Living to Please God: Lessons from Jesus' Life

In reflecting on the life of Jesus, particularly during his early years, we uncover profound lessons about what it means to live a life pleasing to God. Jesus, even as a young boy, demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding the Scriptures. Despite not having a Bible at home, he made the effort to visit the synagogue, listen to the rabbi, and meditate on the Word. This dedication to Scripture is a powerful reminder that knowing God’s Word is foundational to pleasing Him. It challenges us to prioritize time in the Word, even amidst our busy lives, and to seek God with a pure heart, for it is the pure in heart who truly see God.

Jesus also exemplified a longing to be in His Father’s house and to be about His Father’s business. This was not about engaging in formal ministry but about having a heart inclined towards the things of God. It prompts us to evaluate our own interests and where we choose to spend our time. Are we more drawn to worldly pursuits, or do we find joy in being with God’s people and engaging in His work?

Moreover, Jesus’ life teaches us the importance of submission to authority. He submitted to imperfect human authority, such as His earthly parents, without complaint. This submission is a reflection of His obedience to God and a model for us to follow. It is a call to embrace humility and to trust God’s sovereignty, even when those in authority over us are flawed.

Another significant aspect of Jesus’ life was His willingness to be misunderstood for the sake of righteousness. He stood in line to be baptized by John, identifying with sinners, not because He needed to repent, but to fulfill all righteousness. This act of obedience, despite potential misunderstanding, underscores the importance of following God’s leading, regardless of how others may perceive us.

Finally, Jesus’ life was marked by a consistent refusal to do His own will, choosing instead to do the will of the Father. This is the essence of true discipleship—dying to self and living to please God. It is a call to examine our own lives and to ask whether we are living for ourselves or for God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Commitment to Scripture: Jesus’ dedication to knowing the Scriptures, despite the lack of resources, challenges us to prioritize God’s Word in our lives. It is not about the quantity of time but the quality and intention behind it. A pure heart, not a clever mind, is what allows us to truly see God in His Word. [26:04]
• 2. Desire for God’s Presence: Jesus’ longing to be in His Father’s house and about His Father’s business reflects a heart aligned with God’s purposes. This challenges us to evaluate our own interests and to cultivate a love for God’s people and His work over worldly pursuits. [37:20]
• 3. Submission to Authority: Jesus’ submission to imperfect authority, such as His parents, teaches us the value of humility and obedience. It is a reminder that God values our willingness to submit, even when those in authority are flawed, as a reflection of our submission to Him. [45:07]
• 4. Willingness to Be Misunderstood: Jesus’ baptism by John, despite potential misunderstanding, highlights the importance of obedience to God’s leading. It encourages us to follow God’s will, even when it may not make sense to others, trusting that God’s approval is what truly matters. [61:41]
• 5. Living to Please God: Jesus’ refusal to do His own will, choosing instead to please the Father, is the essence of true discipleship. It calls us to examine our own lives and to align our desires with God’s will, living not for ourselves but for His glory. [01:05:02]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [24:34] - Jesus Stays Behind in Jerusalem
• [25:15] - The Journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem
• [25:49] - Jesus’ Understanding of Scripture
• [26:04] - The Importance of Knowing Scripture
• [27:18] - Jesus’ Dedication to Learning
• [29:31] - Seeing God Through a Pure Heart
• [30:27] - Sacrificing Time for God’s Word
• [31:14] - Pleasing the Father
• [32:04] - Studying the Bible to Know God
• [36:02] - Jesus’ Interest in the Father’s Business
• [45:07] - Submission to Imperfect Authority
• [61:41] - Jesus’ Baptism and Misunderstanding
• [65:02] - Living to Please the Father
• [67:21] - Lessons from Jesus’ Life

1. Luke 2:46-52
2. Matthew 3:13-17
3. John 6:38

1. What actions did Jesus take as a young boy to deepen His understanding of the Scriptures, despite not having a Bible at home? [26:04]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate His desire to be in His Father’s house and about His Father’s business, according to the sermon? [36:57]
3. In what ways did Jesus show submission to imperfect authority, and how did this please God? [45:07]
4. Why did Jesus choose to be baptized by John, and what potential misunderstandings did He face by doing so? [01:01:41]

1. How does Jesus’ commitment to understanding the Scriptures challenge our own approach to studying the Bible? What can we learn from His dedication? [26:04]
2. What does Jesus’ longing to be in His Father’s house reveal about His priorities, and how might this influence our own priorities in life? [37:20]
3. How does Jesus’ submission to imperfect authority serve as a model for us in our relationships with authority figures today? [45:07]
4. What does Jesus’ willingness to be misunderstood for the sake of righteousness teach us about obedience to God’s will, even when it might not make sense to others? [01:01:41]

1. Reflect on your current commitment to studying the Bible. What specific steps can you take to prioritize time in God’s Word, even amidst a busy schedule? [26:04]
2. Consider your interests and where you spend your time. Are there areas where you are more drawn to worldly pursuits than to being with God’s people and engaging in His work? How can you realign your priorities? [37:20]
3. Think about a situation where you are under imperfect authority. How can you practice humility and submission in that context, trusting in God’s sovereignty? [45:07]
4. Have you ever hesitated to follow God’s leading because of fear of misunderstanding or judgment from others? How can you overcome this fear and prioritize God’s approval over human opinion? [01:01:41]
5. Reflect on an area of your life where you might be doing your own will rather than God’s. What changes can you make to align your desires with God’s will and live to please Him? [01:05:02]
6. Identify a specific way you can cultivate a pure heart, which allows you to truly see God in His Word. What practical steps can you take this week to focus on purity of heart? [29:31]
7. How can you encourage your children or those you mentor to love the church and God’s people more than worldly attractions? What example can you set for them in this regard? [38:46]