The Christian Life is simple, but not easy.
It is simple because all we are to do is repeatedly reduced in the New Testament to just pleasing God. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Romans 8,
Christ’s life goal was to please God: John 8:29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
Only Spirit-prompted lifestyles can please God; the rest is fleshly and displeasing to God: Romans 8:8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
When we are surrendered to His control, God works through us what pleases Him, which was always Christ’s desire. Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
The ESSENCE of the Early Church was learning to please God in as many ways as possible. Colossians 1:10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Paul summarized his teaching to the believers in his first Epistle as teaching them how to please God. I Thessalonians 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;
At the end of his life, in his last letter, Paul still describes all of life as seeking what pleases God. II Timothy 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
In John’s final Epistle, he says the same thing and adds that pleasing God is the key to answered prayer. I John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
From BAR-2011-03f – Control Me Because You Have A Plan For My Life (110529AM)
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