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***Vic*** · (This post was last modified: 07-20-2009 05:53 PM by Vic.)

I think one of the important issues is understanding that the desire to please God is God given. It's not based on the flesh, on legalism, on thinking we have to do such and such. Rather, it is a heart and mind awareness of having Christ--given by God-- as our focus and with that comes the desire to do those things that are pleasing to God. Not of ourselves. As He would have us do. Even the apostles spoke of desring to please God. They were not being legalistic. Th_smiley_nope

1Th 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us*** how ye ought to walk and to please God, *** so ye would abound more and more.

1Th 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

2 Timothy 2:3-7 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; **that he may please him who hath chosen him*** to be a soldier. 5. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Legalism is often wrongly applied and believed to be taking place when it comes to those who are committed to Christ and are living for Him. Because He calls us to do things--in the Spirit-- that reflect in what we do as individuals. It's a heart and mind condition of living in the Spirit, which then reflects in our activities--including, and perhaps most importantly, the desire to do those things that please Him. We can't do that unless we are living for Him according to the Scriptures as He leads. 288b

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and **to desire** that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might **walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,** being **fruitful in every good work,** and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

The Scriptures confirm that part of living for Him is doing things that please Him.

1 John 3:21-22 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and **do those things ***that are pleasing in his sight.

Smiles_pinkbounce