The Goal

I can remember setting a goal for myself several years ago while I was a student at Francis Tuttle. It had been about a year of studying day in and day out. At the time I was working on my CADD certification. Everyday that I went to school I was surrounded by mostly high school students who came in dressed like they had just rolled out of bed or like they had just walked out of the gym, and I found myself doing the same…until one day. At the beginning of my last semester at Francis Tuttle I set a goal for myself. I had an ambition.

The word ambition means to have “a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.” But it’s not just the desire to achieve “something”. It is the desire and determination to succeed! My goal, my ambition was to land a job by the end of the semester.

Ambition: a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. But it’s not just the deserve to achieve “something”. It is the desire and determination to succeed!

So what did I do in order to achieve that goal? Well, I had to pass my classes number one. But I also made sure that I was on time for every class. I did more than was expected. And I started to dress like I was going to work instead of dressing like I was going to school. And whenever someone would ask me why I was dressed up, my reply was always - “Somebody’s going to hire me this semester.” Before I graduated from Francis Tuttle I was hired as a drafter for a civil engineering firm here in town.

Ambition: a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. But it’s not just the deserve to achieve “something”. It is the desire and determination to succeed!

So what did I do in order to achieve that goal? Well, I had to do pass my classes number one. But I also made sure that I was on time for every class. I did more than was expected. And I started to dress like I was going to work instead of dressing like I was going to school. And whenever someone would ask me why I was dressed up, my reply was always - “Somebody’s going to hire me this semester.” Before I graduated from Francis Tuttle I was hired as a drafter for a civil engineering firm here in town.

The word ambition means to have “a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.” But it’s not just the desire to achieve “something”. It is the desire and determination to succeed! My goal, my ambition was to land a job by the end of the semester.

Now, Why did I share that story? I shared that story because we all have ambitions. There are things in this life that each and every one of us want to achieve. A bucket list if you will.

So what did I do in order to achieve that goal? Well, I had to pass my classes number one. But I also made sure that I was on time for every class. I did more than was expected. And I started to dress like I was going to work instead of dressing like I was going to school. And whenever someone would ask me why I was dressed up, my reply was always - “Somebody’s going to hire me this semester.” Before I graduated from Francis Tuttle I was hired as a drafter for a civil engineering firm here in town.

Now, Why did I share that story? I shared that story because we all have ambitions. There are things in this life that each and every one of us want to achieve. A bucket list if you will.

Mark Pettit, Business & Mindset Coach for Thriveglobal.com says that highly successful people do 8 things when it comes to setting and achieving their goals:

They visualize their ideal future.

Now, Why did I share that story? I shared that story because we all have ambitions. There are things in this life that each and every one of us want to achieve. A bucket list if you will.

Mark Pettit, Business & Mindset Coach for Thriveglobal.com says that highly successful people do 8 things when it comes to setting and achieving their goals:

They know what they actually want to achieve.

Mark Pettit, Business & Mindset Coach for Thriveglobal.com says that highly successful people do 8 things when it comes to setting and achieving their goals:

They visualize their ideal future.

They know what they actually want to achieve.

They visualize their ideal future.

They write their goals down.

They set clear deadlines and measurements.

They write their goals down.

They know what they actually want to achieve.

They set clear deadlines and measurements.

They write their goals down.

They hold themselves accountable.

They hold themselves accountable. (They don’t make excuses.)

They set clear deadlines and measurements.

They break down their big goals into smaller goals.

They own their future. (They take control of what they can control.)

They hold themselves accountable. (They don’t make excuses.)

They break down their big goals into smaller goals. (How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.)

They own their future. (They take control of what they can control.)

They use goals for all areas of their lives.

They own their future. (They take control of what they can control.)

This morning, I want to share with you what I believe the Bible teaches is man’s ultimate goal, and luckily for you I only have three actions steps for us to pull this off.

I actually thought about using each of these as my talking points for today and then I remembered how much I actually like all of you.

They use goals for all areas of their lives.

This morning, I want to share with you what I believe the Bible teaches is man’s ultimate goal, and luckily for you I only have three actions steps for us to pull this off.

I actually thought about using each of these as my talking points for today and then I remembered how much I actually like all of you.

This morning, I want to share with you what I believe the Bible teaches is man’s ultimate goal, and luckily for you I only have three actions steps for us to pull this off.

First, before we can actually reach our goal, we need to understand what our goal is.

Open your Bibles to .

2 Corinthians 5:6–10 CSB

6 So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:9–10 CSB

9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

For much of our lives we are coached on how to set goals to achieve success when it comes to financial wealth, athleticism, corporate advancement, academic proficiency, as well as physical and mental health. From the time that we are kids we are taught to reach for and grab the highest rung on the ladder of success. There’s nothing wrong with doing well in life. But far too often, while our careers are taking off and while we are knocking it out of the park on all other levels, we are wasting away spiritually.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10

First, before we can actually reach our goal, we need to understand what our goal is. According to , our goal is to please God.

'Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad' ().

This morning, I want to zero in on what Paul stated was his goal in life. Which should be the goal of every Christian on earth. The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that our ultimate goal in life, the chief end of man, is “...to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever” (http://www.apuritansmind.com/westminster-standards/shorter-catechism/). This is our goal, to please God. If you look at verse 9 again, the Apostle Paul said that despite his situation, whether dead or alive, his goal in life, his chief aim was to please God ( NKJV). This wasn’t the first time that Paul stressed this to be the ambition of his life and ministry. Look at . Paul said, I’m not worried about pleasing people because if I made that my goal I couldn’t effectively serve Jesus.

The Apostle Paul said that despite his situation, whether dead or alive, his goal in life, his chief aim was to please God ( NKJV). This wouldn’t be the first time that Paul stressed this to be the ambition of his life and ministry. Look at . Paul said, I’m not worried about pleasing people because if I made that my goal I couldn’t effectively serve Jesus.

Listen, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all the people all of the time” (Poet John Lydgate as made famous by Abraham Lincoln).

… please all the people all of the time” (Poet John Lydgate as made famous by Abraham Lincoln).

Paul would go on to say in his letter to the church at Thessalonica that “...we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts”(). If I asked you, “Is it possible to please God?” I believe that everyone of you would agree that it is possible. Now, if I were to ask you if YOUR life is pleasing to God, you might dance around the question before saying something like, “I hope so.” And yet the Bible tells us that “...whatever [we] do, do all to the glory of God” (). Now certainly we will not always hit this target, but again, the question to consider here is whether or not we even have this as our ambition. Is this even our goal?

We’re actually not going to use this entire passage, instead I'm going to lift one verse (verse 9) out of this passage in order to drive home the point that our ultimate goal, both in this life and our eternal life, is “...to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, http://www.apuritansmind.com/westminster-standards/shorter-catechism/). The Apostle Paul said that despite his situation, whether dead or alive, his goal in life, his aim, the one thing that he was trying to achieve was to please God ( NKJV).

Our goal is to please God().

The Apostle Paul says that our most important goal in life is the glory of God. Paul says, “my aim”, “my goal” is to be well pleasing to God for this reason. 1) We are going to have to stand before Jesus one day. We are going to have to give an account for what we have done in this life. 2) We will be rewarded based upon our ambitions in this life.

Now the reason why I wanted to read the verse in context was so that we might understand that what we hear today is not about doing good to feel good. It's not about doing good in order to satisfy the people around us nor is it so that we earn some level of favor with God. However, I want us to understand that the goal of our lives affects us eternally. So, what is our goal?

I'm going to lift one verse out of this passage in order to drive home a point about the goal of our lives. And notice that I used the singular form of goal. The reason why wanted to read the verse in context was so that we might understand that what we hear today is not about doing good too feel good. it's not about nothing good in order to earn some level of favor with God. However, I want us to understand that the goal of our lives affect us eternally because it is about centering ourselves on giving God the glory He deserves.

This morning, I want to zero in on what Paul stated was his goal in life. His goal should be the goal of every Christian on earth. Despite his situation, whether dead or alive, Paul’s goal in life, his chief aim was to please God. This wasn’t the first time that Paul stressed pleasing God to be the ambition of his life and ministry. Look at . 'For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.' Paul said, I’m not worried about pleasing people because if I made that my goal I couldn’t effectively serve Jesus. You’ve probably all heard this before, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all the people all of the time” (Poet John Lydgate as made famous by Abraham Lincoln). Paul would go on to say in his letter to the church at Thessalonica that “...we have been approved by God (this applies to you and me, to every born-again believer) to be entrusted with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts”().

'Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad' ().

So, let me give you a few practical steps from God’s Word about how your life can be pleasing to Him.

For much of our lives we are coached on how to set goals to achieve success when it comes to financial wealth, athleticism, corporate advancement, academic proficiency, physical and mental health, as well as “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. From the time that we enter the world we are taught to reach for and grab the highest rung on the ladder of success. There’s nothing wrong with doing well in life. But far too often, while our careers are taking off and while we are killing it on all other levels, we are wasting away spiritually.

For much of our lives we are coached on how to set goals to achieve success when it comes to financial wealth, athleticism, corporate advancement, academic proficiency, physical and mental health, as well as “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. From the time we enter the world we are taught to reach for and grab the highest rung on the ladder of success. There’s nothing wrong with doing well in life. But far too often, while our careers are taking off and while we are killing it on all other levels, we are wasting away spiritually.

