PLEASING TO GOD Week 12
When Paul wrote the Corinthians, he said in 1 Cor. 10.5--with most of them God was not well-pleased. He was referring to the generation who came out of Egypt but did not enter the Promised Land. He said they were idolaters, acting immorally, trying the Lord and grumbling.

These are stern accusations considering that the generation which came out of Egypt saw the Red Sea part, they saw God do miracles, defeat enemies and give them a beautiful land.

Still they idolized stone and clay gods rather than worship the Lord God who was in their midst.

What is God's answer?
In Romans 15.1 Paul encourages the Romans in this way--we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.

The idea is that--what was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverence and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

So-------perseverance
                    +
encouragement in the Scriptures =
                  hope

How does this work?
We are to be like Christ in pleasing God. 
Paul says in Rom. 15.5 that we should be of the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, with one accord, one voice to glorify God.
That probably refers to Philippians 2.3-5. In Philippians Paul says--let each one of you regard one another as more important than himself. In Romans 15.1 Paul says--let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

In Philippians 2.5 Paul says--Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus... In Romans 15.5,6 Paul says--be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice gloriy the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The result of this is Romans 15.13--Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we are of the same mind, filled with the same Spirit, we will abound in the hope which comes through Jesus.

Paul can boast about his preaching, about what Christ has accomplished through him, Rom. 15.18. What about us?
Paul said in Romans 5.3-5 that--we also exullt in our tribulationss, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

This is what has happened to us, this is pleasing to God.
And yet, this is not enough. Paul mentions what Christ accomplished through him which has brought about faith in the Gentiles is the--obedience of the Gentiles in word and deed. It is word and deed which shows that Paul has--fully preached the gospel of Christ.

To believe the Word and to do the deeds of faith is the full gospel of Christ, which is pleasing to God