23-0709p - Detailed Summary

The speaker then welcomes the audience, both physically present and those listening via phone, expressing hope that the evening’s message will be uplifting.

The speaker continues by referencing Proverbs 16:7, which states that when a man’s ways please the Lord, even his enemies will be at peace with him. The clarity and straightforwardness of God’s commandments are highlighted, contrasting with human tendencies to change or misinterpret them. The discussion touches on things that displease God, referencing Proverbs 16 and 19.

The conversation shifts to what pleases God, particularly focusing on children obeying their parents, as commanded in Colossians 3:20. The speaker notes the contemporary trend where schools take on responsibilities traditionally held by parents, sometimes without regard for parental approval.

Further exploration into the responsibilities of fathers in teaching children according to God’s will is discussed, criticizing the modern practice of delegating this role to educational institutions. The narrative then transitions into the story of Enoch from Genesis 5, emphasizing his walk with God.

The speaker elaborates on Enoch’s life, highlighting his 365 years of age and his unique relationship with God, where he was taken without experiencing death as a testament to his pleasing God.

The concept of walking with God is equated with obedience and seeking God, contrasting with modern views that faith alone might suffice without action.

The discussion delves into the "hall of faith" from Hebrews, citing examples like Abel and Enoch, who by faith performed actions pleasing to God. The necessity of faith combined with action is stressed.

The speaker reaffirms that faith is crucial to pleasing God but must be accompanied by deeds, as illustrated by historical figures in the Bible. The conversation then shifts to worship, discussing the importance of worshipping in spirit and truth as per John 4.

Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman is used to explain true worship, emphasizing that it must be in spirit and truth, not bound by location or ritualistic traditions.

The critique of the Pharisees' focus on tradition over God’s commandments is used to illustrate vain worship. The speaker contrasts this with the biblical command to honor parents, mentioning severe consequences under Mosaic law.

The necessity of both spirit and truth in worship is reiterated, highlighting that one without the other leads to ineffective worship.

The speaker moves to 1 John 3 to discuss the commandments of believing in Jesus Christ and loving one another, linking these actions to abiding in Christ, which is equated with bearing fruit and maintaining a relationship with God. The discussion emphasizes Jesus' teachings on love, obedience, and the mutual abiding in love between Christ and His followers, culminating in the idea that keeping His commandments is key to pleasing God.

The speaker addresses the question of how one knows if they are doing what God wants, emphasizing that the answer lies in reading God’s Word. They refer to 1 John 5:13, which assures believers that they can know they have eternal life and continue in faith by adhering to the written scriptures.

The passage from 1 John 5 continues to be discussed, highlighting the confidence believers have when they ask anything according to God’s will. The speaker explains that knowing God’s commandments from His Word provides clarity on whether one is following His will or not. The importance of keeping commandments to please God is reiterated.

The speaker turns to 1 Thessalonians 2:4, stressing that as ministers of the gospel, they speak to please God, not men, since God tests our hearts. This underscores the theme that our ultimate goal should be to please God, as He is the one who evaluates our sincerity and motives.

Referencing 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15, the speaker discusses how historical figures who persecuted and killed the prophets and Jesus did not please God. This serves as a warning against behaviors contrary to God’s will.

The narrative acknowledges God’s sovereign plan, even in the death of Jesus by the hands of men, while still highlighting human responsibility. The speaker then references 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, urging believers to live in a manner pleasing to God, following the commandments given through Jesus.

The speaker concludes with an invitation for those present to start or continue pleasing God by keeping His commandments. The simplicity of pleasing God is emphasized due to His clear and direct communication through scripture.

The final words are an open call for anyone wanting to start pleasing God to take action now, while the congregation stands and sings, offering an immediate opportunity for repentance and commitment to God’s will.