THE LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD

THE LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:3-5

Key Verse: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;” (Ephesians 5:3, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7; Galatians 5:16-25; Colossians 3:5-10; Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 2:15-17.

Description: This message examines the biblical standards of a life that pleases God, emphasising holiness, purity, contentment, godly speech, and wholehearted devotion to Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Every Christian should desire to live a life that pleases God. Our ultimate purpose is not merely to gain human approval, accumulate possessions, achieve success, or enjoy earthly comfort. We were created to glorify God and called through Jesus Christ to live in a way that reflects His character. A life that pleases God is one that brings our thoughts, words, choices, relationships, and conduct into agreement with His Word.

In Ephesians 5:3-5, the Apostle Paul explains some of the behaviours that must not characterise the people of God. He warns against sexual immorality, uncleanness, covetousness, filthy communication, foolish talking, and idolatry. These instructions follow his earlier command to walk in love as Christ loved us. Paul is showing that genuine Christian love is inseparable from holiness. We cannot claim to imitate Christ while deliberately embracing practices that contradict His nature.

God does not call us to holiness so that we can earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and we are called to live holy lives because we belong to Him. Pleasing God requires more than outward religious activity; it requires a transformed heart and a consistent commitment to righteousness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can reject sinful practices, develop godly character, and live lives that honour the Lord.

1. A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD BEGINS WITH SURRENDER

Before we can live a life that pleases God, we must surrender ourselves to Him. Christianity is not simply the adoption of religious habits; it is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ that transforms our priorities and direction.

When we surrender to God, we acknowledge His authority over our lives. We stop treating our personal desires as the highest authority and begin seeking His will through Scripture, prayer, and obedience. This surrender is not a one-time declaration alone; it must become a daily lifestyle.

a) Present Your Life to God (Romans 12:1)

Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is described as our reasonable service. God wants our whole lives, not merely the part we display during church services.

Our bodies, time, talents, resources, and relationships should be available for His purposes. We cannot claim that God is Lord of our lives while deliberately reserving important areas for disobedience.

Practical application: Begin each day by committing your plans, decisions, relationships, and activities to God.

b) Surrender Your Will to God's Will (Matthew 6:10)

Jesus taught His disciples to pray that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. This prayer expresses the desire to submit personal preferences to the purposes of God.

Sometimes, God's Word challenges what we want to do. Pleasing Him means choosing obedience even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.

Practical application: When making important decisions, ask whether your choice agrees with Scripture rather than simply following your feelings.

c) Seek to Please God Above People (Galatians 1:10)

Paul explained that he could not be a faithful servant of Christ if pleasing people were his supreme goal. Human approval is unstable, and the desire to satisfy everyone can lead to compromise.

Christians should treat people respectfully, but we must not disobey God to gain acceptance. Our commitment to truth and holiness must remain firm even when others disagree.

Practical application: Refuse to compromise biblical convictions merely to fit in with a group or gain someone's approval.

d) Walk by Faith (Hebrews 11:6)

The Bible teaches that without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith means trusting His character, believing His promises, and responding to His Word with obedience.

A life of faith does not mean that we will never have questions or face uncertainty. It means that we continue to trust God and follow His direction even when we cannot see the whole picture.

Practical application: Trust God with your future, obey His Word, and refuse to let fear control your decisions.

Biblical Example: Abraham Obeys God's Call (Genesis 12:1-4)

Abraham responded to God's call to leave his country and journey to a land God would show him. His obedience involved uncertainty, but he trusted God's direction. His example teaches us that pleasing God begins with faith and a willingness to follow His instructions.

2. A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD MUST BE HOLY

Holiness is central to the Christian life. God is holy, and He calls His people to reflect His character. Holiness means being set apart for God and turning away from practices that contradict His Word.

Ephesians 5:3 warns believers against fornication and all uncleanness. These are not casual suggestions but serious instructions concerning the conduct expected of God's people. Grace does not give us permission to remain in sin; it empowers us to pursue a life that honours God.

a) Flee Sexual Immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

Paul teaches that God's will for believers includes sanctification and abstaining from sexual immorality. Sexual purity involves honouring God with our bodies, desires, and relationships.

