As we study what it means to please God, keep in mind we are focusing on pleasing God by who we become, not by fulfilling some list of obligations. In 2 Corinthians 5:9 Paul said, “So we make it our goal to please Him…” Indeed, Paul discovered that he wanted his very life to become a pleasure to the God who loved him and gave him new life. What about you? Who do you live your life to please on a daily basis?

 

What does it mean to please someone?
Who do you spend time trying to please?
How much thought do you give to pleasing God?
What do you think pleases God?
What does the Bible say pleases God?

For further study: John 8:29, Eph 5:10; ; Heb 11:6; Ps 19:14; Ps 104:34; Pr 15:26; Pr 16:7; Ro 12:1-2; Ro 14:13-18; Phi 4:18-19; 1 Tim 5:4; Ps 5:4; Ps 51:16; Ps 147:10-11; Pr 10:23; Pr 18:2; Ezek 18:23; Ezek 18:32; Ezek 33:11; Mt 11:25; Eph 1:1-10; 1 Jn 3:21; Col 3:20; Heb 13:20-22; 1 Tim 2:1-4; Ro 8:8-11; John 5:44.

How can you please God today?

BE GENUINE (Read 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-6a) 

God seeks believers who will be genuine as they live out the Christian life here on earth. His pleasure is not derived from meaningless rituals or oppressive good deeds. He rejoices in His children unwrapping the gift of who He created them to be and living the life He has given them so freely.

 

The word genuine carries so many rich definitions including: real, having the qualities or value claimed, sincerely felt, not pretentious, candid, honest and open in relationships with others, and unmixed.

 

If my faith in God is real, for example, when gas prices go through the roof or the economy hits rock bottom, I continue to have no hesitation in espousing the sovereignty, grace, and mercy of God. His character and my belief in His character do not change simply because my circumstances have changed. It may require different choices in my life, such as cutting back in my spending, but my trust in God remains unaltered.

 

Probably one of the biggest challenges for Christians lies with the “unmixed” definition of genuine. So often we want to enjoy God on Sundays and in our times of need, but then we want to fill our lives with the things that please people and the world the rest of the week. Genuine faith that is unmixed speaks of a purity of heart that desires only what God desires. The working out of that principle can be so completely different in each life.
 

I have friends whose “unmixed” faith takes them on mission trips around the world at times but then calls them to a place of isolation and quiet at others. One friend of mine has never been on an “official” mission trip yet she shares Jesus all the time through her business contacts and volunteer work. Each life is a potpourri of God’s calls, and the common ground is fulfilling them with a desire to please Him.

 

Unmixed does not imply we isolate ourselves from everyone not like us. It simply relates to the condition of our heart. Genuine faith has one allegiance and everything else flows from that central heartbeat.
 

Judy Garland once said, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else.” How well she expresses God’s heart for genuine believers! Be yourself. Be who God created you to be.

 

How freeing is it to realize that God just wants you to be you? He does not expect you to preach like Billy Graham, write like Jerry Jenkins, sing like Frank Sinatra, or keep house like your mom! His will is that you would be one hundred percent you.
 

Please note I am not negating the message from chapter one concerning imitating others as they imitate Christ. Paul learned from others as much as his new converts learned from him. But God created you to be unique. Find out what that means as you walk with Him daily and enjoy it!

 

This letter to the Thessalonians can be compared to one of us sitting down to write a letter to someone we had recently spent time with and wanted to maintain contact with. Paul was obviously concerned that his need to depart left them with doubts, thus the first verse in this chapter reveals his encouragement that his visit was not a failure. That visit was not about Paul establishing himself thoroughly in their town. It was about establishing a foundation for Jesus in that town! To that end he considered it a complete success.
 

He reminded them that Thessalonica was not the first place he had ever been persecuted (v.2), and it would not be the last. I can understand how the Thessalonians would be bewildered. If my “spiritual parents” had been summarily run out of town because of my conversion, I shudder to think of what my response would have been; probably something along the lines of, “This is for the birds! Do I really want to be a part of this mess?” Some of these new believers most likely experienced those types of doubts, but God used the miracle of ink and scroll and Paul’s genuine faith to bring comfort and truth to the situation.

