How can we ensure we "always do what pleases" God in our lives? Jesus’ Perfect Pattern • John 8:29: “He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” • The Lord’s testimony shows that unbroken fellowship with the Father and continual obedience go hand in hand. • Our calling is to mirror Christ’s pattern—moment-by-moment choosing what delights the Father’s heart. Live Consciously in the Father’s Presence • Jesus said, “He who sent Me is with Me.” • Practically, this means: – Begin each day acknowledging that God is present (Psalm 16:8). – Invite His oversight into every decision; carry an attitude of worship throughout the day (Colossians 3:17). – Reject any thought that He is distant; He promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Let Scripture Shape Every Thought • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Saturate the mind with God’s Word so His revealed will becomes the instinctive guide. • Memorize key passages that address frequent temptations; speak them aloud when pressure mounts (Matthew 4:4-10). • Measure all plans, emotions, and impulses against clear biblical commands and principles. Yield Promptly to the Spirit’s Leading • Romans 8:14: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • Sensitivity grows as the conscience is kept clean; quick confession restores clarity (1 John 1:9). • The Spirit never contradicts Scripture; He illuminates and applies it (John 14:26). • Obey immediately—delayed obedience is disobedience. Cultivate Dependence Through Prayer and Fasting • Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16) even though He was sinless; how much more do we need continual dialogue with the Father. • Prayer aligns our will with His, not vice-versa (Matthew 6:10). • Periodic fasting humbles the soul, sharpens spiritual hearing, and breaks stubborn strongholds (Isaiah 58:6-9). Choose the Father’s Approval Over People’s Applause • Galatians 1:10: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Before speaking or acting, ask, “Will this delight God—even if others misunderstand or oppose me?” • Jesus faced hostility yet remained unwavering because His priority was the Father’s smile (John 5:30). Practice Daily Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing • Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • Say no to sinful desires and selfish ambitions; say yes to righteousness, even when costly. • Small, hidden acts of obedience train the heart for larger sacrifices later. Walk in Accountable Community • Hebrews 10:24-25 calls believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Trusted brothers and sisters help identify blind spots and encourage perseverance. • Authentic fellowship guards against self-deception and isolation. Rest in Christ’s Finished Work • Our striving is never to earn acceptance but to express the acceptance we already possess in Him (Ephesians 2:8-10). • When we stumble, we run to the Advocate (1 John 2:1-2), receive cleansing, and resume obedient living. • Confidence flows from His indwelling life: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Summary Snapshot 1. Acknowledge God’s continual presence. 2. Let Scripture renew the mind. 3. Respond instantly to the Spirit. 4. Maintain prayerful dependence. 5. Seek God’s pleasure above all. 6. Embrace daily self-denial. 7. Stay accountable in community. 8. Stand on grace when you fall. Following Jesus’ own pattern, these practices position us to consistently “do what pleases Him,” reflecting His glory in a watching world. |
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