The world may treat sexual sin lightly, but Scripture calls Christians to uphold God's standards. Purity includes avoiding immoral behaviour, rejecting pornography, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and honouring the covenant of marriage.

Practical application: Establish clear boundaries in your relationships and avoid situations, entertainment, or habits that repeatedly tempt you towards sexual sin.

b) Reject Every Form of Uncleanness (Colossians 3:5-8)

Paul commands believers to put to death sinful practices and put away behaviours that contradict their new life in Christ. Uncleanness includes conduct and attitudes that defile our hearts and relationships.

God wants purity not only in outward behaviour but also in our private thoughts, motives, and intentions. We must allow His Word to expose and correct what we might otherwise conceal.

Practical application: Examine your habits and remove influences that encourage impurity. Seek prayer, accountability, and appropriate support when you struggle.

c) Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

Paul teaches believers to walk in the Spirit so that they will not fulfil the desires of the flesh. Christian holiness is not achieved through human determination alone; it requires dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit involves yielding to His guidance, obeying Scripture, developing spiritual discipline, and refusing to nourish sinful desires.

Practical application: Strengthen your spiritual life through prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and prompt obedience to God's Word.

d) Pursue Peace and Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)

The writer of Hebrews commands believers to pursue peace with all people and holiness. Holiness affects how we treat others as well as how we conduct ourselves privately.

A person cannot claim to be holy while deliberately cultivating hatred, dishonesty, cruelty, or exploitation. True holiness produces a growing desire to please God in every area of life.

Practical application: Seek to correct sinful attitudes, make peace where possible, and treat others with righteousness and respect.

Biblical Example: Joseph Refuses Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39:7-12)

Joseph faced sexual temptation in a situation where he could have attempted to conceal his wrongdoing. Instead, he refused to sin against God and fled when the temptation intensified. His example teaches us that holiness sometimes requires decisive action and the courage to walk away.

3. A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD REJECTS COVETOUSNESS

Covetousness is an excessive desire for what belongs to another person or an unhealthy craving for more possessions, wealth, status, or advantage. Paul includes covetousness among the behaviours that must not characterise believers.

The problem is not the responsible pursuit of provision, progress, or improvement. The problem arises when possessions and personal gain become more important than God, righteousness, and the wellbeing of others. Covetousness turns blessings into idols and can lead people into dishonesty, exploitation, envy, and spiritual compromise.

a) Be Content with God's Provision (Hebrews 13:5)

The Bible instructs believers to keep their lives free from the love of money and to be content with what they have. Contentment does not mean refusing to work or improve one's circumstances. It means refusing to make the pursuit of wealth the controlling desire of the heart.

A contented person can work diligently, plan responsibly, and pursue legitimate opportunities while remaining thankful to God.

Practical application: Thank God for what you have and pursue improvement through honest work rather than unhealthy comparison.

b) Beware of the Deceitfulness of Riches (Mark 4:18-19)

Jesus explained that the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things can choke the Word and make it unfruitful.

Possessions become dangerous when they occupy the place that belongs to God. A person may become so preoccupied with acquiring more that prayer, family responsibilities, integrity, and spiritual growth are neglected.

Practical application: Examine your priorities and ensure that the pursuit of material progress does not displace your relationship with God.

c) Refuse Envy and Unhealthy Comparison (Galatians 5:26)

Paul warns believers against becoming conceited, provoking one another, or envying one another. Comparison often creates dissatisfaction because we judge our lives by what others possess.

God has given people different responsibilities, opportunities, and seasons of growth. We should learn from others without allowing their achievements to produce bitterness in our hearts.

Practical application: Celebrate other people's progress and focus on faithfully managing the opportunities God has given you.

d) Put God's Kingdom First (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus instructed His followers to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. This establishes the proper order of our priorities. Material needs matter, but they must not become more important than obedience to God.

When God's kingdom comes first, we pursue our work, finances, and ambitions in ways that honour Him.

Practical application: Make decisions about money, career, and possessions according to biblical principles of honesty, generosity, stewardship, and righteousness.

Biblical Example: Gehazi's Greed (2 Kings 5:20-27)

Gehazi pursued gifts from Naaman after Elisha had refused them. His covetousness led him to lie and misuse his position. The consequence was severe. His story warns us that greed can destroy integrity and bring spiritual and personal damage.