 

Many times when events unravel into unexpected pain, we try to cover for God or backtrack on the validity of God’s involvement. Paul was quick to affirm the gospel he preached and the motive of his heart. Not only did he remind them that the trip was approved by God, he wanted them to know that it was only because of God’s help (v.2) they experienced any victory at all. Paul had no interest in coming across as a “self-made man” or superior achiever. His dependence was on God and hardship did not negate that in the least. God has a different view of failure than the world does. Paul wanted them to grasp that very concept and protect what God had done in their lives.
 

One of the biggest lies in Christianity is that a genuine Christian will be liked by all, accepted by all, and successful in the ways of the world. We need look no further than the multitude of examples in scripture: David, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, and Jesus Himself just to name a few! I don’t mind admitting I was shocked to discover this truth personally. Shortly after Jesus and I became best friends, a high school buddy reacted toward me with vehemence saying, “You mean you are changing who you are because of one (unfortunate profanity here) Book?!” I actually think that was one of my first experiences in being “genuine.” I could not imagine saying anything less than, “Yes! This is the God of the universe we’re talking about!” Simple opportunities to please God abound.

 

We don’t have to comprehend it all. Paul did not understand the enormous persecution he faced, but He knew God was not displeased with him because of the conflicts that arose. Paul’s strength was his unending dependence upon God. He trusted his walk with God as well as God’s character and faithfulness. God is not calling us to be superhuman but to depend upon the One who is supernatural. 
 

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33). Heaven is not surprised with the mess on earth. Why are we? Our responsibility is to trust Him and walk through it all with Him.

 
As Paul reiterates that none of his message is derived from error, impurity, or trickery (v. 3), he is reinforcing his love for the Thessalonians. He has absolutely no regrets about his time there except, naturally, that is was cut so short. No matter the cost, their salvation was worth it.

In verse 4, the phrase “entrusted with gospel,” is a badge of honor for Paul and the call on every believer’s life. Each one of God’s children has been entrusted with sharing the message of God’s love. The differences lie in the details. The apostle Paul was called primarily to preach to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews. Franklin Graham travels the world, Will Sneed impacts the business community, and David Wall advances the kingdom through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while Elaine Bell’s territory includes NACCO! What is yours? Sadly, some believers miss God’s call because they are too busy wishing they had someone else’s. Do you realize that there are places you can minister that many others cannot? You have been entrusted with the gospel, and God’s will is that you simply be genuine in sharing it as He leads. Where and how can you share Him today?
 

The key verse for this whole chapter is verse 4, “We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” The first phrase is life-changing in itself if we will embrace it. Pleasing men rather than God is truly a dead-end. If my Bible study is nothing more than an exercise in telling people what they want to hear rather than what God wants me to teach, it is futile. If I attend social gatherings and church events merely to make everyone else happy and absent of God’s guidance, I am wasting my life.

 

We can appreciate and seek out the opinions of others. The Body of Christ was meant to build each other up. I am processing a great deal of feedback about this Thessalonians study in order to compile an effective Bible study for publication. The key principal is pleasing God first. Often when we please Him we are pleasing others. It’s when we have to choose between God and people that there should be no debate.
 

However, the last part of verse 4 should inspire us even more. God tests our hearts. Why does it take us so long to realize that God is much more interested in the attitude of our hearts than in our outward appearances, activities, or accomplishments? We can give hours and hours to noble causes, but if our hearts are blackened with pride or some other sin, we have already failed the test and obviously chosen to please someone other than God. If I plaster a fake smile on my face and go through the motions of some endured obligation, the result is the same. God truly wants our hearts.

 

Verses 5-6 exemplify the well-known phrase, “Live before an audience of One.” Paul was aware of only one Witness and One source of praise that mattered. When God calls us to be genuine we need to remember that He alone knows if we are sincere. He definitely desires our genuineness with people, but people can accuse you, misinterpret your motives, and resist your honesty just as they were doing here with Paul. He was accused of being greedy, tricky, dishonest, and selfish, yet God made it clear Paul was quite the real deal. There will always be troublemakers for God’s people. Though I have never been kicked out of a town where I was speaking, I have been accused of having godless, selfish motives in the past. To say it was not fun would be quite the understatement, and while I appreciated those who stood with me I knew God’s evaluation of my heart was all that mattered. It is quite spiritually healthy to ask God to test your heart regularly. Be genuine with God and that characteristic will express itself in every relationship around you. Who is your audience and who are you – really?
 

