3.3 Pleasing God?
Our Significance in His Eyes

Read Isaiah 43:4; Psalm 149:4 and Proverbs 15:8–9. What do these verses tell us about God’s joy in His people?

The verses from Isaiah 43:4, Psalm 149:4, and Proverbs 15:8–9 convey a profound truth about God’s joy in His people: His love is not distant or neutral but active, vibrant, and filled with joy. God takes pleasure in those who live in love, righteousness, and sincerity because they align with His nature and His will.

1. God’s Joy in His Children

   In Isaiah 43:4, God’s love is depicted as appreciative and personal: “Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you.” This statement shows that God not only loves us but also views us as valuable and precious. His joy in us is not based on our perfection but on His deep, steadfast love.

2. Joy in Sincere Devotion

   Psalm 149:4 affirms that God takes pleasure in His people: “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.” God’s joy is especially directed toward those who are humble and open to His guidance. His favor is evident in the way He blesses His people with salvation and blessings.

3. God’s Love for Righteousness

   Proverbs 15:8–9 illustrates that God is not interested in outward religious actions if they do not come from a sincere heart. Offerings from the wicked are detestable to Him, but sincere prayer and the pursuit of righteousness please Him. This makes clear that God’s joy is inseparable from a lifestyle marked by love, righteousness, and sincerity.

Connection to Our Daily Lives:
These verses challenge us to reflect on how we live. God does not delight in outward obedience or empty rituals but in a heart that earnestly seeks Him. In our daily lives, this means that through our attitude, decisions, and actions, we can reflect God’s joy. It’s about living with a humble heart, doing good, and walking our path in love and sincerity.

Conclusion:
God’s joy in us is an expression of His deep love. This love is unconditional but particularly delights in a life marked by love, righteousness, and devotion. We are invited not only to receive His love but also to contribute to His joy through our lives.

Consider how closely heaven and earth must be connected for God, the Creator of the universe, to be so intimately, even emotionally, connected with us. What hope should this amazing thought give you, especially if you are going through a difficult time?

The thought that the Almighty God, who created the entire universe, is so intimately and emotionally connected with us humans reveals an immeasurable closeness between heaven and earth. The Creator of all things is not distant or uninvolved but deeply engaged in our lives. This close connection shows that we are not insignificant but that every person is loved, seen, and valued by God.

Especially in difficult times, this thought provides great hope. It means that we do not have to bear our struggles and worries alone. God understands our suffering, empathizes with us, and accompanies us through every darkness. His presence promises comfort, strength, and the assurance that suffering does not have the final word.

If the God of heaven is so concerned about us that He rejoices over us, suffers with us, and lovingly guides us, then we can trust that He will also provide a way in difficult moments. This realization gives hope that there is a deeper meaning in everything and that God’s love and care are constant—regardless of the circumstances.

This connection encourages us to rely on God’s presence in tough times, seek refuge in prayer, and trust that He will not abandon us. It reminds us that we are loved and that even in pain and uncertainty, God’s plan for our lives is full of hope, healing, and restoration.

The connection of these biblical truths with our everyday lives and faith lies in the profound understanding that our lives are of immeasurable value to God. This insight not only changes our view of ourselves but also influences our daily actions and our relationships with others.

1. Understanding Our Identity in God’s Eyes

   Realizing that we are “precious and valuable” in God’s eyes (Isaiah 43:4) gives us a stable identity. In a world that often values performance and external success, we can know that our worth does not depend on what we do but on the fact that we are loved by God. This assurance gives us inner strength, especially in times of self-doubt or failure.

2. Living with a Sincere Heart

   Psalm 149:4 shows that God takes particular delight in those who are humble and open to His guidance. In everyday life, this means making our decisions and actions honest and authentic. God does not seek outward, hypocritical behavior but genuine devotion. This motivates us to act truthfully and justly in our relationships, at work, or in daily activities.

3. Reflecting God’s Joy in Our Actions

   Proverbs 15:8–9 reminds us that it is not outward actions but the attitude of our hearts that pleases God. Our faith should not only be shown in rituals but in a life marked by love, mercy, and justice. This challenges us to consciously do good—through compassion, helpfulness, and forgiveness.

4. Drawing Hope in Difficult Times

   Especially in crises, we can trust that the Creator of the universe is close to us. This closeness of God gives us hope and comfort. Knowing that God sees our suffering and empathizes with us strengthens us to face challenges with confidence. In prayer, we find refuge and can trust that God has a plan even in pain.

5. Living a Life Pleasing to God

   God’s joy in His people motivates us to live more consciously—not out of fear of punishment but out of a desire to please Him. This affects how we treat others, our decisions, and our inner attitude. Living according to God’s will means seeking justice, practicing mercy, and walking humbly with God.

