Topical Encyclopedia
The term "well-pleasing" in the biblical context refers to actions, attitudes, or offerings that are acceptable and delightful to God. It is a concept that underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will and commands, resulting in His favor and approval.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of being well-pleasing to God is often associated with obedience and sacrifice. For instance, in
Genesis 8:21, after Noah offers a burnt offering following the flood, it is said, "The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in His heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth.'" Here, the "pleasing aroma" signifies God's acceptance of Noah's sacrifice, which was offered in faith and obedience.
The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law also emphasizes offerings that are "pleasing" to God.
Leviticus 1:9 describes the burnt offering as "a pleasing aroma to the LORD," indicating that the offering, when given according to God's instructions, is acceptable to Him.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of being well-pleasing to God expands beyond ritual sacrifices to encompass the entirety of a believer's life.
Romans 12:1 urges believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," which is described as their "spiritual act of worship." This passage highlights the shift from external rituals to internal transformation and daily living as acts of worship that are pleasing to God.
The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term "well-pleasing" in his epistles to encourage believers to live in a manner that honors God. In
Colossians 1:10, Paul prays that the Colossians "may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." This verse emphasizes that a life well-pleasing to God is characterized by good works and spiritual growth.
Furthermore, in
Philippians 4:18, Paul refers to the gifts sent by the Philippians as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." This indicates that acts of generosity and support for the ministry are also considered well-pleasing to God.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of being well-pleasing to God is rooted in the relationship between faith and works.
Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is the foundation of a life that is pleasing to God, and it is through faith that believers are empowered to live in obedience and righteousness.
Moreover, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables believers to live lives that are well-pleasing to God. In
Romans 8:8-9, Paul contrasts those who live according to the flesh with those who live according to the Spirit, stating, "Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you."
Practical ApplicationPractically, being well-pleasing to God involves a commitment to holiness, love, and service.
Ephesians 5:8-10 encourages believers to "live as children of light...and find out what pleases the Lord." This involves discerning God's will through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In summary, the biblical concept of being well-pleasing to God encompasses a life of faith, obedience, and love, characterized by actions and attitudes that align with God's will and bring Him glory.
Greek
2101. euarestos --well-pleasing... acceptable,
well-
pleasing. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable -- acceptable(-ted),
wellpleasing. see GREEK eu. see GREEK arestos. (euarestoi) -- 1 Occurrence.
...2100. euaresteo -- to bewell-pleasing
... to bewell-pleasing. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: euaresteo Phonetic Spelling:
(yoo-ar-es-teh'-o) Short Definition: I please Definition: I give...
2102. euarestos -- acceptably
... of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: euarestos Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-ar-es'-toce)
Short Definition: acceptably Definition: acceptably, in awell-pleasing way....
2107. eudokia -- good pleasure
... Origin from eudokeo Definition good pleasure NASB Word Usage desire (2), good pleasure
(1), good will (1), kind intention (2), pleased (1),well-pleasing (2)....
Library
Tenth Chapter
... this comes to pass, and the Bride, for her Bridegroom's sake, has despised and given
up all these things, then she begins to be somewhatwell-pleasing to the...
Malachi's Prophecy Concerning the Sacrifices of the Christians it...
... Eucharist of the bread and the cup, and which are presented by Christians in all
places throughout the world, bears witness that they arewell-pleasing to Him....
Again on the Lord's Prayer, Matt. vi. To the Competentes.
... in another and a right sense these words, "Thy will be done as in heaven, so in
earth." We receive the commandment of God, and it iswell-pleasing to us,well...
Colossians iii. 18-25
... Children, obey your parents in all things, for this iswell-pleasing in [871]
the Lord.... For this, saith he, iswell-pleasing to the Lord....
Pleasing Christ
... Here is the signature and the common characteristic of all real Christians, 'We
labour that whether present or absent we may bewell-pleasing to Him.'....
Hebrews xi. 3, 4
... to. This same thing then made [Enoch]well-pleasing [to God], namely, that
he received nothing.... reward. Whence then is thewell-pleasing?...
Hebrews xiii. 17
... covenant, our Lord Jesus Christ," ( ver.21 ) "make you perfect in every good work,
to do His will, working in you [3509] that which iswell-pleasing in His...
Wilt Thou be Made Whole?
... and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh." "Who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit." It is a walk worthy of God andwell pleasing to Him....
Psalm CXLI.
... the oil of flattery, yet hath thy head remained as it was, it has not been puffed
up, it hath not swollen...."For still shall My word bewell-pleasing to them...
The Cloud
... It is upon Christ that the eyes of God are set, and it is in Him that we are
well-pleasing " how perfectlywell-pleasing to the Father's heart!...
Thesaurus
Wellpleasing (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Wellpleasing (2 Occurrences). Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of
...Well-pleasing (16 Occurrences)
Well-pleasing.Wellpleasing,Well-pleasing. Well-pleasingly . Multi-Version
Concordance... (BBE).Wellpleasing,Well-pleasing. Well-pleasingly . Reference...
Pleasing (185 Occurrences)
... Matthew 11:26 Yes, Father, for so it waswell-pleasing in your sight.... Yes, Father,
for so it waswell-pleasing in your sight." (WEB ASV BBE DBY NAS)....
Yes (511 Occurrences)
... Matthew 11:26 Yes, Father, for so it waswell-pleasing in your sight.... Yes, Father,
for so it waswell-pleasing in your sight." (WEB WEY BBE YLT NAS NIV)....
Ambitious (6 Occurrences)
... reading in Romans 15:20 ("being ambitious to bring good tidings"), 2 Corinthians
5:9 ("We are ambitious, whether at home or absent, to bewell-pleasing unto him...
Smell (77 Occurrences)
... Acceptable sacrifices and pious conduct are called a "sweet smell" or "savor" (Exodus
29:18 Ephesians 5:2 Philippians 4:18)well-pleasing to God....
Acceptable (48 Occurrences)
... ak-sept', ak-sep'-ta-b'-l, ak-sep-ta'-shun: "To receive with favor," "to take pleasure
in"; "well-pleasing"; "the act of receiving." Accept, used (1) of...
Try (84 Occurrences)
... for the Cross of Christ. (WEY NAS NIV). Ephesians 5:10 proving what iswell
pleasing to the Lord. (See NAS RSV). Ephesians 5:17 On...
Well-pleased (11 Occurrences)
Well-pleased. Well-ordered, Well-pleased.Wellpleasing . Multi-Version Concordance...
(DBY). Well-ordered, Well-pleased.Wellpleasing . Reference Bible.
Prove (83 Occurrences)
... 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind, so that you may prove what is the good,well-pleasing, and perfect will...
Resources
How can I stop being a people-pleaser? | GotQuestions.orgWhy would the aroma of a sacrifice be important to God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I know what pleases God? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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