:22) — Hearing God's Word without obeying it does not produce a life that pleases Him.

c. Obey Completely (1 Samuel 15:22) — God values obedience more than religious performance or sacrifice without submission.

d. Obey Even When It Is Difficult (Philippians 2:8) — Christ's example teaches us that obedience may require sacrifice and humility.

Biblical Example: Noah obeyed God's detailed instructions concerning the ark even though the coming flood was not yet visible (Genesis 6:22; Hebrews 11:7).

4. PLEASING GOD REQUIRES A PURE HEART

God looks beyond outward appearances and examines the motives of the heart. A life that pleases Him must be sincere both publicly and privately.

a. Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4:23) — What controls the heart eventually influences the direction of life.

b. Maintain Integrity (Psalm 15:1-2) — God desires people who walk uprightly and speak truth from their hearts.

c. Reject Hypocrisy (Matthew 6:1-6) — Our spiritual activities must not be performed merely to receive human recognition.

d. Serve With the Right Motive (Colossians 3:23-24) — Whatever we do should be done sincerely as service to the Lord.

Biblical Example: David was chosen because God looked beyond outward appearance and saw the condition of his heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

5. PLEASING GOD REQUIRES HOLINESS

God's desire is that His people should live differently from the world. Holiness is not an optional part of Christianity; it is essential to a life that honours God.

a. Live a Sanctified Life (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) — God's will includes our sanctification and purity.

b. Separate Yourself From Sin (2 Corinthians 6:17) — Believers are called to maintain a distinct identity from sinful practices.

c. Pursue Holiness (Hebrews 12:14) — We are commanded to follow holiness in our relationships and conduct.

d. Keep Yourself Pure (1 Timothy 5:22) — A believer must consciously guard against contamination by sinful influences.

Biblical Example: Joseph refused to commit sexual sin with Potiphar's wife because he recognised that sin would ultimately be against God (Genesis 39:7-9).

6. PLEASING GOD MEANS SERVING HIM FAITHFULLY

God is pleased when we faithfully use the opportunities, abilities, and gifts He has entrusted to us for His kingdom.

a. Serve With Diligence (Romans 12:11) — We are called to serve the Lord with spiritual fervency rather than laziness.

b. Use Your Gifts Faithfully (1 Peter 4:10-11) — Every gift should be used as a stewardship entrusted to us by God.

c. Remain Faithful in Small Things (Luke 16:10) — Faithfulness is demonstrated not only in great assignments but also in seemingly insignificant responsibilities.

d. Remember Your Reward Is From God (Colossians 3:23-24) — Our ultimate reward comes from the Lord, not merely from people.

Biblical Example: Paul faithfully fulfilled his ministry despite opposition, suffering, and hardship, declaring at the end of his life that he had finished his course and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

7. PLEASING GOD REQUIRES CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL GROWTH

God wants us to mature continually. A life that pleases the Lord should become increasingly fruitful, knowledgeable, and Christlike.

a. Grow in the Knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10) — Spiritual growth increases our ability to live in a manner worthy of the Lord.

b. Bear Fruit in Every Good Work (Colossians 1:10) — God is pleased when our lives produce visible evidence of spiritual transformation.

c. Increase in Spiritual Understanding (Ephesians 5:17) — We must seek to understand the will of the Lord.

d. Become More Like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) — As we behold Christ, the Holy Spirit transforms us increasingly into His likeness.

Biblical Example: The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, demonstrating continual spiritual development (Acts 2:42).

8. PLEASING GOD MUST REMAIN OUR PRIORITY UNTIL THE END

Our goal is not merely to begin well but to remain faithful until we finish our earthly journey. Every season of life should be lived with the desire to remain acceptable to the Lord.

a. Remain Faithful to the End (Revelation 2:10) — Christ calls His people to faithfulness even when it is costly.

b. Keep Your Eyes on the Eternal Reward (Hebrews 12:1-2) — Eternal perspective gives us strength to continue faithfully.

c. Do Not Become Weary (Galatians 6:9) — We must continue doing good even when results are delayed.

d. Finish Your Course Faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7-8) — The ultimate testimony is to finish the race with faith intact and the assignment completed.

Biblical Example: Paul endured opposition and suffering but remained committed to his divine assignment until the end of his life (Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).

CONCLUSION

The greatest question we should ask about our lives is not, “Am I pleasing people?” but, “Am I pleasing the Lord?” Human approval changes, earthly achievements fade, and the applause of people eventually becomes silent. But the approval of God carries eternal significance. Therefore, let God's pleasure become the standard by which you evaluate your choices, conduct, relationships, service, and priorities.

Like Paul, let it be your ambition to be acceptable to Christ whether you are seen or unseen, celebrated or criticised, rewarded or overlooked. Live by faith, walk in obedience, maintain holiness, serve faithfully, and continue growing in Christ. May your life continually bring pleasure to the heart of the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, let pleasing You become the highest priority of my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from the desire to live for human approval, in Jesus name.

3. Father, increase my faith and help me to trust You completely, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace to obey Your Word in every area of my life, in Jesus name.

5. Father, purify my heart and remove every wrong motive from my service, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to walk in holiness and righteousness every day, in Jesus name.

7. Father, make me faithful in every assignment and responsibility You have given me, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, cause my life to bear fruit that will bring glory and pleasure to You, in Jesus name.

9. Father, give me grace to remain faithful even when nobody is watching or appreciating me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to finish my race faithfully and receive Your approval at the end, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall live a life that continually pleases the Lord.

2. You shall not be controlled by the opinions or approval of people.

3. Your faith shall become stronger and stronger in every season.

4. You shall receive grace to obey God even when obedience is difficult.

5. Your heart shall remain pure, sincere, and fully devoted to the Lord.

6. You shall walk in holiness and overcome every temptation that confronts you.

7. Your service to God shall be fruitful, faithful, and greatly rewarded.

8. Your life shall produce fruits that bring glory to the name of Jesus.

9. You shall remain faithful to God in both private and public life.

10. You shall finish your course well and hear the Lord say, “Well done.”