Questions for further study: 

What comes to mind when you think of the word genuine?
Who is someone in your life that you consider genuine?
What problems can result from being genuine?
Who is one of the most genuine Christians you know?
Why might others consider you genuine?
What might prevent others from thinking you are genuine?
Who are you – really?
Who are you trying to please on a daily basis?

Additional verses to study: 2 Corinthians 6:8; Philippians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:7;
For Deeper Study: List the primary relationships in your life (i.e. spouse, children, friends from work, church, Bible study, golf, boss, co-workers, students, superiors, neighbors, etc.). Consider all the aspects of a genuine life as discussed in this section and evaluate your level of “genuineness” with each relationship. Are any changes necessary?

BE GENTLE (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:6b-7)

Though the scriptures expressing this second aspect of pleasing God are minimal, its importance cannot be understated. Gentleness is listed in Galatians 5:23 as one of the fruit of the Spirit, and I fear it is sorely lacking in the family of God. Paul’s example is worthy of notice.

“As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you” (verse 6b). Throughout many of his other New Testament letters, Paul discussed the rights that preachers and teachers of the gospel had, including the right to have others provide food, shelter, and even wages as needed. Here, however, he promoted the idea of gentleness, of easing others’ burdens, of expecting nothing and giving everything. He did not demand this sacrifice of anyone but himself, and he did it with joy. He made tents on the side for his support. Why? Because he believed this form of gentleness would enhance the message of God’s love. I couldn’t agree more.

 

Our ministry has sponsored many conferences through the years, and there is no doubt that the less demanding the speaker and/or singer (and some can be extremely demanding), the more powerful the ministry. The gentleness exposes itself in every facet of the event and people respond automatically. In my home, we accomplish so much more if we approach decisions and conflicts with gentleness rather than harshness. I would much rather support a business that employs gentle, helpful salespeople rather than brash, rude workers who act as though you are an imposition. Gentleness precedes a positive result more often than not. How well is the fruit of gentleness growing in your life?

 

Verse 6b coupled with verse 7 actually pictures Paul extending gentleness not only physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. He used the parental motif often and here is no different. “Like a mother caring for her little children” (verse 7) Paul wants these new converts to experience the fullness of God’s love and tenderness. He does not want them to feel cornered or emotionally spent after his visit, and he definitely wants to extend the spiritual relief, after all their salvation is his ultimate goal
 

Many believers evangelize from a pure heart, but often the tone of the message becomes self-righteous, belligerent, or desperate. Sometimes I just want to encourage, “Breathe!” when I witness a badgering presentation of the gospel.

 

Gentleness is not an invitation to be stepped on, ignored, or intimidated. It also does not mean we never raise our voice or become passionate about an issue. Paul and Jesus both provide plenty of examples of vigorous and spirited conversation. Gentleness is an attitude of the heart that we would do well to allow the Spirit to develop in us daily. We must also remain sensitive to the Lord concerning living it out in various situations.

Isn’t it interesting that Paul was led to be so exceptionally gentle with them and shortly thereafter the Thessalonians were greeted with extreme prejudice, hatred, and other forms of “un-gentleness?” Isn’t it equally worth noting that later when Paul wanted to extend this same gentleness to the church in Corinth (i.e. not be a burden) that it was probably this group of Thessalonian believers in Macedonia that “gave…beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3)? In what way is gentleness at work in you and through you?

Questions for further study:

Who comes to mind when you think of the characteristic of gentleness?
In which relationships does gentleness come more easily? Why?
In which relationships or concerning which issues do you struggle the most to express gentleness?
How can you ease a physical burden for someone, make their life easier?
Who has relieved you of burdens in the past? Present?
What are some of your heaviest burdens?
What are you doing with them?
Is there someone you feel “parental” toward who is not your own child?
Is there someone who is like a parent to you – especially spiritually?
Who do you know that is discouraged in general and/or in their walk with Christ?
How can you gently encourage someone in their walk with Christ today?

Helpful Verses: Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 68:19; Galatians 6:2; Galatians 5:1;

BE GIVING (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12) 

One of the most outstanding characteristics of the apostle Paul was his giving heart. This section is not a lecture on how much you should give of your money, time, or talents, but rather additional encouragement to develop God’s heart for giving. It is impossible to read verse eight without hearing Paul’s love for the Thessalonians and his genuine desire to give to them. “We loved you…we were delighted to share with you…the gospel…our lives…you had become so dear to us.”

