2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV) So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
ARE YOU PLEASING THE LORD?
2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV) So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
So…
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) For we live by faith, not by sight.
Life comes with challenges.
2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Your hope is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
ARE YOU PLEASING THE LORD?
2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV) So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
We make it our goal…
What does Paul mean by goal?
YOUR GOAL IS YOUR DRIVING AMBITION.
Romans 15:20 (NIV) It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
It should be your goal to please God in the extraordinary.
YOUR GOAL IS YOUR DAILY DESIRE.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV) and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
It should be your goal to please God in the everyday.
ARE YOU PLEASING THE LORD?
2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV) So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
To please Him…
HOW do you please the Lord?
Ephesians 5:10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
FIND OUT WHAT PLEASES THE LORD.
1. TRANSFORM YOUR MIND
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Be transformed and not conformed.
Transformation starts with a sacrifice.
2. PLEASE GOD FIRST
Galatians 1:10 (NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
3. BEAR GOOD FRUIT
Ephesians 5:10-11 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Colossians 1:10-11 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,
Bearing fruit implies some effort.
4. LET JESUS WORK IN YOU
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus has resurrection power.
Jesus can restore you.
Jesus can empower you.
Jesus is not an unreasonable boss. He is an empowering Savior.
ARE YOU PLEASING THE LORD?
Why does any of this matter?
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (AMP) For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities].
If you appeared before Christ today, has your life been pleasing to Him?
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