Lesson 23

Lesson 23 - Mark 1:11

"I am well-pleased" .... What pleases God?

Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 Chronicles 29:17 "I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness.

Psalm 147:11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

Singing praise to the Lord pleases Him. Ps 69:30-31 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 31This also shall please the LORD...

Psalm 149:1-6 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,

Eph. 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. In Colossians 3:20 it adds, "...for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord."

1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Jesus made choices that pleased His Father. John 8:29 Then said Jesus unto them, ... I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

Are you following the example that the Lord Jesus set by pleasing the heavenly Father? Are faith, thanks, praise, doing good, reverencing the Lord, obeying Him, etc., a part of your life as His child? If not, get on your knees before the Lord and confess your failure. Ask His forgiveness. Tell Him you truly desire to be pleasing to Him. Ask for His Holy Spirit to direct you into a life that would please Him. Then walk in obedience.

Principle: True repentance always shows in our behavior and actions.