 

While there are times God will ask us to give that which requires more effort and enthusiasm than we naturally possess, Paul’s example here portrays a giving heart that surely pleases God in every way. God doesn’t just love a giver. He loves a cheerful giver! (2 Corinthians 9:7). As always, He is focused on the heart.

How can we develop a giving heart?

 

Remember to give them Jesus first always. If the desire of your heart is to walk in God’s will by pleasing Him, He will guide you and no matter what you are giving, you will be giving them Jesus. Obviously Paul mentions giving the gospel here, but the even the good news can be given in many different forms. Paul said, “Find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10). As you give yourself to Him, He will show you how and what to give. He is not trying to make our lives difficult, but He has purposed our lives to be unique. Discover the distinct giving God desires through you.
 

Once you have a sense of God’s direction, be at peace with His decision. So often we expect far too much from ourselves and from others. We tend to errantly assume what certain people should give based on their income, their past generosity, their station in life, their relationship to the cause, or any other self-determined parameters. God alone sets the parameter, and we need to give Him the freedom to do so without slinging judgments and expectations upon others or allowing ourselves to be condemned in that way. What is God’s call on your life for giving?

 

Again we see Paul’s giving in these verses, but don’t focus on what he gave as much as why he gave it. He had such a heart for this missionary journey, for these people, for bringing the Thessalonians to salvation. There was no doubt in his mind he was where God wanted him to be. The gospel, his life, whatever they needed, it was all pouring out of him. When we are giving with a heart to please God it simply flows. What about you? What do you have a heart for? What is pouring out of you or needs to be poured out of you? What are you doing about it?
 

The prophet Jeremiah knew he needed to pour out God’s Word. Mother Teresa knew she needed to pour out God’s tender touch and physical sustenance. My former ob-gyn knew he had to pour out prayer for his patients. Intercessors for America know they need to pour out prayer for our nation. What has God filled you with that is urging to be given away?

 

Our giving heart will develop much more quickly if we refuse to be afraid of hard work. Although I discussed how our giving will flow out of us when we are led by God, intensive labor may also be required. Speaking even once a week can be strenuous, but sharing the word multiple times in a day or in a week can be absolutely exhausting. Providing meals for needy families (and sometimes cooking for our own family!) can be equally tiring. College graduates find out that working forty hours a week is much more grueling than they expected, and many volunteer opportunities require completely unexpected energy. Giving often requires hard work especially giving that is pleasing to God. 
 

In verse 10 Paul listed “holy, righteous, and blameless” as characteristics of their ministry in Thessalonica. Was this a type of self-edification? Not with Paul. He wanted it known that he gave them his absolute best. When we give, that is all God asks. We may not be the most accomplished pianist, but when we give our best to help the church choir or a friend for her wedding, God is pleased. Our verbal skills may be limited, but when we try our best to listen to the Spirit and share His Word, God is pleased. Do the best with what you have. God will be pleased.

 

Give appropriately. Paul knew each group of listeners carried unique needs and a unique call from God. As you read his letters you can see that in some he related to people as siblings, in some as children, in some as elders, and in some as teacher. In verse 11, he returned to the parental motif, ministering to the Thessalonians as a father to his children. He sensed their present circumstances warranted encouragement, comfort, and motivation. Learn to read your environment and listen to God’s heart. Giving the wrong thing at the right time can be just as detrimental as giving the right thing at the wrong time. 
 

Finally, when we’re giving, the driving force should always be the call of God. God was calling the Thessalonians, and Paul helped them answer. When our giving (or receiving for that matter) is rooted in anything other than God’s call we open the door to a very dysfunctional Christian life. Review the motives, the mindset, and the purpose and be the giver God wants you to be.

 

What did Paul give the Thessalonians?
What was Paul’s attitude toward giving?
What kind of giver are you?
What is your attitude about giving?
What do you enjoy giving the most? The least?
What do enjoy receiving the most? The least?
How does a giver’s attitude affect the recipient?
How does a recipient’s attitude affect the giver?

What prevents you from giving? What encourages your giving?
What are your favorite and least favorite kinds of giving – physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
What has been the most effective way for you to “give Jesus” to others?
Who can you give you to today? (A friend, a co-worker, your boss, a client or even someone you do not know…God is very creative!)
How does God want you to give today? (Do not limit God’s answer to this question – from a simple note to a one-year commitment. Each day He creates new opportunities for each of us to give.)