Conclusion:
God’s joy in us is not an abstract concept but a living reality that should permeate our daily lives. This understanding changes our self-image, gives us hope in difficult times, and challenges us to live in love, sincerity, and justice. We are invited not only to receive God’s love but also to make this love visible in our daily actions and to bring joy to God through our lives.

You are infinitely valuable in God’s eyes, and He delights in every step you take in love and sincerity.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-to-be-pleasing-to-god-3-3-pleasing-god-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 6

¹ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

² Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

³ For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

⁴ But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

⁵ For every man shall bear his own burden.

⁶ Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

¹⁰ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

¹¹ Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

¹² As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

¹³ For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

¹⁴ But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

¹⁵ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

¹⁶ And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

¹⁷ From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

¹⁸ Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

In Galatians chapter 6, Paul concludes his letter with practical instructions for life in the Christian community. He emphasizes the responsibility of believers to correct and support one another with love and gentleness. At the same time, he warns against self-deception and calls for self-examination. Paul encourages the believers to remain steadfast in faith, do good, and follow the Spirit’s path. In the concluding part of the chapter, Paul once again focuses on the cross of Christ as the center of faith and rejects any glory that is not founded on Jesus Christ.

Commentary:

Encouragement to Brotherhood and Responsibility (Verses 1–10):
Paul urges the believers to act with gentleness when someone has fallen into sin. Those who are spiritually mature should help restore the erring person, while also watching themselves to avoid temptation. He places particular importance on each person bearing the burdens of others, as this fulfills the law of Christ, which is founded in love. Paul warns against pride and encourages self-examination, as each person is responsible for their own actions. He emphasizes divine justice: what a person sows, that they will also reap. Those who sow to the flesh will reap destruction, but those who sow to the Spirit will reap eternal life. Therefore, believers should not grow weary in doing good, especially toward other believers.

The Cross of Christ as the Center of Faith (Verses 11–18):
In the personal concluding section, Paul highlights that he has written this letter with his own hand. He sharply criticizes those who demand circumcision to protect themselves from persecution and to boast in the outward signs of the law. In contrast, Paul rejects all glory except the cross of Jesus Christ. For him, membership in external religious regulations no longer matters, but only the new life as a “new creation” in Christ. To those who follow this path, Paul promises peace and mercy. He refers to the visible marks he bears for Christ on his body as a sign of his faithfulness and suffering for the faith.

Summary:

In Galatians chapter 6, Paul calls believers to a life of love, responsibility, and spiritual maturity. They are to help one another with gentleness, bear each other’s burdens together, and not be distracted by outward rituals. Everyone is encouraged to do good and sow to the Spirit to reap eternal life. Paul emphasizes that external features such as circumcision do not matter, but the new life in Christ does. He concludes his letter with a wish for peace and mercy for all who follow this faith and underscores the central importance of the cross of Christ as the foundation of Christian life.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction:

In Chapter 87 we learn about the final act of Jesus’ earthly life and His ascension into heaven. Jesus, having triumphed over death and sin, prepares to ascend to His Father in heaven. This moment marks the completion of His mission on Earth and the lasting promise of His presence in the hearts of believers. The place of His ascension—the Mount of Olives—is not merely a geographical location but a place rich with memories of Jesus’ life, prayers, and His struggle for humanity’s salvation. The ascension signifies the transition from Jesus as the suffering Redeemer to the triumphant King ascending to heaven.

Commentary:

Chapter 87 presents Jesus’ ascension as an act of victory and fulfillment. After completing His earthly mission and revealing Himself as the living Savior, He enters the heavenly realms. This moment is bittersweet for the disciples—filled with sorrow at parting from their Master but also with hope, as they now have confirmation of His victory over death. The Mount of Olives, once a place of Jesus’ prayers and struggles, now becomes the stage for His farewell. Yet, this farewell is not final; rather, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope. Jesus promises to remain with His followers and assures them that He will return one day in glory.

The angels affirm to the disciples that Jesus has not departed forever but will return in the same way they saw Him ascend. The image of heavenly hosts welcoming their King symbolizes Jesus’ future triumph at His second coming. Before this moment, Jesus raises His hands in blessing—a powerful affirmation of His presence and ongoing connection with the disciples. This blessing uplifts the disciples spiritually, filling them with joy and confidence in Christ’s continued presence and His role as their intercessor.

Summary:

Chapter 87 portrays Jesus’ ascension as a profound moment of exaltation and victory. The Mount of Olives, once a place of prayer and struggle, becomes the setting for His glorious ascent into heaven. After offering His disciples comfort and the promise of His return, Jesus is taken up by a cloud, disappearing from their sight. The angels proclaim that Jesus will return in the same way. This event conveys a dual message to believers: the comfort and assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence and the hope of His glorious return. The disciples return to Jerusalem with newfound joy and confidence, their hearts filled with praise and gratitude for the living Christ, who continues to live and intercede for them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-01-2025-galatians-chapter-6-believe-his-prophets/