So today, if you’ve ever thought about how to please God with your life I want to leave you with a few things to consider this morning. Our message for today comes from Paul’s letter to the Believers in Corinth.

Let’s look at what the Word of God says about how we can truly please God. And here’s a spoiler, it’s not by doing more or working harder. I want to give you 4 Biblical ways that you and I can have a testimony like Enoch, that our lives can be noted for pleasing God.

First, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, you need to do two things: you need to praise Him and you need to thank Him. Look at , “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves.” Many of us are convinced that God will think favorably of me, He will be pleased with me, if I just work harder. He’ll be pleased with me if I volunteer for one more ministry; if I join one more Bible study or if I give more money. The psalmist tells us that more than all of this, what pleases God is when we show gratitude for all that He’s done, and when we give Him the praise He rightfully deserves!

If I asked you, “Is it possible to please God?” I believe that everyone of you would agree that it is possible. Now, if I were to ask you if YOUR life is pleasing to God, a lot of you might dance around the question before saying something like, “I hope so.” Now, the real question for each of us to consider here is whether or not we even have this as our ambition. Is this even our goal? The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that our ultimate goal in life, “the chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever” .

This morning, I want to zero in on what Paul stated was his goal in life. According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, our ultimate goal in life, “the chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever” . This is our goal, to please God. If you look at verse 9 again, the Apostle Paul said that despite his situation, whether dead or alive, his goal in life, his chief aim was to please God. This wasn’t the first time that Paul stressed pleasing God to be the ambition of his life and ministry. Look at . 'For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.' Paul said, I’m not worried about pleasing people because if I made that my goal I couldn’t effectively serve Jesus.

The word used for praise means to break through or to break out in a cry or a shout. It means to be boastful. It’s time for us to stop being so timid about bragging on our good God! It’s time that we raise our voices in praise to His great name! Everyday we ought to say, I thank you Lord for your grace! I thank you for your mercy! Lord thank you for saving me! Father I praise you because You are God alone! There is none like you! You are the God who gave me children when biology said I couldn’t have children! Jesus you broke the chains of addiction in my life! Lord you comforted me when my heart was broken! You protected me from the weapons of my enemies! You redeemed my soul! You caused my cup to overflow when I was down to my last hope. God thank you for the sufficiency of your grace! “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together” ().

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together” ().

The Hebrew writer calls this a “sacrifice” and “the fruit of our lips”. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. . So again, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, brag on Him and show some gratitude for all that He has done.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together” ().

Also, look at

, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased”.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The person who can do this is a person who is spiritually minded. This also is pleasing to the Lord.

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, [a]giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased”.

Pursuit of God, p21

The person who can do this is a person who is spiritually minded. This also is pleasing to the Lord.

You’ve probably all heard this before, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all the people all of the time” (Poet John Lydgate as made famous by Abraham Lincoln).

Ok! So now that we know what our goal is, let me give you a few practical steps from God’s Word about how your life can be pleasing to Him.

Second, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, you must be spiritually minded. You see, the truth of the matter is that, we will never praise God or thank Him if we are not thinking about Him. Turn to , “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (). Paul says that if our minds are not focused on God; that if His glory is not the ambition of our lives, we cannot please Him. If we look at the life of Jesus we can learn a very important principle about how to please God.

Jesus is our greatest example of someone who was spiritually minded. Look at . “So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” Wow! what a bold statement. Jesus said, “I ALWAYS do what pleases the Father.” How on earth could HE make such a bold statement? Well, if you look back at verse 28, He says, “I do NOTHING on my own authority.” Do you remember those tender and reassuring words from the Father at the baptism of Jesus? “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” NKJV. Jesus was spiritually minded.

The Bible calls us to this same lifestyle. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (‭-‬2 NKJV). Remember, the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Look at , “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The spiritually minded person is humble, obedient and a servant. The spiritually minded person is Christ-centered.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

"our job is simply to consecrate ourselves by yielding our will to His will" ( Mark Batterson, p26)

The spiritually minded person is humble, obedient and a servant. The spiritually minded person is Christ-centered.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

English Standard Version Chapter 8

28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”

Listen to this powerful words from Chuck Swindoll:

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” NKJV.

Distance from God is a frightening thing. God will never adjust His agenda to fit ours. He will not speed His pace to catch up with ours; we need to slow our pace in order to recover our walk with Him. God will not scream over the noisy clamor; He expects us to seek quietness, where His still small voice can be heard again. God will not work within the framework of our complicated schedules; we must adapt to His style. We need to conform to His way if our lives are to be characterized by the all-encompassing word godliness (So You Want to be Like Christ, p. 9). Mark Batterson said that "our job is simply to consecrate ourselves by yielding our will to His will" ( Mark Batterson, p26). It must be our strict intention, our unmitigated goal to conform to His way; to adapt to His style. That, as the Apostle Paul so clearly stated, whether absent or present, we must aim to please Him. But we can’t do that if we don’t trust Him.

