Living for God's Will, Not Human Approval

The Reality of Opposition

Because we have come to Christ does not mean everyone agrees that we should live His kind of life.

"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1-2 NKJV)

Understanding Lust and Worldly Values

Lust is not exclusive to bodily pleasure in its various forms. It is just a strong appetite for the things that God forbids.

"And He said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'" (Luke 16:15 NKJV)

There is a corruption (depravity, perverseness) that is in the world. The world is full of abominable practices that are being celebrated every day. We are always faced with temptation—an appeal to say no to God but we must keep our eyes fixed on the word of God to see to it that we are not swept away.

God's Provision for Victory

"As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV)

One of God's will for us is that we do not fall, fail, or falter.

The Standard of Righteousness

Abstinence is still righteousness. Self control remains the standard at all times.

"For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:7 NKJV)

God's Patience and Our Opportunity

It is men who do not know the judgment of God that calls for His judgment. God is not swift to judge.

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV)

His longsuffering is our opportunity to get it right and accept His help.

God's Way Matters

You can never be what God wants you to be by going through a way He does not approve of—regardless of the result you get. God's pathway is equally as important as His destination.

The Power of Affections

Take note of your affections.

"O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections." (2 Corinthians 6:11-12 NKJV)

You cannot be tempted with what you do not like.

Our New Identity and Calling

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." (1 Peter 2:9-11 NKJV)

Every time a man becomes born again, it is a call out of darkness; a call from death into life.

"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." (1 John 3:14 NKJV)

Our new location is in the marvelous light of God. We have obtained favor and mercy in Him.

Walking to Please God

"Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God." (1 Thessalonians 4:1 NKJV)

There is a way to walk that pleases God. We have been called to live in such a way. Our obedience to Him is not much about avoiding condemnation but about the love that we have for Him. You will labor not to hurt Him whom you love. The proof of loving God is obedience.

Love Motivates Obedience

You will care about God if you truly have love for Him. Loving Him is just a response to the revelation of His love for you.

You cannot please anyone beyond the knowledge of their will. The revealed will of an individual is a revelation of the key to pleasing Him.

God's Will Revealed

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality." (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NKJV)

Within the revelation of God's will is the empowerment to fulfill that will.

Conclusion

Living for God's will rather than human approval requires arming ourselves with Christ's mind and embracing our calling to holiness. Despite the world's corruption and opposition to godly living, we have been given divine power and precious promises to partake of His divine nature. Our obedience flows from love, not fear, and God's pathway is as important as His destination in shaping us into His image.