LIVING TO PLEASE GOD – 5 NOVEMBER 26, 2017 REVIEW: Should be our goal. A. Because of judgment. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:9-10 (NLT) ROMANS 14:10-13 (PHILLIPS) B. To prove our love. JOHN 15:14 C. The benefits. PROVERBS 16:7 2. We are to find out what pleases Him. EPHESIANS 5:8-10 (NIV) 3. God’s word reveals what pleases Him. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 (NCV) A. Faith being spiritually minded, obeying parents, good works, keeping our flesh in check, staying on course, fearing God, being thankful.

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CONTINUE: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-8 (NLT) - 2 TIMOTHY 2:14-22 (ESV) BECOMING A VESSEL OF HONOR – USEFUL TO GOD Inspiration can fuel great intentions, but change requires more than inspiration. Inspiration without instruction can lead to frustration. STAGES OF CHANGE 1. Revelation – Seeing the need. I didn’t see the need to be born again. Change came when my eyes were opened. A. Many get offended when change is suggested. “Stop smoking!” 2. Motivation – The desire to do something. It can come from two schools of thought. A. Education – Learning why. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11 (NLT), 18-20 (NLT) B. Hard knocks – cancer, cirrhosis, STD, hot stove. 3. Preparation – Action by which we get ready for something. A. Mental – PROVERBS 23:7 - Selah – stop, pause and think about it. B. Physical – Remove the temptation when possible. (snacks) (gym) 4. Activation – Start the process. A. Go to the gym, start walking. 5. Continuation – Persist in an activity, resume after interruption. A. An interruption can be too much pumpkin pie or having a spiritual relapse. (Got angry and sinned) B. Mood swings can make this stage difficult. C. The key is to continue, to persist, to resume. THE GOAL – BECOME A VESSEL OF HONOR, USEFUL TO GOD. 1. Sanctified – 2 TIMOTHY 2:21 – Set apart for God. 2. Useful – someone He can use. 3. Prepared – Ready for service. (Backup quarterback) CONCLUSION: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7 We all have glory in earthen vessels. It’s up to us as to what we do with it. Is our goal to become a vessel of honor and to live pleasing to God? Are there changes we need to make? We all must examine ourselves, locate ourselves, and strive to become vessels God can use.