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I. WHAT IS IT TO PLEASE GOD?

1. Negatively. Not as if we could do anything in its own nature pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 3:5).

2. Positively. So that He may accept us in Christ (Matthew 3:17).

(1) Our persons (Ephesians 1:6).

(2) Our actions (1 Peter 2:5; Luke 2:14).

(a)  So as not to be angry with us for them.

(b)  So as to be favourable to us (Proverbs 8:35; Zephaniah 3:17).

(c)  So as to give us a reward (Matthew 6:4; Matthew 10:42).

II. WHY SHOULD WE PLEASE GOD? Because —

1. He is so great and mighty (Jeremiah 5:22).

2. So just.

3. So gracious (Psalm 130:4).

4. His pleasure is the highest happiness (Psalm 30:5; Psalm 63:3).

5. This is the end of Christ's incarnation and our profession (Acts 3:26; 2 Timothy 2:19).

III. HOW MAY WE PLEASE HIM?

1. In general (Hebrews 11:5).

(1)  We must be renewed (Romans 8:8).

(2)  Do what He has commanded.

(3)  Therefore do it that we may please Him.

(4)  Do it with understanding and discretion (1 Corinthians 14:15).

(5)  With cheerfulness (2 Corinthians 9:7; Psalm 40:8).

(6)  In faith (Hebrews 11:6).

(7)  To His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

2. Particularly, these things please Him —

(1)  Repentance (Ezekiel 33:11; Psalm 51:17).

(2)  Humility (Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; 1 Peter 5:8).

(3)  Trust in His promises (Psalm 147:11).

(4)  Submission to His providences (1 Samuel 3:18; Psalm 39:9).

(5)  Prayer (1 Kings 3:10; 1 Timothy 2:1-4).

(6)  Frequent meditations upon Him (Psalm 19:14).

(7)  Justice (Micah 6:7, 8; Psalm 51:19).

(8)  Mercy and forgiveness (Psalm 103:9-11; Matthew 6:14).

(9)  Charity to the poor (Philippians 4:18).

(10)  Thankfulness (Psalm 69:30, 31).

IV. USE: Endeavour to please God. Consider —

1. Otherwise you cross His end in making you (Proverbs 16:4).

2. So long as He is displeased you are in danger of hell.

3. If you please Him you need please none else (Proverbs 16:7).

4. Nor take care of anything (Matthew 6:33; 1 John 3:22).

5. He will bless all His providences to you (Romans 8:28).

6. Pleasing God is the work of heaven (Psalm 103:20, 21).

7. Please Him here, and enjoy Him hereafter.

(Bp. Beveridge.)

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KJV: Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

WEB: Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more.