Change Because of Salvation

“Change Because of Salvation”

Prov. 28:13-14; 3:12; 1 Pet. 1:14-15; Isa. 59:1-2 

SUBJECT: CORRECTION ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE 

THEME: Examine Your Attitude Toward Evil and Sin When Trouble Invades Your Life. 

RELEVANCY: God Desires for Us to Correct Our Attitude Toward Evil and Turn Away from the Practices of Sin. Sin usually leads to even more sin; it is certain that the “hardened heart shall fall into mischief.” God desires to compel all of us to engage in periodic self-examination so we may face up to our own sin and to do the difficult work of changing our beliefs and our behavior. 

INTRODUCTION:

The Scriptures tell us, God is a God of absolutes. We are either evil or righteous, based upon what we have decided to do in response to Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross.

 In Thought, Word, and Deed, You, like Everyone Else in the World, Stand Guilty Before God. We must remember who we are in his sight -- alienated sinners. Don't deny that you are a sinner. Instead, allow your desperate need to point you toward Christ.   It is the person who acknowledges their own sinfulness and expresses a willingness to reject sinful behavior who will obtain mercy.  Don’t try to cover your sin with excuses or try to blame others for your failures, this only leads to a hardened heart and more mischief, calamity, and trouble!

Sin Is in Our Nature and must Be Faced by Every Person.

The last time someone accused you of wrongdoing, what was your reaction? Denial, argument, and defensiveness?

The Bible tells us the world stands silent and accountable before almighty God. No excuses or arguments are left.

MESSAGE:

TROUBLE COMPELS US TO CORRECT OUR HARBORING OF EVIL.

Proverbs 28:13-14, He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. [14] Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Obviously, we invite trouble and mischief into our lives when we harbor sin and evil by refusing to confess and forsake our sins. Again, those who conceal their sins will not prosper, while those who confess and forsake them will receive mercy. Additionally, God emphasizes that a person who fears Him is happy, whereas one who hardens their heart will face “mischief”. It is vitally important to honestly and humbly relate to God.

Hardening one's heart can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God's rest and promises.

Hardening one's heart, as referenced in Hebrews 3, leads to dire spiritual consequences, including disbelief and disobedience. The Israelites' failure to trust in God resulted in their exclusion from entering the promised land, serving as a strong warning for Christians today. When individuals ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the truths of Scripture, they risk becoming spiritually blind and deaf to God’s voice. This hardened state not only deprives them of the joy and peace found in Christ but also results in a lack of assurance and rest, as they attempt to navigate life apart from divine guidance and grace. Believers are encouraged to remain soft-hearted, always responsive to God’s call (Hebrews 3:8-11, Psalm 95:8-11). (From Bill Parker, The Tragedy of Unbelief)                      

A.  CORRECTION THROUGH SALVATION. 

Persisting in sinful patterns and willful disobedience to God is a primary cause of a hardened heart. The Bible warns that those who continue in sin and ignore God’s commands are at risk of developing calloused mindsets. Hebrews 3:7-8 cautions, “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” Continually indulging in sins like sexual immorality, greed, pride, bitterness, and hatred corrodes one’s spiritual sensitivity and receptiveness to God (1 Cor. 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 4:17-19). (See Bible Gateway)

God emphasizes the importance and preciousness of remaining receptive to His voice/guidance and warns against setting our interest and concerns against Him; He uses Israel’s rebellion during their time in the wilderness to exhort us today.

   1. Receive Salvation as a Free Opportunity of Grace.

Our salvation is not a matter of works but of a willful receiving of Jesus Christ into our lives. (Eph. 2:4-5,8-9).

Titus 3:5-6, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

2 Tim. 1:9-10, Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, [10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Salvation is fundamentally a gift of grace rather than a result of human effort. This idea is central to Christian conversion, emphasizing that individuals cannot earn salvation through their own actions or merits. Instead, it is granted by God through faith in Jesus Christ.

