Pleasing God: Our Greatest Ambition in Life

Introduction:

John 8:12 – Jesus is the light of the world. He is teaching in the treasury of the temple and is explaining his relationship between Himself & the Father.  In 8:21 – He begins to speak of His relationship between Himself & the Father. Read 8:23-30.  Focus on 8:28 - When you lift up the Son of Man – what is He referring to? Note how calm He is.  Look at His unshaken faith in the triumph of His cause.  Note His relationship w/the Father.  He was the pupil of the Father; He was the companion of the Father; He was the servant of the Father.  8:29 – I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.  And so must we.  We must seek to please God.  There is nothing more important.

I.  Disciples are like their teachers.

A. Lk. 6:40; 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Pet. 2:21-24; 2 Pet. 1:3-4

B. God wants us to become like Him.  Eph. 5:1  See also Col. 1:10

II. We must avoid the things which displease Him.

A. Selfish pride not only hampers growth – it displeases God.

1. 2 Cor. 5:14-15 – we’re no longer living for self.

a. Paul’s teaching – Phil. 2:3-4

b. Js. 4:6 – God opposed to the proud.

B. Carelessness & indifference displease God.

1. There = danger in neglect!  Heb. 2:1-3

2. Pro. 24:27; Lukewarmness does not please God – Rev. 3:14-16

C. Unbelief displeases Him.

1. God lays tasks before us.  How do we respond?

a) He does not call us to apathy; average; or mediocre service!

2. God is still laying out tasks before us.  How strong is our faith?

D. Murmuring & complaining displeases Him.

1. Phil. 2:14; God hates those who sow strife & discord!  Pro. 6:19

III. A closer look at John 8:29

A. Just as Jesus lived to please the father – so can we!

B. Look at His prayer life.

1. Lk. 3:21 – before baptism; Lk. 6:12 – before the call of the 12.

2. Jhn. 17:6-26; Lk. 22:32; 23:34 – for other people.

3. In His life – EVERY incident in life was an event to be dealt with in prayer!

C. He denied Himself.  To please God we must deny ourselves.

1. John 5:19-20; 6:38; Lk. 22:42; Phil. 2:5-10

2. 1 Pet. 4:1-5 – must cease from sin.

D. He had a thankful spirit.

1. Psa. 69:30; Heb. 13:15-16 Do we appreciate His goodness?

IV. These things must actually be done!

A. John 8:29 – “I do.”

B. Cant’ talk or pray about doing these things & then not follow through!

C. They must “always” be done.  at home; on the job

Conclusion:

A. Is this standard too high? Is it impossible?  Not with God’s help!

1. What good would an imperfect example be?