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” NKJV.

Mark Batterson said that "our job is simply to consecrate ourselves by yielding our will to His will" ( Mark Batterson, p26). It must be our strict intention, our unmitigated goal to conform to His way; to adapt to His style. That, as the Apostle Paul so clearly stated, whether absent or present, we must aim to please Him. But we can’t do that if we don’t trust Him.

It must be our strict intention, our unmitigated goal to conform to His way; to adapt to His style. That, as the Apostle Paul so clearly stated, whether absent or present, we must aim to please Him.

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (‭-‬2 NKJV).

English Standard Version Chapter 8

28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”

See

SLIDE Distance from God is a frightening thing. God will never adjust His agenda to fit ours. SLIDE He will not speed His pace to catch up with ours; SLIDE we need to slow our pace in order to recover our walk with Him. SLIDE God will not scream over the noisy clamor; SLIDE He expects us to seek quietness, where His still small voice can be heard again. SLIDE God will not work within the framework of our complicated schedules; SLIDE we must adapt to His style. We need to conform to His way if our lives are to be characterized by the all-encompassing word godliness (p. 9).

In these words we find a contrast of intentions. The first is the intention of self. The self says that all of life is about me. It's about my wishes; my likes and dislikes. It's about what makes me happy and what brings me pleasure. The contradictory intention is that of the Divine. Chuck Swindoll emphasizes the fact that God does not nor will He ever abandon Himself in order to satisfy or please us. However, it must be our strict intention, our unmitigated goal to conform to His way; to adapt to His style. As the Apostle Paul so clearly stated, whether absent or present, we must aim to please Him.

"our job is simply to consecrate ourselves by yielding our will to His will" ( Mark Batterson, p26)

Paul would go on to say in his letter to the church at Thessalonica that “...we have been approved by God (this applies to you and me, to every born-again believer) to be entrusted with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts”(). If I asked you, “Is it possible to please God?” I believe that everyone of you would agree that it is possible. Now, if I were to ask you if YOUR life is pleasing to God, you might dance around the question before saying something like, “I hope so.” Now, the real question for each of us to consider here is whether or not we even have this as our ambition. Is this even our goal?

Ok! So now that we know what our goal is, let me give you a few practical steps from God’s Word about how your life can be pleasing to Him.

First, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, you need to do two things: you need to praise Him and you need to thank Him. Look at , “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull, Which has horns and hooves.” Many of us are convinced that God will think favorably of us, He will be pleased with us, if we just work harder. He’ll be pleased if I volunteer for one more ministry; if I join one more Bible study or if I give more money. The psalmist tells us that more than all of this, what pleases God is when we show gratitude for all that He’s done, and when we give Him the praise He rightfully deserves!

The third and final thing that we must do in order to live a life that is pleasing to God? We must live by faith.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.by realizing that s Paul stated, “live by faith in the Son of God” ().

The word used for praise means to break through or to break out in a cry or a shout. It means to be boastful; not in yourself, but to make your boast in the Lord. It’s time for God’s people to stop being so timid about bragging on our good God! It’s time that we raise our voices in praise to His great name! Everyday we ought to say, I thank you Lord for your grace! I thank you for your mercy! Lord thank you for saving me! Father, I praise you because You are God alone! There is none like you! You are the God who healed me when doctors had no answer. You protected me from the weapons of my enemies! You redeemed my soul! You caused my cup to overflow when I was down to my last hope. God thank you for the sufficiency of your grace! We should join with the psalmist and say, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together” (, NKJV).

One of the most awe-inspiring stories of faith in the Bible is written about the great, great, great, great, great grandson of Adam and Eve. In the book of Genesis we are introduced to a man by the name of Enoch. Not much is known about the life of Enoch. All that we are told about this man is that, at the age of 65 he had a son named Methuselah (the oldest person in the Bible) and for the next 300 years he “walked with God” until one day - POOF!! - God took him away (). In we learn that Enoch was a prophet and that he actually prophesied about the return of the Lord Jesus, but what I find to be particularly interesting is what we discover in the pages of the book of Hebrews. In we are told that it was Enoch’s faith that led to him being taken by God. He didn’t die. One moment he was walking on dirt roads and the next moment he was walking on streets of gold. However, the thing about Enoch’s life that has always been convicting and inspiring to me is that he left this life being known for one thing - “that he pleased God”.

Pursuit of God, p50

First, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, you need to do two things: you need to praise Him and you need to thank Him. Look at , “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull, Which has horns and hooves.” Many of us are convinced that God will think favorably of us, He will be pleased with us, if we just work harder. He’ll be pleased if I volunteer for one more ministry; if I join one more Bible study or if I give more money. The psalmist tells us that more than all of this, what pleases God is when we show gratitude for all that He’s done, and when we give Him the praise He rightfully deserves!

