Living a Life That Pleases God

A Christian Book Summary - Pleasing God by R.C. Sproul

The Day I Met R.C. Sproul

Several years ago, I agreed to help a friend finish installing a computer network in a small office building in Central Florida. Upon arriving we waited for the office manager in a large room full of tables stacked high with books. One small green book strangely attracted me. The title was “Pleasing God” by RC Sproul. As I looked around, I saw that all of the books were by RC Sproul. I thought “Wow!”

About that time a man with a purposeful stride entered the room with a small group trailing behind him. He stopped and looked at us and one man from the group stepped out and said, “These are the network guys, RC.” He smiled, thanked us for our efforts and continued off down the hallway.

The man who had introduced us was the office manager and I asked him if I could buy a copy of the little green book. He picked one up and handed it to me saying, “Please accept this as our gift.” I still have that copy of “Pleasing God” today. It is one of the most cherished in my collection, not because of how I got it, but because of what’s in it.

At the time, I had no idea of the role that little green book and the man who wrote it would play in God’s perfect plan to bring this prodigal son back home. But the beautiful and inspiring way that R.C. Sproul illuminates the joy of growing in Christ planted a seed in my heart that no amount of sin or shame could uproot. My prayer is that you will buy “Pleasing God” after reading this, and that it will be as great a blessing for you.

The Hope of Pleasing a Holy God

How can we live a life that truly pleases God? This question is at the heart of R.C. Sproul’s Pleasing God, where he offers wisdom and guidance for every Christian seeking to honor God in their daily life. Sproul’s book helps readers see that pleasing God is not about rule-keeping or perfection but about spiritual transformation and growth, all by God’s grace. He explores the battle we face with sin, the world, and the devil, and how God’s Word provides the wisdom we need to overcome it all.

Sproul walks us through practical ways to live out our faith, pointing to the lifelong process of sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ. He explains that we cannot please God through our own strength but only by relying on His Spirit to guide and transform us.

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