Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 11Sample

Today’s Scripture passage is taken from 1st Thessalonians chapter 4, and we'll be focusing on verse 1 from the NIV.

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact, you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."

Looking at this scripture instructing us to live to please God, it can sometimes be unclear, especially to new Christians who do not know what is expected of them. They often ask if it is possible to live to please God.

A preacher I once listened to said, “Jesus did not come to make us more spiritual, but more human."

It becomes easy when we first understand our identity and position in Christ. Knowing this, living to please him becomes natural because He lives in us, and we in Him.

We are the righteousness of God, which puts us in a right standing with Him. We then start to exhibit His character more and more, day by day, and then it becomes organic.

The Holy Spirit is also there to help us whenever and every time we need him.

What stands out is the obedience of love in the New Testament. Because I love God, I obey his commandments. Not because it is required of me or that I am forced to. I live to please God because I love him.

Two things to take away from this verse:

1. You must know who you are in Christ by understanding your identity and position in Christ.

2. We are the righteousness of God and have His character. Therefore, it is easy for us to live a life that is pleasing to God.