Evidence matters. It matters in research papers, in the courtroom, on the news, and in churches. Evidence matters because it reveals what we know, what we’ve done, or who we are. In this series, I am focusing in on that last one – who we are – in an effort to expound on the evidence of a biblically minded church (Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3).
What is a Biblically Minded Church?
By a biblically minded church, I mean a church that is centered on God’s Word, so much so that God’s Word influences the way it thinks and the things it does.
What is the Evidence of a Biblically Minded Church?
I believe there is, at least, four pieces evidence of a Biblically Minded church in Colossians 1:3-14. The third piece of evidence we come across tells us,
(4) A Biblically Minded Church Seeks to Please God
In verse 10, Paul’s prayer for the Colossians is that they would be
“fully pleasing to [God].” (Col. 1:10b)
Paul’s prayer should be our prayer as well. We should pray that we would live lives that are pleasing to God. But before we can pray that we would live lives pleasing to God, we need to know what a life that pleases God looks like.
What does it look like for us to live lives that are pleasing to God?
In verses 10-12, Paul tells us that we please God:
(1) When we live obedient lives
That is what Paul is getting at when he says that we are “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Just like a parent is pleased when their children obey, God is pleased with us when we obey Him.
(2) When we make it a point to grow in our relationship with Him
Our relationship with God grows, in the same way, it does with a friend, by spending time with Him and learning more about Him. We spend time with and we learn more about God by reading His Word, praying, meeting with others for Bible study, reading books that help us understand His Word better, and coming to worship service. When we do those things, we are actively seeking to grow our relationship with God, and that pleases God.
(3) When we trust in Him
One of the ways you can know if you are trusting in God is by how you respond to trials and tribulations. When faced with a trial, if you find yourself constantly worrying, getting angry or anxious, you are most likely trusting in yourself. On the other hand, if you are able to endure trials with patience and joy, then most likely you are trusting in God. When we trust God, we please Him.
(4) When we give thanks to Him
When we acknowledge and thank God for all He has given us, we please God.
In all these ways we please God. A church that seeks to please God, then, is the fourth and final evidence of a biblically minded church.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you a part of a church that is focused on pleasing God?
- Are you a part of a biblically minded church?
Resources
Post adapted from my sermon Are We A Biblically Minded Church?
[1] http://catalystconference.com/read/us-churches-no-longer-in-decline/