The Hebrew writer calls this a “sacrifice” and “the fruit of our lips”. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (). So again, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, brag on Him every chance you get and show Him gratitude for all that He has done.

The word used for praise means to break through or to break out in a cry or a shout. It means to be boastful; not in yourself, but to make your boast in the Lord. It’s time for God’s people to stop being so timid about bragging on our good God! It’s time that we raise our voices in praise to His great name! Everyday we ought to say, I thank you Lord for your grace! I thank you for your mercy! Lord thank you for saving me! Father, I praise you because You are God alone! There is none like you! You are the God who healed me when doctors had no answer. You protected me from the weapons of my enemies! You redeemed my soul! You caused my cup to overflow when I was down to my last hope. God thank you for the sufficiency of your grace! We should join with the psalmist and say, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together” (, NKJV).

reminds us that “...without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Faith pleases God. You can’t please Him without it. The Bible tell us that “It is by grace that you have been saved through FAITH (). That “to as many as [have faith] in Jesus, to those people God has given power to become the children of God” (). reminds us that “God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever [has faith] in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” It is faith in Jesus that justifies the ungodly sinner and faith establishes peace with God (). “…with the heart one [has faith] leading to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (). Make no mistake though, faith is not only a requirement for our spiritual lives, it is also a requirement for our daily lives.

The writer of Hebrews tells us plainly that faith pleases God. As a matter of fact, the author tells us that it is impossible to please God without it. Faith - “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” One of the most awe-inspiring stories of faith in the Bible is written about the great, great, great, great, great grandson of Adam and Eve. A man by the name of Enoch. We are first introduced to Enoch in . What we learn is that Enoch lived for 64 years without any children, and then at the ripe old age of 65 he has a son (Methuselah, the oldest person in the Bible). tells us that after Methuselah was born Enoch walked with God for the next 300 years until one day - POOF! - God took Him. If you’re a parent you might relate to Enoch’s story. How often do we cry out to God because of our children? They just have a way of bringing us to our knees.

Look at . The writer of Hebrews tells us plainly that faith pleases God. As a matter of fact, the author tells us that it is impossible to please God without it. Faith - “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” Faith is the assurance that we have what God desires for us. And whether we are aware of it or not, “there is a God-shaped hole” in all of us (Pascal). So what God desires for us and what we really need for ourselves, is a transforming relationship with the God of all creation made known in His Son Jesus. “Faith is not only necessary to salvation, it is also necessary to live a life pleasing to God. Faith enables us to claim the promises of God - but it also enables us to obey the commands of God. Faith enables us to obey when obedience is costly or seems unreasonable to the natural mind” (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, pp.139-140). It is by grace that you have been saved through FAITH ().

Second, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, you must be spiritually minded. You see, the truth of the matter is that we will never praise God or thank Him if we are not thinking about Him. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (). Paul says that if our minds are not focused on God; that if His glory is not the ambition of our lives, we cannot please Him. If we look at the life of Jesus we can learn a very important principle about how to please God.

The Hebrew writer calls this a “sacrifice” and “the fruit of our lips”. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (). So again, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, brag on Him every chance you get and show Him gratitude for all that He has done.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

What has probably been the most fascinating thing for me about Enoch’s life is what I find in . “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.”

. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

The writer of Hebrews tells us plainly that faith pleases God. As a matter of fact, the author tells us that it is impossible to please God without it.

The writer of Hebrews tells us plainly that faith pleases God. As a matter of fact, the author tells us that it is impossible to please God without it. Faith - “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” Faith is the assurance that we have what God desires for us. And whether we are aware of it or not, “there is a God-shaped hole” in all of us (Pascal). So what God desires for us and what we really need for ourselves, is a transforming relationship with the God of all creation made known in His Son Jesus. “Faith is not only necessary to salvation, it is also necessary to live a life pleasing to God. Faith enables us to claim the promises of God - but it also enables us to obey the commands of God. Faith enables us to obey when obedience is costly or seems unreasonable to the natural mind” (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, pp.139-140). It is by grace that you have been saved through FAITH ().

What does the Bible tell us about faith? It is by grace that you have been saved through FAITH (). The apostle John tells us that “to as many as [have faith] in Jesus, to those people God has given power to become the children of God” (). reminds us that “God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever [has faith] in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” It is faith in Jesus that justifies the ungodly sinner and faith establishes peace with God (). “…with the heart one [has faith] leading to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (). But, faith is not only a requirement for our spiritual lives, it is also a requirement for our daily lives.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.Jerry Bridges had these profound words to write about faith in his book, The Pursuit of Holiness that “Faith is not only necessary to salvation, it is also necessary to live a life pleasing to God. Faith enables us to claim the promises of God - but it also enables us to obey the commands of God. Faith enables us to obey when obedience is costly or seems unreasonable to the natural mind” (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, pp.139-140). It is by grace that you have been saved through FAITH ().

