Daily EncouragementSample

The life which pleases God is an instructed life. The Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, the human teachers - all will be involved in the task. It is a growing life, and “more and more” is its watchword.

The opening verses of this chapter pinpoint important characteristics of the life which pleases God.

It is a pure life - “God’s plan is to make you holy, and that entails first of all a clean cut with sexual immorality” (verse 3, Phillips). Diametrically opposed to adultery and fornication, it will clash with the standards of the day. However, the beauty and blessing of the pure life - especially as seen in Christian marriage and family life - will bear a stronger testimony than many words.

It is a life of fellowship - “you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other” (verse 9). Purity and brotherly love were conspicuous characteristics of the Early Church. Tertullian’s report of the heathen reaction to this love is well known: “See how these Christians love one another!” Such brotherly love is “part of the package” of genuine Christian life.

It is a life which wins the respect of outsiders - “so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders” (verses 11-12). In any culture the pagans know who the real Christians are. Unobtrusive, faithful work wins their respect.