Obeying is Better than Pleasing

Introduction

Last Sunday, we ministered about seeking God's approval and not the approval of the world or men.

Perhaps many of us grew up with a sincere desire to please God. We sing, serve, give offerings, and do our best to show love and devotion.

But there comes a point where the desire to please can go astray when it is based on our own righteousness rather than on obedience to the Word.

The Bible clearly shows that God is not looking for people who merely please Him with human effort, but for hearts that obey Him.

"To obey is better than sacrifice."(1 Samuel 15:22)

Context: God commanded Saul to destroy Amalek and everything in it. But Saul spared the fat oxen, sheep, etc.

The danger of trying to please God by our own righteousness

Saul wanted to please God by offering sacrifices, but he disobeyed the Lord's command.

He did something good, a sacrifice, but outside of obedience.

God did not reject the sacrifice because it was evil, but because it was a substitute for obedience.

"Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness." (Romans 10:3)

The Jews rejected God's righteousness; they had zeal, but lacked understanding.

Pleasing God outside of obedience is merely religiosity disguised as devotion.

Obedience reveals relationship, not performance

Those who seek to please focus on doing something to be accepted (human approval).

Those who obey focus on being someone transformed by the Word.

Jesus did not say, "If you want to please Me, do this," but:

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)

Obedience is a fruit of love, not fear.

A heart of trust, not someone trying to earn favor.

The Obedience of Christ

God delights in obedience because it reveals dependence.

"The Lord delights in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy." (Psalm 147:11)

Our goal is not to live trying to please God through human effort, but to walk in obedience to His Word, which is the true sign of those who love Him.

Obedience is not burdensome for those who love; true love always expresses itself in obedience.

John 3:16

"And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8)

Conclusion

Today, we can only partake of the Lord's Supper because one day Someone was obedient to such an extent that He pleased the Father's heart.