4. A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD MUST BE PURE IN SPEECH

Ephesians 5:4 warns against filthy communication, foolish talking, and coarse jesting that are inconsistent with the life of a saint. Our words reveal much about the condition of our hearts. God is concerned not only with what we do but also with what we say.

A Christian's mouth should be an instrument of truth, encouragement, wisdom, worship, and edification. This does not mean that believers can never laugh or enjoy appropriate humour. Rather, our speech must not be characterised by obscenity, cruelty, degrading jokes, slander, or words that celebrate sin.

a) Reject Filthy Communication (Ephesians 4:29)

Paul instructs believers not to allow corrupt communication to proceed from their mouths, but to speak words that build others up. Speech that degrades others or normalises immoral conduct is inconsistent with the character of Christ.

The language we use can influence our thoughts and the atmosphere of our relationships. We must be careful not to excuse corrupt speech simply because it is common in our environment.

Practical application: Remove obscene and degrading expressions from your conversations and replace them with words that honour God.

b) Avoid Foolish and Harmful Talk (Proverbs 10:19)

Proverbs warns that an abundance of words can lead to transgression. Careless speech often creates misunderstandings, spreads rumours, and damages trust.

Wisdom teaches us to think before speaking and to recognise when silence is more helpful than unnecessary commentary.

Practical application: Before speaking about another person, ask whether your words are true, necessary, and constructive.

c) Use Your Tongue to Encourage (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Paul encourages believers to comfort and build one another up. Encouragement is a practical expression of love that can strengthen someone who is weary or discouraged.

A word of appreciation, a timely reminder of God's faithfulness, or a sincere expression of support may help someone persevere through a difficult season.

Practical application: Make it a habit to encourage someone daily with sincere and thoughtful words.

d) Let Gratitude Replace Corrupt Speech (Ephesians 5:4)

In contrast to foolish and corrupt talk, Paul encourages thanksgiving. A grateful heart recognises God's goodness and responds with praise rather than constant complaint or destructive conversation.

Thanksgiving helps us focus on God's faithfulness without pretending that our problems do not exist.

Practical application: Deliberately thank God for His blessings and let gratitude shape the tone of your conversations.

Biblical Example: Isaiah's Cleansing (Isaiah 6:1-8)

When Isaiah encountered the holiness of God, he became deeply aware of the uncleanness of his lips. God provided cleansing and then commissioned him for service. This account reminds us that our speech must come under God's authority if we are to serve Him faithfully.

5. A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD REQUIRES A TRANSFORMED HEART

God is not satisfied with outward conformity while the heart remains committed to sin. The Christian life begins with God's work within us and becomes visible through changed conduct.

Transformation involves our thoughts, desires, motives, values, and responses. We must allow Scripture to renew our minds and the Holy Spirit to produce the character of Christ in us.

a) Renew Your Mind Through God's Word (Romans 12:2)

Paul commands believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The world continually presents values and desires that may contradict God's truth.

Renewing the mind involves learning to evaluate life according to Scripture rather than simply adopting popular opinions or cultural habits.

Practical application: Read and meditate on God's Word daily, allowing it to correct your thinking and guide your decisions.

b) Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4:23)

The Bible teaches that we should guard our hearts diligently because the issues of life flow from them. What we repeatedly allow into our minds can influence our desires, attitudes, and behaviour.

Guarding the heart does not mean living in fear of everything around us. It means exercising discernment concerning entertainment, relationships, influences, and thought patterns.

Practical application: Be selective about what you watch, read, listen to, and allow to shape your values.

c) Put Off the Old Man (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Paul teaches believers to put off the old manner of life, be renewed in the spirit of their minds, and put on the new man created in righteousness and true holiness.

Conversion must lead to a new direction. Although spiritual growth is a process, we should not make peace with habits that God's Word clearly identifies as sinful.

Practical application: Identify one destructive habit and take practical steps towards change through repentance, accountability, and dependence on God.

d) Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These qualities reveal the character God desires to develop in believers.

Spiritual maturity is not measured only by public ministry or outward gifts. It is also demonstrated through patience, self-control, kindness, and integrity in everyday life.

