Easy Plan for Living a Life Pleasing to God

 Do you want to live a life pleasing to God?

Do you want to follow God's will?

Yes?  Me too!  But it's too hard, right?  Nope!  Check out this easy-to-follow plan!!

1 Thessalonians 5:16–19 (ESV): 

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.

1. Rejoice always 

            Biblical joy is choosing to respond with an inner peace.

            It requires effort, obedience and trust.

            Also see:  James 1:2-4, Psalm 95:1-4, John 15:8-11, Galatians 5:22, Philippians 4:4

2.     Pray without ceasing

            This doesn't mean we must walk around with our heads bowed and eyes closed constantly in prayer - it does mean that we should always be in a prayerful mindset and focused on God.

            Remember, as children of God, we have the privilege to communicate with our Father.

            Also see:  Ephesians 6:18, Luke 6:12, Philippians 4:6

3.      Give thanks in all circumstances

            In all things, good and bad, God is with us. Let's never forget to thank Him.

            Also see:  James 1:2-4, Psalm 136:1, Psalm 95:1-7

4.       Do not quench the Spirit

            Once we are baptized into Christ, God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:38) but if we neglect our Christian walk then we can quench the Spirit.

            Four common ways to quench the Spirit are:

            a.  Reverting back to our old lifestyle (see I Thessalonians 4:3-8 and 

Galatians 5:19-21)

            b.  Stop praying (see I Thessalonians 5:17, 1 John 1, and Romans 8:26-28)

            c.  Stop reading and studying God's word (see II Timothy 3:16-17 

and Ephesians6:10-18)

           d.  Stop going to church (see Hebrews 10:23-25, James 5:16, Romans 10:17 and I Peter 5:6-9)

If we follow this 4-step plan then, as Paul says, we will have the peace that only comes from God!

Philippians 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[b] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Adapted from a sermon by Bro. Jerry Nance