1. Understanding Grace is defined as God's unearned favor, which means that salvation is not something that can be achieved through good deeds or adherence to the law. Ephesians 2:8 highlights that salvation comes by grace through faith, underscoring that it is not a result of human effort.
2. The Role of Faith is trusting in Jesus Christ as essential for receiving this grace. It is through faith that believers accept the gift of salvation, which transforms our lives.
3. Misunderstandings of Salvation—A common misconception is that salvation can be earned, leading to a reliance on personal merit or commitment. This belief is countered by the biblical teaching that salvation is God’s gift to believers (Jn. 4:10; 2 Cor. 9:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 6:23).

Salvation is a divine act of grace, emphasizing reliance on God’s mercy rather than human effort or determination.

   2. Open The Door of Your Life to Christ to Enter God’s Kingdom.

If we shut the door of our souls to Christ, we are outside God's Kingdom. Thus, the door to our lives must be open by us—God does not force His way in nor manipulate us to gain access. While it is true the Father will draw a sinner to Himself, we sinners still must invite the Lord Jesus into our lives.

Rev. 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.    

John 3:3, Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:5, Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:7, Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

1. The concept of the Kingdom of God represents God's sovereign rule over all creation and the realm where His will is perfectly fulfilled. The accessibility of this Kingdom emphasis both the openness of the Kingdom to all who seek it and the conditions required for entry.

2. The Kingdom of God is presented as both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, proclaimed the nearness of the Kingdom, inviting all to enter through repentance and faith. In Mark 1:15, Jesus declares, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” This invitation underscores the accessibility of the Kingdom to those who turn from sin and embrace the good news of Jesus Christ.

3. While the Kingdom is indeed accessible and entrance is free, it does come with the cost of discipleship. First salvation and then discipleship subsequently. Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial and cross-bearing. In Luke 9:23, He instructs, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This call to discipleship involves a willingness to forsake all for the sake of the Kingdom, highlighting the depth of commitment required to access its fullness. Unfortunately, this very point confuses so many people; they have failed to distinguish conversion from discipleship—entrance into the kingdom from continuing with the King!

The Kingdom of God's accessibility is a profound truth that invites all to partake in the divine life through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a Kingdom marked by grace, requiring a response of faith, humility, and obedience. While the path is narrow and the cost significant, the invitation is extended to all, promising eternal life and communion with God to those who enter. (See Bible Hub)

    3.  Choose Eternal Life Instead of Eternal Death.

John 3:36, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Here we have the ultimate spiritual choice: faith in, “the Son,” Jesus Christ which yields eternal life, while rejecting Him results in eternal separation from God in Hell. It contrasts the believer’s present possession of “everlasting life” with the abiding condemnation of unbelief. “Wrath” describes God’s holy, just, and righteous reaction to sin. The word “abideth” means to ‘remains’ emphasizing God’s judgment is permanent for those who die in their unbelief—sin.

     a.  Without Christ, the Results of Sin are Death.

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You are free to choose between two masters, but you are not free to manipulate the consequences of your choice. Each of the two masters pays with his own kind of currency. The currency of sin is death. That is all you can expect or hope for in life without God. Christ's currency is eternal life -- new life with God that begins on earth and continues forever with God. What choice have you made? (Dr. C. Stanley)

     b.  With Christ, Sins Are Forgiven and Eternal Life Is Given (John 3:36; Rom. 6:23).

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” requires that true belief is not merely mental agreement; it is active trust and reliance on Jesus as the promised Savior. Believers possess eternal life in the present, securing a restored relationship with God.

            1.  Eternal Life Is a Free ‘Gift’ from God (Rom. 6:23).

If it is a gift, then it is not something that we earn, nor something that must be paid back. Consider the foolishness of someone who receives a gift given out of love and then offers to pay for it.