Practical application: Ask the Holy Spirit to develop His fruit in your life, especially in the areas where you struggle most.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus Experiences Transformation (Luke 19:1-10)

After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus expressed a willingness to give to the poor and make restitution where he had wronged others. His response demonstrated that meeting Christ can transform our priorities and behaviour. His story shows that genuine repentance produces practical changes.

6. A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD MUST REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE END

The Christian life is not merely about beginning well; it is about continuing in faith, holiness, and obedience. We live in a world filled with pressures, temptations, distractions, and competing priorities. Believers must remain watchful and committed to the Lord.

Paul's warning in Ephesians 5:5 concerning the immoral, impure, and covetous person underscores the seriousness of persistent, unrepentant sin. Covetousness is described as idolatry because it gives created things the place that belongs to God. The passage calls for self-examination and perseverance in a life of genuine faith.

a) Examine Yourself Regularly (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul instructs believers to examine themselves concerning their faith. Self-examination helps us recognise areas where our conduct has drifted from God's standards.

It is not an invitation to live in constant condemnation. Rather, it encourages honest reflection, repentance, and renewed dependence on Christ.

Practical application: Regularly ask God to reveal attitudes and behaviours that need correction, and respond promptly when He convicts you.

b) Resist the Influence of the World (1 John 2:15-17)

John warns against loving the world in the sense of embracing its sinful values and desires. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life can draw the heart away from God.

Christians must distinguish between enjoying God's good gifts and allowing worldly desires to control their lives.

Practical application: Evaluate your ambitions and lifestyle choices against Scripture, and reject influences that lead you towards disobedience.

c) Remain Watchful in Prayer (Matthew 26:41)

Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray so that they would not enter into temptation. Spiritual vigilance is necessary because sincere intentions alone may not be enough to withstand every pressure.

Prayer helps us acknowledge our dependence on God and seek His strength before temptation becomes overwhelming.

Practical application: Develop a consistent prayer life and pray specifically about the temptations and weaknesses you face.

d) Continue in Faithful Obedience (John 14:15)

Jesus connected love for Him with obedience to His commandments. Obedience is not the price we pay to purchase His love; it is the response of a heart that genuinely loves Him.

A life that pleases God seeks to obey Him in private as well as in public. Faithfulness must extend to our words, relationships, work, finances, and personal conduct.

Practical application: Choose one clear instruction from Scripture that you need to apply more faithfully, and take a definite step of obedience today.

Biblical Example: Daniel's Commitment to God (Daniel 1:8-16)

Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's food. He remained respectful while maintaining his convictions, and God granted him favour and wisdom. His example shows that a life pleasing to God requires firm convictions, wise conduct, and faithfulness under pressure.

CONCLUSION

A life that pleases God is a life surrendered to Him, characterised by holiness, contentment, pure speech, a transformed heart, and faithful obedience. Ephesians 5:3–5 warns us not to treat sexual immorality, uncleanness, covetousness, or corrupt communication as harmless matters. God calls His people to live differently because they belong to Christ. We must reject sinful practices, renew our minds through His Word, and depend on the Holy Spirit to develop godly character within us.

Remember that salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not become holy to earn salvation; we pursue holiness because we have been saved and belong to God. Examine your life, repent where necessary, and take practical steps towards obedience. Let your private conduct, public testimony, relationships, and daily choices reflect the Lord you serve. May your life continually bring pleasure and glory to God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me live a life that pleases You in Jesus name.

2. Lord, cleanse my heart from every form of impurity in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from covetousness and greed in Jesus name.

4. Lord, sanctify my thoughts, words, and actions in Jesus name.

5. Father, renew my mind through Your Word in Jesus name.

6. Lord, strengthen me to overcome temptation in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me walk in holiness every day in Jesus name.

8. Lord, remove every idol from my heart in Jesus name.

9. Father, make my life a testimony of Your grace in Jesus name.

10. Lord, keep me faithful until the end in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will live a life that honours God.

2. You will grow in holiness and spiritual maturity.

3. You will overcome every temptation through God's strength.

4. Your heart will be filled with godly desires.

5. Your words will bring grace and encouragement.

6. You will walk in contentment and integrity.

7. You will not be ruled by the values of this world.

8. Your life will reflect the character of Christ.

9. You will remain steadfast in faith and obedience.

10. Your life will bring glory and pleasure to God, in the mighty name of Jesus.