Jerry Bridges had these profound words to write about faith in his book, The Pursuit of Holiness , “Faith is not only necessary to salvation, it is also necessary to live a life pleasing to God. Faith enables us to claim the promises of God - but it also enables us to obey the commands of God. Faith enables us to obey when obedience is costly or seems unreasonable to the natural mind” (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, pp.139-140). “The just shall live by faith” (), by the unwavering confidence that God is in control in spite of my circumstances.

Left to ourselves we aim to please men. Our goal in this life apart from God is to exalt ourselves instead of Jesus. A.W. Tozer once said that “faith is a redirecting of our wills, a getting out of our own vision and getting God into focus” (Pursuit of God, p85). Number one, if you want to live a life that pleases God you have to walk by faith.

Jesus is our greatest example of someone who was spiritually minded. Do you remember those tender and reassuring words from the Father at the baptism of Jesus? “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” ( NKJV). Look at , “Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” Wow! What a bold statement. Jesus said, “I ALWAYS do what pleases the Father.” How on earth could He make such a bold statement? What was it about Jesus that was so pleasing to His Father? Well, if you look back at verse 28, He says, “I do NOTHING on my own authority.” The Bible tells us that everything we do is supposed to please Him “...whatever [we] do, do all to the glory of God” (, NKJV).

A.W. Tozer once said that “faith enables our spiritual sense to function. Where faith is defective the result will be inward insensibility and numbness toward spiritual things” (Pursuit of God, p50). We won’t trust God and therefore we will not obey what He says. Tozer goes on to say that “faith is a redirecting of our wills, a getting out of our own vision and getting God into focus” (Pursuit of God, p85). If you want to live a life that pleases God you have to walk by faith.

If you want to live a life that pleases God you have to walk by faith.

A.W. Tozer once said that “faith enables our spiritual sense to function. Where faith is defective the result will be inward insensibility and numbness toward spiritual things” (Pursuit of God, p50). He goes on to say that “faith is a redirecting of our wills, a getting out of our own vision and getting God into focus” (Pursuit of God, p85). If you want to live a life that pleases God you have to walk by faith.

Second, if you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, you must be spiritually minded. You see, the truth of the matter is that, we will never praise God or thank Him if we are not thinking about Him. Turn to , “'For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God' (). Paul says that if our minds are not focused on God; that if His glory is not the ambition of our lives, we cannot please Him. If we look at the life of Jesus we can learn a very important principle about how to please God.

Jesus was spiritually minded.

Jesus is our greatest example of someone who was spiritually minded. Do you remember those tender and reassuring words from the Father at the baptism of Jesus? “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” ( NKJV). Look at , “Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” Wow! What a bold statement. Jesus said, “I ALWAYS do what pleases the Father.” How on earth could He make such a bold statement? What was it about Jesus that was so pleasing to His Father? Well, if you look back at verse 28, He says, “I do NOTHING on my own authority.” The Bible tells us that everything we do is supposed to please Him “...whatever [we] do, do all to the glory of God” (, NKJV).

The Bible calls us to this same lifestyle. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (‭-‬2 NKJV). Remember, the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Look at , “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” The spiritually minded person is Christ-centered.

Let me close with this example of a life that is pleasing to God.

Jesus was spiritually minded.

Listen to these powerful words from Chuck Swindoll:

Botham Jean, a 26 year old Black man was murdered in his own apartment by his neighbor and now former Dallas police officer, Amber Guyger. This was an all too familiar story about the repeated killing of Black man and the quest for justice. Recently, a jury found Amber Guyger guilty of the murder of Mr. Jean and she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. For many people, myself included, believe that justice had been served, but in this case, what is trending, has nothing to do with the guilty verdict of this Dallas police officer, but rather it is the words of Botham’s brother as he addresses the person who shot and killed his brother. Watch this.

Distance from God is a frightening thing. God will never adjust His agenda to fit ours. He will not speed His pace to catch up with ours; we need to slow our pace in order to recover our walk with Him. God will not scream over the noisy clamor; He expects us to seek quietness, where His still small voice can be heard again. God will not work within the framework of our complicated schedules; we must adapt to His style. We need to conform to His way if our lives are to be characterized by the all-encompassing word godliness (So You Want to be Like Christ, p. 9). Mark Batterson said that "our job is simply to consecrate ourselves by yielding our will to His will" ( Mark Batterson, p26). It must be our strict intention, our unmitigated goal to conform to His way; to adapt to His style. That, as the Apostle Paul so clearly stated, whether absent or present, we must aim to please Him. But we can’t do that if we are focused on ourselves. We have to be spiritually minded..

