Joshua McGuire | Learning to Please God | Austin CFC | 2025-02-23
Summary
The central message is that the ultimate goal of life, both on earth and in heaven, is to please God. The speaker challenges listeners to examine their motivations, contrasting the desire to please God with the tendency to seek the approval of men. He argues that while pleasing others (neighbors) is important, the primary priority must be pleasing Jesus Christ, as this sets the right focus for daily life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Heaven is to please GodThe speaker explains that the essence of heaven and earth is the same: seeking to see the Father smile upon us.
Living to please God versus menBelievers cannot live for the praise of men and truly have faith in God at the same time.Galatians 1:10
Pleasing others for their edificationWhile we should not seek the applause of men, Scripture commands us to please our neighbors for their good, following Christ's example of selflessness.
Setting the right priorityStarting the day with the priority of pleasing Jesus naturally aligns our hearts to love God first and care for others second.
Walking in the lightPaul teaches that those rescued from darkness are called to walk as children of light, producing goodness, righteousness, and truth.Ephesians 5:8–10
Trying, failing, and learningWe must start by trying to please God with the understanding we currently possess, allowing the Lord to gently correct and teach us.
The memory of the fishing tripA childhood memory of instantly obeying his father illustrates the deep joy that comes from seeing a father's face light up with pride.
Jesus as the ultimate exampleJesus brought complete delight to the Father through His humble obedience and daily attitude, fulfilling the prophecy of the servant in whom God's soul delights.
Examples of pleasing faithScripture highlights ordinary people like the Roman Centurion and the Canaanite woman whose humility and submission marveled Jesus.
Sharing and good deedsNot neglecting to do good and share with others is recognized as a sacrifice that pleases God.
Making it our ambition to please HimBecause God prepared us and gave us the Holy Spirit as a pledge, we make it our ambition to walk by faith and please Him.
The attitude of the servants in the parableContrast is made between faithful servants who appreciated their master and the fearful servant who viewed his master as a hard man.
Living in the SpiritWhile those in the flesh cannot please God, believers who have the Spirit dwelling in them are empowered to live a life that pleases the Lord.Romans 8:8–9
