I Do Always Those Things That Please Him
Living a life of daily accountability to God is the secret to great peace and a settled account with Him.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of maintaining short accounts with God, encouraging believers to reflect on their daily actions and seek accountability before God each night. He interprets Romans 14:12 as a call to live in a way that prepares us for the final judgment, fostering a sense of peace and assurance in our relationship with God. Simpson assures that living this way leads to the joy of hearing 'Well done, good and faithful servant' at the end of our lives. He highlights the significance of walking closely with Jesus, step by step, as a means to grow in faith and obedience.
Text
It is a good thing to keep short accounts with God. I was very much struck some years ago with an interpretation of the verse: So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12). The thought it conveys is that of accounting to God daily. For us judgment is passed as we lay down on our pillows each night. This is surely the true way to live. It is the secret of great peace. It will be a delightful comfort when life is closing or at the Master's coming, to know that our account is settled and our judgment over.
For us, then, there is only the waiting to hear the glad Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord (Matthew 25:21).
Step by step I'll walk with Jesus, Just a moment at a time, Heights I have not wings to soar to, Step by step my feet can climb. Jesus keep me closer-closer, Step by step and day by day Stepping in Thy very footprints, Walking with Thee all the way.
Sermon Outline
- Accountability to God points: - Daily accounting to God - Judgment passed each night
- The Secret of Great Peace points: - Settled accounts with God - Comfort in times of closing or coming
- Walking with Jesus points: - Step by step - Closeness to God through faith
Key Quotes
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12).” — A.B. Simpson
“It is a good thing to keep short accounts with God.” — A.B. Simpson
“Step by step I'll walk with Jesus, Just a moment at a time...” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Make it a habit to reflect on your life and actions each day to ensure you're living a life pleasing to God.
- Prioritize settling your accounts with God daily to experience great peace.
- Walk with Jesus step by step and day by day to stay close to Him.