             2. A Gift Cannot Be Purchased by the Recipient.

A more appropriate response to a loved one who offers a gift is graceful acceptance with gratitude. Our salvation is a gift from God, not something of our own doing (Eph 2:8-9). He saved us because of his kindness and pity, not because we were good enough to be saved (Titus 3:5). How much more we should accept with thanksgiving the gift that God has freely given to us. (Dr. C. Stanley)

    4.  Call Upon Christ to Save You Today.

God is still calling you to trust Christ as your personal Savior today. He still loves you. He still calls you, and His Holy Spirit still attempts to draw you to the Father. You are still an enemy of God, not an heir. Why not call upon the Lord in prayer?

Romans 10:9-13, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Sin is like a disease that is beyond human cure. Matthew 8:1-4, When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. [2] And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. [3] And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. [4] And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.  Leprosy, like AIDS today, was a terrifying disease because there was no known cure. In Jesus' day, the word for leprosy was used for a variety of similar diseases, and some forms were contagious. If a person contracted the contagious type, a priest declared him a leper and banished him from his home and city. The leper was sent to live in a community with other lepers until he either got better or died. Yet when the leper begged Jesus to heal him, Jesus reached out and touched him, even though his skin was covered with the dread disease.

Sin is also an incurable disease—and we all have it. Only Christ's healing touch can miraculously take away our sins and restore us to real living. But first, just like the leper, we must realize our inability to cure ourselves and ask for Christ's saving intervention. We need to confess our uncleanness and appeal to the Great Physician to perform a work of internal cleansing and literally transform our lives. Everyone who came to Jesus in genuine faith went away different, improved, transformed, and internally changed forever! (Dr. C. Stanley)

Calling upon Christ for salvation involves recognizing your need for His grace, turning away from sin with a repentant heart, and trusting in His sacrifice as the God accepted payment. It is a personal act of faith where you surrender your life to Him, believing He died, was buried, and rose again to grant you eternal life.

If you want to call upon Him right now, you can do so through prayer, acknowledging your need for His forgiveness and expressing your trust in Him as your personal Savior.

 

 

Royal Scrutiny

 

Royal Scrutiny

Psalm 50:8-15

Theme: The revival of our churches begins with a renewal in our worship of God. God’s priority is to restore His people and then return them to heartfelt (spirit) and genuine (truth) worship.

Relevance: the God of astonishing glory demands worship that work. The Christian lives in this tension between rituals and reality! Too often our churches are accused of hypocrisy: “They don’t practice what they preach.” We gather to merely go through the motions of “worship.”  

Introduction:

In Psalm 50 formalism in worship and hypocrisy in living are addressed by God. He is never happy with mere customary habits, religious formalities, ‘spiritual’ observances, ‘Christian’ religious ceremonial practices, or procedures rooted in rites, routines, and stereotypes.

Additionally, we cannot afford to merely “go through the motions.” Away with worship that is formally correct but empty of a heart that is eager to love and praise God. In these verses of Psalm 50, God examines the activities of his people and finds them observing routines while ignoring him.

Message:

    I.          The Royal Judge’s Examination (Ps. 50:8-15).

God’s scrutiny reveals worship, though correct in many regards, it is still formal and ritualistic.

A.   Reflecting on the Worship Israel Offered (Ps. 50:8-13).

1.     God does Not Rebuke them for Continuous Sacrifices and Offerings (v. 8). He affirms their sacrifices: “I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings” (see Ps. 40:6), given in the temple “continually.” Most of them were doing the right things at the correct times consistently. Some people were quite exact about this. 

2.     But God Noticed the Worship Israel Offered was Formal and Ritualistic.

a.      “Formalism refers to a tendency in religious thought and practice to shift focus away from the abstract, the spiritual, the personal, or the ethical principles in a religion and toward the outward forms that embody that religion. Outward forms can refer to: the sacred buildings or shrines in which worship occurs.” -David McCallum

b.     Formal type worship contains structures, set prayers, readings, or rituals. Typically, it is deceptive, prideful, hypocritical, devoid of commitment, it is not heartfelt, or indicative of real spiritual devotion to God.   

c.      The Lord Jesus rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees sharply for their hypocritical worship and pretentious lifestyles in Matt. 23. See Gal. 6:13-15; Lk. 11:37- 54.

