Sermon Central
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Get Closer To God- Pleased Series
Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jul 2, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: This is the 156th sermon in the series Action". This is the 2nd sermon from Colossians.
Series: Action [#156]
GET CLOSER TO GOD- PLEASED
Introduction:
Jason and I were talking about the behavior of many kids in our Nation. The vandalism across the Nation is at an all time high. Take every crime that can be committed; and our young people are committing these at a record rate. This does not mean that all kids are bad- We know that is not true; but overall, it has been bad.
When I was younger, I did my share of bad things; but I sure did not want to get caught by my parents. Many of the things that kids are doing now, my dad would have killed me. Even with that said, I preferred spankings to my dad saying, “You have disappointed me”. Even now, I want my parents to be pleased with the way I live my life. As a Christian, I know that God has to discipline me sometimes; but what is worse is that I disappoint God. I want to always please God, don’t you?
In our text, Paul tells us how to please God.
You please God by…
1. Bearing good fruit.
“Bearing fruit in every good work”. Scripture tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is the good fruit you bear when walking in the Spirit. The only way you can bear good fruit is by being attached to the source of power.
Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. If the branch does not bear fruit, it is cut off; and every branch that does bear fruit is pruned, so that it will be even more fruitful. You cannot bear good fruit apart from Jesus. God desires that each of His children bear a lot of good fruit.
You please God by…
2. Growing in knowledge.
“Growing in the knowledge of God.” The older I get the less I know. I am amazed that as I study the Bible how many things I have missed through the years. How do you grow in the knowledge of God? By studying and applying the Word of God. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God wants you to keep growing. Don’t stop feeding on the Word of God.
You please God by…
3. Being strengthened.
“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” The Lord is our strength and our shield. Christians, your strength comes from God. You are strengthened by God’s presence and moving in your life. As Nehemiah said to the people, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength”. Why do you need God’s strength? So, that you can keep going when things get difficult.
You please God by…
4. Giving thanks.
“Giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” You must never forget that without God’s mercy and grace you would have no hope. God has given us many reasons to thank Him.
Conclusion:
I pray that your desired response from God the Father at the end of your life is, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
