Falling Back – Part 2
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12.
We know of some things now that are not pleasing to God. But what is it that pleases God? Here are a few:
First, To receive Jesus as our personal Savior pleases God. The angels in Heaven rejoice whenever someone is born again. “…there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:10).”
Second, we please God through faith. In Hebrews 11:6 we are told, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Third, we please God by growing in wisdom. In Luke 2:52 the Bible says, “…Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” We should seek the wisdom that comes from God.
Fourth, we can please God by walking in righteousness. In John 14:21 Jesus says, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Fifth, we can please God by praising Him. The Psalmist says in Psalm 69:30-31, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that has horns and hoofs.”
So, what if you have a desire to please God, you know some of things to please God, but still you are having problems actually doing what you know you need to do? The Bible does give us some instructions, some guidance, about how to actually live a God pleasing life. In 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 we are told, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” When you are tempted to do what you know will not please God, look for the way of escape. Ask God to show you the way of escape. There will be one.
What does Paul say in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” How is it that Paul can do all things? What is it that strengthens Paul? He says, “through Christ.” Paul does not say that he is such a strong, wise person that he can do everything in his own strength. The apostle Paul could not do all things in his own strength, and we can’t either. We need the empowerment of Christ, to live a life pleasing to God.
How do we get it? How do receive the empowerment of Christ to live God pleasing lives? We get it by taking advantage of, and using God’s resources. We must pray – Jesus says, “Men ought to always pray and not faint.” We must read, study, memorize, meditate upon the Word of God. The Psalmist says in Psalm 119:9-11, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
If we want live lives pleasing to God we must pray, we must have God’s Word in our lives, and we need the church – we need each other. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together….”
So, if you have been falling back, stop it! Turn back to God, ask for His help. Pray, read His word, assemble with other believers; and you will find yourself empowered, enabled to live a life that is pleasing to God.
(The Bible does give us some instructions, some guidance, about how to actually live a God pleasing life.)