3.     God does Not Need Israel’s Sacrifices and Offerings (vs. 9 -11). Truthfully, God does not need the sacrifices, but Israel does.

a.      God refuses to go looking for “a bullock out of thy house” or “goats,” when He owns all the beasts in the “forest” and “the cattle upon a thousand hills” (v. 10). Also, He has a superintending relationship with all “the fowls of the mountains” and “the wild beasts of the field.” Why then if God has vast herds and flocks would He need a single bull or goat?

b.     So, it is ridiculous according to verse 12, that God waits for any sacrifices to be offered to Him for a meal! God does not need Israel to feed Him, a common notion both ancient and modern religions held toward their gods or ancestors. Thus, He mockingly asks: “Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?” (Based on D. Williams, The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 13)

c.      But the trouble was that they thought these rituals completely discharged their obligations to Jehovah. They were like girls who treat their mother indifferently throughout the year, then smother her with chocolates on her birthday! Or like sons who never thank their father for all he does for them, then give him a gift tie on Father’s Day!

d.     So Jehovah protests that while they had loaded His altar with sacrificial animals, they had treated Him personally with cold neglect. As to the technical details of the offerings, His people had been punctilious. But when it came to a warm, personal relationship with the Lord Himself, they were seriously lacking. F. B. Meyer writes:

e.      The Psalm is a severe rebuke of the hypocrite who contents himself with giving a mere outward obedience to the ritual of God’s house, but withholds the love and homage of his heart.^[1]

4.     Sacrifices are not to be offered for God’s sake, but for Israel’s, as a sign of the covenant, as an act of surrender, and as a substitute for sin.

5.     We should treasure Christ Jesus even more because of the New Covenant, His willing surrender, and his complete Sacrifice for our sin. 1 Corinthians 1:29-31, That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

a.      Hebrews 9:12, Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

b.     Hebrews 9:26-28, For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

c.      Hebrews 1:9-10, Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

B.   Reflecting on the Worship God Desires (Ps. 50:14-15).

1.     Offer Thanksgiving (v. 14). True worship is defined in verse 14.

a.      It begins with the heart: “Offer unto God thanksgiving [sacrifice].”

b.     True worship also includes the heartfelt obedience of simple gratitude for His person and blessings.

c.      How may we express gratitude to God?

1.     Begin the day with thanksgiving to God.

2.     Thank Him in your daily and public worship.

3.     Speak of all of His benefits to family, friends and work associates.

4.     Thank Him as you read His Word, especially when he speaks to your heart in an obvious way.

5.     Thank Him for the hard things.

d.      Through the eyes of faith we can look beyond our present-day challenges. Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith requiring trusting God.

e.      No gift can ever take the place of simple gratitude. Too often we are like the family that took their queenly mother for granted, then after her death attempted to atone for their thanklessness by dressing her body in a two-thousand-dollar Dior original!^[2]

2.     Pay Vows (vs. 14). Thus “vows” must be paid “unto the Most High.”

a.     A “vow” is any kind of promised gift to God. He is the “Most High,” a title used by Melchizedek, king of Salem, who blesses Abraham (Gen. 14:18). It means “God above all other gods.”

b.     Fulfilled vows includes vows of love, worship, service, and devotion.^[3]

3.     Offer Prayers (v. 15). When worship is from the heart and exhibited in obedience, God promises that His people may “call upon [Him] in the day of trouble.” He will “deliver” them and they will “glorify” Him.

a.      When they were walking in obedience they can call on the Lord in a time of trouble and God promised to deliver them.

b.     This includes both the glory manifested in the rescue itself and the resulting praise from Israel (v. 15).

