Faith, Obedience, and the Lord’s Approval

Paul’s ambition in life was to please the Lord. He wrote, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Cor 5:9). The conjunction “therefore” (dio) ties this to the preceding discussion about the believer’s confidence in the future resurrection body (2 Cor 5:1-8). Because Paul knew he would one day stand before Christ (2 Cor 5:10), his present motivation was shaped by eternal realities. The word translated “ambition” (philotimeomai) means “to have as one’s ambition, consider it an honor, aspire to” (BDAG, 1059). For Paul, the driving goal of life was not wealth, status, or comfort, but the honor of pleasing Christ. His phrase “whether at home or absent” refers to being alive in the body or departed from it, showing that Paul’s desire to please the Lord was not bound to earthly circumstances but transcended life and death. The expression “to be pleasing to Him” (euarestos autō) conveys the idea of living in a way that the Lord delights in Paul’s conduct.

This emphasis on living in a manner that is euarestos to God is not unique to Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians. The adjective euarestos consistently describes what is “well-pleasing” or “acceptable” to God. Believers are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices, “holy, acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1), and to discern His will, “that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2). Service to Christ is likewise “acceptable to God and approved by men” (Rom 14:18). Paul urged the Ephesians to test “what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph 5:10), and he commended the Philippians for their gift, “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Phil 4:18). Children who obey their parents act in a way that “is well-pleasing to the Lord” (Col 3:20). The writer of Hebrews prayed that God would equip His people to do “that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ” (Heb 13:21). Together these passages reveal that what is euarestos to God touches worship, obedience, service, generosity, and daily conduct.

Paul’s ambition to be well-pleasing to the Lord was tied to faith. Just two verses earlier he declared, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). Faith is the governing principle of the Christian life, and without it one cannot please God. The writer of Hebrews affirms this, saying, “But My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38) and again, “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb 11:6a). Faith is not blind optimism but informed trust in God’s directives and promises as revealed in His Word. Such faith expresses itself in submission to God’s will. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15), and again, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (John 13:17). Obedience is the natural hallmark of faith that takes God at His Word and acts upon it (Jam 1:22). Moreover, Paul’s ambition was fueled by the recognition of future accountability. He wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor 5:10). This coming evaluation and the prospect of reward gave urgency to his pursuit of living in a manner that pleased the Lord (1 Cor 3:12-15).

Paul’s ambition was intensely practical. To please the Lord meant living a life of faith-driven obedience to Scripture with the recognition that all believers will one day give an account before Christ. Anything less is playing games with the Christian life. Paul’s example calls every believer to adopt the same ambition—to walk by faith, obey God’s Word, and live with an eternal perspective, seeking the commendation of the One whose judgment truly matters.

Example of Faith in Action

Suppose someone mistreats you—perhaps speaking harshly, criticizing unfairly, or attempting to undermine you. The natural response might be to retaliate, defend yourself harshly, or nurture resentment. But the Lord calls His people to a different standard, one that reflects His character and honors His Word. Jesus taught, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44). Paul wrote, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God” (Rom 12:17-19). Likewise, Peter exhorted believers, “not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead” (1 Pet 3:9). These passages make clear that God’s will in such moments is not retaliation but responding in grace—choosing forgiveness, showing kindness, and entrusting the matter to His justice.

When a believer obeys in this way, it demonstrates faith. It shows that you are governed by God’s Word more than your emotions, that you believe His promises about justice and reward, and that you desire His approval above the fleeting satisfaction of revenge. Remember, “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb 11:6). Thus, choosing to forgive and respond with kindness—even when wronged—is an act of faith-driven obedience. It pleases the Lord because it reflects His own mercy, honors His commands, and demonstrates that your ambition is truly to please Him rather than to gratify the flesh. In this way, a conflict becomes an opportunity to live out 2 Corinthians 5:9. That quiet, unseen choice is of great worth to the Lord.

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.

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