The Bible calls us to this same lifestyle. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (‭-‬2 NKJV). Remember, the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Look at , “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” The spiritually minded person is Christ-centered.

Listen to these powerful words from Chuck Swindoll:

The third and final thing that we must do in order to live a life that is pleasing to God? We must live by faith. By an unswerving trust in and dependency upon God.

Distance from God is a frightening thing. God will never adjust His agenda to fit ours. He will not speed His pace to catch up with ours; we need to slow our pace in order to recover our walk with Him. God will not scream over the noisy clamor; He expects us to seek quietness, where His still small voice can be heard again. God will not work within the framework of our complicated schedules; we must adapt to His style. We need to conform to His way if our lives are to be characterized by the all-encompassing word godliness (So You Want to be Like Christ, p. 9). Mark Batterson said that "our job is simply to consecrate ourselves by yielding our will to His will" ( Mark Batterson, p26). It must be our strict intention, our unmitigated goal to conform to His way; to adapt to His style. That, as the Apostle Paul so clearly stated, whether absent or present, we must aim to please Him. But we can’t do that if we are focused on ourselves. We have to be spiritually minded..

One of the most awe-inspiring stories of faith in the Bible is written about the great, great, great, great, great grandson of Adam and Eve. In the book of Genesis we are introduced to a man by the name of Enoch. Not much is known about the life of Enoch. All that we are told about this man is that, at the age of 65 he had a son named Methuselah (the oldest person in the Bible) and for the next 300 years he “walked with God” until one day - POOF!! - God took him away (). In we learn that Enoch was a prophet and that he actually prophesied about the return of the Lord Jesus, but what I find to be particularly interesting is what we discover in the pages of the book of Hebrews. In we are told, “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” It was Enoch’s faith that led to him being taken by God. He didn’t die. One moment he was walking on dirt roads and the next moment he was walking on streets of gold. However, the thing about Enoch’s life that has always been convicting and inspiring to me is that he left this life being known for one thing - “that he pleased God”.

The third and final thing that we must do in order to live a life that is pleasing to God? We must live by faith.

reminds us that “...without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith pleases God. You can’t please Him without it. The Bible tell us that “It is by grace that you have been saved through FAITH (). That “to as many as [have FAITH] in Jesus, to those people God has given power to become the children of God” (). reminds us that “God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever [has FAITH] in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” It is FAITH in Jesus that justifies the ungodly sinner and faith establishes peace with God (). “…with the heart one [has FAITH] leading to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (). Make no mistake though, faith is not only a requirement for our spiritual lives, it is also a requirement for our daily lives.

One of the most awe-inspiring stories of faith in the Bible is written about the great, great, great, great, great grandson of Adam and Eve. In the book of Genesis we are introduced to a man by the name of Enoch. Not much is known about the life of Enoch. All that we are told about this man is that, at the age of 65 he had a son named Methuselah (the oldest person in the Bible) and for the next 300 years he “walked with God” until one day - POOF!! - God took him away (). In we learn that Enoch was a prophet and that he actually prophesied about the return of the Lord Jesus, but what I find to be particularly interesting is what we discover in the pages of the book of Hebrews. In we are told, “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” It was Enoch’s faith that led to him being taken by God. He didn’t die. One moment he was walking on dirt roads and the next moment he was walking on streets of gold. However, the thing about Enoch’s life that has always been convicting and inspiring to me is that he left this life being known for one thing - “that he pleased God”.

Listen to what Jerry Bridges wrote about faith in his book, The Pursuit of Holiness , “Faith is not only necessary to salvation, it is also necessary to live a life pleasing to God. Faith enables us to claim the promises of God - but it also enables us to obey the commands of God. Faith enables us to obey when obedience is costly or seems unreasonable to the natural mind” (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, pp.139-140). “…the just shall live by FAITH” (Habakkuk 2:4), by the unwavering confidence that God is in control in spite of my circumstances.

reminds us that “...without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith pleases God. You can’t please Him without it. The Bible tell us that “It is by grace that you have been saved through FAITH (). That “to as many as [have FAITH] in Jesus, to those people God has given power to become the children of God” (). reminds us that “God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever [has FAITH] in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” It is FAITH in Jesus that justifies the ungodly sinner and faith establishes peace with God (). “…with the heart one [has FAITH] leading to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (). Make no mistake though, faith is not only a requirement for our spiritual lives, it is also a requirement for our daily lives.