c.      This is a wonderful insight into the heart of God. He loves to hear His people pray, and He loves to answer those prayers. He cherishes an intimate, tender relationship between His people and Himself.^[4]

4.     A Great Deal of Stuff we do in the Name of worship is not Listed Here!

a.      Ritualistic singing, simply going through the motions, and mindless ‘participation’ in the services should be eliminated. The songs are a part of worship, not just preparation for preaching. Worship centers on God as the focus and not the Bible as the object. Experiences are validated by the Word.

b.     Allowing familiarity and routine to replace spiritual involvement; allowing whatever distractions to steal our attention and concentration. We must be present in the moment in order to worship God.

c.      ‘Praying’ to instruct people instead of praying to God; being more of a judge and inspector instead of a participant and worshiper. Allowing local traditions to trump truth and biblical standards/requirements.  

d.     Don’t use fire, dancing, secular music/songs, pride, irreverence, jealousy, and cynicism as they greatly hinder worship.

 

II.          The Royal Judge’s Explanation.

The Scriptures are abundantly clear that only God deserves true worship, not angels, mere other human beings, or idols (Exodus 20:3, Matthew 4:10). True worship involves the heart—God wants sincere worshipers, not people who just go through the motions…not just external actions (John 4:24, Psalms 51:16-17).

A.    Worship embraces giving our deepest affections and highest praise to God yielding our heart, soul, mind, and bodies to Him. Worship then is an extreme form of love — it’s a type of whole-hearted devoutness. True worship also involves expressions of obedience, praise, honor, adoration, and gratitude offered by regenerate believers who know and love him personally.

B.    As God’s people, we are sometimes guilty of using a “Christian” ritual while we mentally zone-out during a worship service resulting in a hateful form of hypocrisy. “Jesus’ advice to “worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) provides the proper correctives for these faults.”^[5]

C.    Clearly, we need the Lord Jesus in all facets of our lives if we hope to be fruitful and productive—this includes our worship.

1.     John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

2.     Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Again, we must be honest with God about our need for Christ in all facets of life. Forsake pridefulness, self-sufficiency, egotism, self-reliance, and independence.

D.    Beloved, we must view Worship as something we Need and not what God Needs. We cannot afford to miss this application. Too often we think that God needs us. He needs our money, our time, our service, our insight, our strength, and our worship. After all, what would He and His church do without us? This attitude is checked by the Judge in two respects.

First, it presupposes a weak God. But He is the sovereign Mighty God even the LORD! He owns the “cattle upon a thousand hills.” He needs neither us nor our money (Mal. 3:8-12). Second, it expresses too high a view of ourselves. Pride enters in and the proud cannot stand in the presence of the Holy God. “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance …. All nations before Him are as nothing” (Is. 40:15 & 17). (Based on D. Williams, The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 13)

E.     Our Worship must be a Living Sacrifice of heartfelt devotion, loyalty to truth, and obedience to God. The offering of oneself fully and completely to God is what he is after…this is real worship…and this is for our good!

1.     Deut. 6:4-5, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

2.     Deuteronomy 10:12, And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

3.     Deuteronomy 10:16, Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

4.     John 4:24, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

5.     Romans 12:1-2, 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.

Conclusion:

Again, this is a personal and heartfelt (from the heart) offering indicated by Psalm 50! We are not dealing with a matter of constraint, compulsion, or reluctance (see 2Cor. 9:7). As our capable Judge, God points to the formalism in our worship and hypocrisy in our lives! And in many cases, we are guilty as charged. We now know that worship flows from a heart of love for God…from people who deeply want to please God; there is no motivation to merely do one’s duty or to check the box. We literally cease to operate purely out of a sense of obligation (Matt. 22:37-40). Beloved, worship needs to be our focus! His people must bring sacrifices of thanksgiving from obedient, trusting hearts.^[6]

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628–629.

