Sermon: A Life Pleasing to God
Sermon Guide: A Life Pleasing to God
Scriptures to Read and Ponder
1. Main Teaching Text:
• 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12
Key themes: Instruction, sanctification, brotherly love, and witness.
2. Additional Scriptures Shared:
• 1 John 2:27 – The anointing of the Holy Spirit as our teacher.
• 1 Corinthians 2:9–14 – Spiritual truths revealed by the Holy Spirit.
• John 8:32 – The truth will set you free.
• John 13:35 – Love as a distinguishing mark of discipleship.
• Romans 8:28–29 – All things work together for good for those called according to God’s purpose.
Sermon Recap
Introduction: Context of 1 Thessalonians
• Paul’s letter, written around A.D. 50–51, addresses a new church in Thessalonica, a multicultural city steeped in pagan practices.
• The believers were called to live holy lives despite societal pressures, similar to the challenges faced by Christians today.
Main Points of the Sermon
1. Receive Instruction (1 Thessalonians 4:1–2)
• Paul emphasizes the importance of living to please God.
• Holy Spirit-inspired teaching produces conviction and transformation, unlike worldly wisdom.
• Believers must welcome godly instruction, resisting the modern spirit of pride and individualism.
2. Pursue Purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3–6)
• God’s will is our sanctification—holiness in every aspect of life.
• The Greek word for sanctification (ἁγιασμός, hagiasmos) means being set apart for God.
• Paul calls for moral purity in a culture that normalized sexual immorality, reminding us that sanctification is a lifelong process.
3. Prioritize Power (1 Thessalonians 4:7–8)
• Living a holy life is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Rejecting holiness is equated with rejecting God.
• God works through every circumstance, molding us into Christlikeness.
4. Progress in Love (1 Thessalonians 4:9–10)
• The Thessalonians were already known for their love, yet Paul urges them to continue growing in love.
• The Greek word for brotherly love (φιλαδελφία, philadelphia) emphasizes affection and genuine care for one another.
• Jesus taught that love is the hallmark of His disciples (John 13:35).
5. Promote a Good Witness (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12)
• Paul encourages believers to lead quiet, diligent lives, respecting others and maintaining integrity.
• Everyday faithfulness, even in routine tasks, can powerfully reflect Christ.
• Illustration: A lamp on a dark street—steady and reliable, shining God’s light without drawing attention to itself.
Conclusion
• God calls us to a life of holiness, love, and faithful witness.
• We are being refined and empowered by His Spirit to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Memorable Quotes
• “Discipleship is a long obedience in the same direction.” – Eugene Peterson
• “Truth is what sets us free, not emotional highs.”
• “Sanctification isn’t self-improvement; it’s being shaped into Christlikeness by God.”
• “Our ambition should be quiet faithfulness—steady illumination in a dark world.”
Questions for Discussion
1. How does Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonians apply to the modern challenges we face as believers?
2. What does sanctification mean in practical terms, and how can we pursue it daily?
3. In what ways can we progress in love toward one another in the church?
4. How can leading a quiet, faithful life be a powerful witness in today’s noisy world?
5. What obstacles make it difficult to live a life pleasing to God, and how can we overcome them?
Further Reading
1. Romans 12:1–2 – Living as a holy sacrifice, transformed by the renewal of the mind.
2. Galatians 5:16–25 – Walking by the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.
3. Ephesians 5:1–21 – Instructions for Christian living and walking in love.
4. 1 Peter 1:13–16 – A call to be holy as God is holy.
5. Books: The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson.
Prayer Points
1. For a heart open to instruction
• “Lord, help us to humbly receive your Word and instruction, and give us the grace to live in a way that pleases You.”
2. For strength to pursue purity
• “Holy Spirit, empower us to live sanctified lives, set apart for Your glory, even when it feels like we’re swimming against the current.”
3. For the power of the Holy Spirit
• “Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Strengthen us daily to live out the life You’ve called us to.”
4. For growth in love
• “Lord Jesus, teach us to love more and more, beginning with our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
5. For a faithful witness
• “God, in our work, our homes, and our neighborhoods, may our lives be a quiet testimony to Your goodness and grace.”