A.W. Tozer once said that “faith enables our spiritual sense to function. Where faith is defective the result will be inward insensibility and numbness toward spiritual things” (A.W. Tozer, Pursuit of God, p50). We won’t trust God and therefore we will not obey what He says. Tozer goes on to say that “faith is a redirecting of our wills, a getting out of our own vision and getting God into focus” (Pursuit of God, p85). If you want to live a life that pleases God you have to praise Him and thank Him for all that He is and all that He has done, you have to be spiritually minded, and you have to walk by faith.

Listen to what Jerry Bridges wrote about faith in his book, The Pursuit of Holiness , “Faith is not only necessary to salvation, it is also necessary to live a life pleasing to God. Faith enables us to claim the promises of God - but it also enables us to obey the commands of God. Faith enables us to obey when obedience is costly or seems unreasonable to the natural mind” (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, pp.139-140). “The just shall live by FAITH” (), by the unwavering confidence that God is in control in spite of my circumstances.

Let me close with this example of a life that is pleasing to God. Here’s the back story.

A.W. Tozer once said that “faith enables our spiritual sense to function. Where faith is defective the result will be inward insensibility and numbness toward spiritual things” (Pursuit of God, p50). We won’t trust God and therefore we will not obey what He says. Tozer goes on to say that “faith is a redirecting of our wills, a getting out of our own vision and getting God into focus” (Pursuit of God, p85). If you want to live a life that pleases God you have to praise Him and thank Him for all that He is and all that He has done, you have to be spiritually minded, and you have to walk by faith.

Botham Jean, a 26 year old Black man was murdered in his own apartment by his White neighbor and now former Dallas police officer, Amber Guyger. This was an all too familiar story about the repeated killing of Black man and the quest for justice. Recently, a jury found Amber Guyger guilty of the murder of Botham Jean and she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. A lot of folks didn’t think that was enough time for this murder. Many people, myself included, believe that justice - to some degree - had been served, but in this case, what is trending has nothing to do with the guilty verdict of this Dallas police officer, but rather it is the words of Botham’s brother as he addresses the person who shot and murdered his brother. Watch this.

Let me close with this example of a life that is pleasing to God. Here’s the back story.

This young man boasted about the saving grace and forgiveness of our Great God!

He had his mind set on eternal things; things of the Spirit. When hate was the easy path, he chose to love! He chose to forgive. He chose to extend grace.

Botham Jean, a 26 year old Black man was murdered in his own apartment by his White neighbor and now former Dallas police officer, Amber Guyger. This was an all too familiar story about the repeated killing of Black man and the quest for justice. Recently, a jury found Amber Guyger guilty of the murder of Botham Jean and she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. A lot of folks didn’t think that was enough time for this murder. Many people, myself included, believe that justice - to some degree - had been served, but in this case, what is trending has nothing to do with the guilty verdict of this Dallas police officer, but rather it is the words of Botham’s brother as he addresses the person who shot and murdered his brother. Watch this.

This young man displayed a faith in God that rivals most. You can only truly show that much compassion to someone who has done you wrong if you have placed your life into the hands of God and watched Him, through faith in Christ, make you a totally new person.

This young man boasted about the saving grace and forgiveness of our Great God!

He had his mind set on eternal things; things of the Spirit. When hate was the easy path, he chose to love! He chose to forgive. He chose to extend grace.

If you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, BOAST in Him, SET YOUR MIND on Him, TRUST in Him!

You might be here this morning and you realize that you have done none of these things. You brag on yourself. You think about yourself. You only trust in yourself. I want to invite you this morning to let the goal of your life become the glory of God. It starts with FAITH in Jesus. You cannot please Him without it.

This young man displayed a faith in God that rivals most. You can only truly show that much compassion to someone who has done you wrong if you have placed your life into the hands of God and watched Him, through faith in Christ, make you a totally new person.

If you want to live a life that is pleasing to God, BOAST in Him, SET YOUR MIND on Him, TRUST in Him!

You might be here this morning and you realize that you have done none of these things. You brag on yourself. You think about yourself. You trust only in yourself. I want to invite you this morning to let the goal of your life become the glory of God. It starts with FAITH in Jesus. You cannot please Him without it.

The Goal

Call to Hear

Aim to Please

Aim to Please

Open your Bibles to .

Aim to Please

Gratitude and Praise

Spirtually-minded

Spirtually-minded

Gratitude and Praise

Faith

Gratitude and Praise

Gratitude and Praise

Spiritually-minded

Spiritually-minded

Call to Responda

Faith

Faith

Call to Respond

Call to Respond

The Goal

Call to Hear

Aim to Please

Aim to Please

Open your Bibles to .

Aim to Please

Gratitude and Praise

Spirtually-minded

Spirtually-minded

​

Gratitude and Praise

Faith

Gratitude and Praise

Gratitude and Praise

Spiritually-minded

Spiritually-minded

Call to Responda

Faith

Faith

Call to Respond

Call to Respond