A Life that Pleases God
Living a Life that is Pleasing to God
3 John 1-8
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
What brings us joy and happiness? What we value is what brings us joy. Yet joy is often fleeting. Some people strive to obtain joy through the accusation of material possessions. They think they would find joy and contentment if only they got this one thing- a new car, a new house, or the latest fashion. However, once the newness wears off, the joy is gone, and they are left to pursue the next latest and greatest thing. Some people search for happiness and joy in their careers. They believe that if they succeed and gain recognition, they will be fulfilled and find joy. But once again, happiness eludes them as they spend their life pursuing the next promotion only to discover that they still feel unfulfilled and devoid of joy at their retirement.
As John writes this third epistle, John shares what gives him his greatest joy. For John, his greatest joy comes through the spiritual transformation of people. As a parent, we desire our children to be successful and enjoy life, but our greatest joy is when they are walking according to the truth of God’s Word. In a world of deception and moral confusion, there is no greater joy than our children discovering and living a life of obedience to Christ.
However, John is writing under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, and in doing so, he is also sharing the heart of God. There is no greater joy for God than when His children walk in the truth. God experiences joy when we are living by His Word. Zephaniah 3:17 states, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. E will exult over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love; he will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” So also, Isaiah 62:5 states, “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you.” When we walk in obedience to Him, it brings Him joy. However, when we disobey Him, it causes him grief. Paul states in Ephesians 4:30, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” In other words, our disobedience causes God sorrow. As a parent, I grieved when my children disobeyed me, but I experienced great joy when they made decisions that reflected the values I sought to instill. The same is true of God. God desires us to obey the truth of His Word, and when we do, it causes Him to delight in us.
As you go through your day, ask God to guide and direct you so that you walk in the truth. Make it your daily prayer to know and obey the truth. When that becomes our focus, God delights in us.
3 John 1-8
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
What brings us joy and happiness? What we value is what brings us joy. Yet joy is often fleeting. Some people strive to obtain joy through the accusation of material possessions. They think they would find joy and contentment if only they got this one thing- a new car, a new house, or the latest fashion. However, once the newness wears off, the joy is gone, and they are left to pursue the next latest and greatest thing. Some people search for happiness and joy in their careers. They believe that if they succeed and gain recognition, they will be fulfilled and find joy. But once again, happiness eludes them as they spend their life pursuing the next promotion only to discover that they still feel unfulfilled and devoid of joy at their retirement.
As John writes this third epistle, John shares what gives him his greatest joy. For John, his greatest joy comes through the spiritual transformation of people. As a parent, we desire our children to be successful and enjoy life, but our greatest joy is when they are walking according to the truth of God’s Word. In a world of deception and moral confusion, there is no greater joy than our children discovering and living a life of obedience to Christ.
However, John is writing under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, and in doing so, he is also sharing the heart of God. There is no greater joy for God than when His children walk in the truth. God experiences joy when we are living by His Word. Zephaniah 3:17 states, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. E will exult over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love; he will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” So also, Isaiah 62:5 states, “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you.” When we walk in obedience to Him, it brings Him joy. However, when we disobey Him, it causes him grief. Paul states in Ephesians 4:30, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” In other words, our disobedience causes God sorrow. As a parent, I grieved when my children disobeyed me, but I experienced great joy when they made decisions that reflected the values I sought to instill. The same is true of God. God desires us to obey the truth of His Word, and when we do, it causes Him to delight in us.
As you go through your day, ask God to guide and direct you so that you walk in the truth. Make it your daily prayer to know and obey the truth. When that becomes our focus, God delights in us.
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2025
January
Who do we listen to?God's Patience and the Certainty of JudgmentThe Present Implications of the FutureAcknoweldgement, Confession, and ForgivenessThe Mark of a Genuine DiscipleThe Unchanging WordThe Lost ARt of DiscernmentA Life that Pleases GodThe Subtle Danger of Spiritual PrideContending for the Faith
2024
January
The Coming JudgmentThat is My KingThe Certainty of Christ's WordsThe Uncertain CertaintyThe Importance of Spiritual PreparednessThe Danger of Spiritual ComplacencyChrist's Measure of SuccessThe Unpopular TopicRejection, Confusion, Betrayal, and WorshipBetrayal and RedemptionThe Inexplicable Act of LoveBetrayal, Bravado, and FearBetrayal, Bravado, and FearThe Unlikely Witnesses of Jesus' DietyRemorse, Repentance and ForgivenessThe Power of the Crowd and the Power of FaithThe Irony of the CrucifixionThe Cost of SinThe Cure for SinThe Reality of the ResurrectionLiving a Life of SignificanceThe Attitude of a SlaveThe Basis for Confident LivingThe Basis for Confident Living
February
The Prayer God AnswersWhen Adversity Becomes a TriumphFinding Joy in the Ministry of OthersPursuing the InsignificantPerspective in SufferingThe Sacrifice of SelfIf God can do it, then why can't we.The "Kenosis" of Christ"THE NAME"Divine Initiative and Human ResponsibilityThe Age of ComplaintReorienting our Focus Pt 1
March
Reorienting Our Focus Pt 2The Basis of SalvationDetermining ValueSetting the Right Goal in LifeFollowing the Right PeopleRecognizing our CitizenshipResponding to ConflictThe Keys to PeaceLearning to Think RightlyThe Secret of ContentmentThe Blessing of GivingA Life without SignificanceThe Futility of LifeThe Endless PursuitThe Futility of PleasureThe Limits of WisdomEvaluating Our WorkFinding Joy in LifeThe Doctrine of Right Time
April
May
Finding BalanceThe Folly of AllObeying Those in LeadershipWhen Injustice ReignsKeeping Perspective in an Upredictable WorldFinding Success in the World of VanityThe Value of Wisdom in the Struggles of LifeThe Danger of Foolish ThinkingTrusting in God's Unseen HandEnjoy the MomentAct before it is too late.The Geneology of Christ: A Testimony of God’s Grace and SovereigntyChrist the KingThe Authority of Christ
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