OUR DEVOTIONAL MEDITATION

Main Bible Text:
Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying  s to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a  t servant  of Christ.

Romans 12:1–2
1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

TOPIC:
"LIVE TO PLEASE GOD, NOT MAN OR YOURSELF"

The Introduction:
In a world that constantly tells us to “follow your heart” and “do what makes you happy,” many people live primarily to satisfy their own desires. However, the life of a believer is different. When we give our lives to Christ, our focus shifts from self-pleasing to God-pleasing. The Apostle Paul asked in Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?”
Living to please God requires surrender, obedience, and a transformed mindset. True fulfillment is not found in pleasing ourselves but in honoring God with our lives.

How Can We Live And Do Things To Please God?

1. A God-pleasing life is a Changed life; saved and born again...Read John 3:1-7, 2 Corin. 5:17...
It's not how long we been in the church or position that we hold....
Il. A God-Pleasing Life Requires Total Surrender...
...Seeking first the kingdom of God, putting God first
Let's deny SELF...Pick up our cross and follow daily

A life that pleases God begins with surrendering ourselves completely to Him.
A) Present Your Life as a Living Sacrifice.
Believers must willingly offer their lives, desires, and plans to God. Our time, talents, and decisions should reflect our commitment to Him.
B) Deny Self and Follow God’s Will for your life.
Jesus taught that following Him requires self-denial. Instead of doing what we want, we choose what God wants.

Ill. A God-Pleasing Life is a life of faith....Heb. 11:6
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

....Strong faith like Daniel and the 3 Hebrew men

A) Reject the Pattern of the World and pleasure of sin.
The world promotes selfishness, pride, and self-gratification. Believers must resist conforming to these worldly values.
B) Allow God’s Word to Transform Your Thinking
Through prayer, studying Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our minds are renewed so that we can discern God’s perfect will.

Ill. A God-Pleasing Life is a fruit bearing life....
A) Walk in Holiness and Righteousness.
God desires His people to live holy lives that reflect His character before others.
B) Seek God’s Approval Above Human Approval.
When believers prioritize God’s approval, they remain faithful even when facing criticism, rejection, or opposition.

The Summary/Conclusion:

Living to please God instead of ourselves is the true mark of a committed believer. It requires surrendering our lives to Him, renewing our minds through His Word, and living in obedience to His will. When our goal is to please God, our lives become a testimony of His grace and power.

A life that pleases God may not always please the world, but it brings divine favor, spiritual growth, and eternal reward. Therefore, let us choose daily to live not for ourselves, but for the glory of God.