^[5] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.

^[6] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.

Do I Seek To Please God or Men?

Make it your aim, as you serve the Lord, to always please Him and not merely people. The Apostle Paul wisely exemplified this truth, in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” How vital for us to remember that it is God who has afforded us the many opportunities we have to serve Him and others. Therefore, we must labor and invest ourselves for His grand approval upon our lives of service. This in no way implies a lack of consideration for people’s legitimate needs or concerns. While it is a wonderful thing to satisfy the expectations of those we serve, ultimately we must answer to Christ.

You see, it is God who tries the hearts of His servants. He, with infinitely clear insight into the motives and desires of our hearts, will carefully examine us. He is fully aware of the reasons behind our actions. If we undertake holy tasks with unholy ambitions of pride, self-aggrandizement, fortune, or prestige, surely the Lord God will know this and smite our hearts accordingly. MacDonald observed,

A steward is obligated to please the one who pays him. Preachers may sometimes be tempted to hold back the full truth for fear of repercussion from those who contribute to their support. But God is the Master, and He knows when the message is watered down or suppressed. (Believer’s Bible Commentary)

Therefore, can our false humility go undetected? Is it possible our fear motivated ‘initiatives’ could be exposed by God? Is it possible our anger and frustration-based decisions will be subject to the discerning fires of an all-knowing Lord? The answer must be an absolute YES, if we are honest with ourselves!

Often Christian work is prosecuted on the basis of the normal, well established, and conventional wisdom of a movement, denomination, fellowship, or association. Unfortunately, our man-made traditions drive us to do the same things in the same way while expecting different and positive results. Someone described this as the definition for insanity! Pleasing the Lord first and foremost may demand breaking with mere human traditions no matter how well established they may be. The problem is many matters are viewed as biblical when really they are only traditional, contemporary, or cultural. This struggle is not new at all. No, truly biblical requirements are not of human origin and must be upheld. Traditions, whether ancient or contemporary, should be examined to determine their real value, but in many instances they may need to be discarded!

When we stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ, what people preferred or thought will not matter much at all. What did our Master require? What does the Bible actually say and teach? This is the issue most pressing to us as His slaves. Our loyalties should be to Christ first and foremost and not the group we identify ourselves with. It is God who has entrusted us with the Gospel; therefore, we are supremely accountable to Him. This is a marvelous and freeing realization. Our Lord has simplified matters for us. We have but one Lord and God to please.

In addition, we are not left without examples of authentic devotion and consecration to God’s will. The Apostle Paul executed a ministry of incredible freedom under the Mastery of Christ. Also in John 8:29, the Lord Jesus said, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” Christ was sent with a definite purpose and object; He habitually lived and served to always please His Father who sent Him. It was God’s way…period. Our Lord enjoyed special fellowship and communion with the Father through His devotion to His will. Certainly decisive discernment and spiritual power were His in abundance due to His commitment to execute God’s plan. Christ Jesus provides an imminently appropriate Model of faithfulness and fruitfulness for us today!

Then finally, the wise King Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 29:25, that “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Being too overly concerned with political correctness and pleasing everybody is not how we demonstrate a trust in the LORD. There is no real safety to be had in capitulating to the sheer whelm of fickle souls or societies. Serving in the fear of the Lord can protect and preserve us from serious mistakes—actions that are deeply offensive to HIM. We are far too concern about mere men being happy with us, while we readily diminish the pleasure of God in His servants’ full obedience to Him. Speak and share the gospel of our Lord as one who has been commissioned by Almighty God. Beloved, escape the snares and traps that accompany the fear of man by serving in the fear of God. 

Again make it your life’s goal, as a servant of the Most High God, to always please Him in all things. If we can please people as we passionately pursue God’s pleasure first, then wonderful. If we must choose between pleasing God and men, then for me the decision has been made. Though we will live with the consequences of our decisions, we will also live with the rewards and benefits of them as well.