Verse 10

Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!

Referenced Verses

  • 1 Thess 2:4 : 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.
  • Acts 5:29 : 29 But Peter and the apostles replied,“We must obey God rather than people.
  • Jas 4:4 : 4 Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy.
  • Eph 6:6 : 6 not like those who do their work only when someone is watching– as people-pleasers– but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart.
  • Rom 2:29 : 29 but someone is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit and not by the letter. This person’s praise is not from people but from God.
  • 2 Cor 5:9-9 : 9 So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil. 11 The Message of Reconciliation Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.
  • Acts 4:19-20 : 19 But Peter and John replied,“Whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God, you decide, 20 for it is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
  • Matt 22:16 : 16 They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying,“Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality.
  • Col 3:22 : 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching– like those who are strictly people-pleasers– but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.
  • 1 John 3:9 : 9 Everyone who has been fathered by God does not practice sin, because God’s seed resides in him, and thus he is not able to sin, because he has been fathered by God.
  • 1 Cor 10:33 : 33 just as I also try to please everyone in all things. I do not seek my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.
  • Matt 28:14 : 14 If this matter is heard before the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
  • Rom 2:8 : 8 but wrath and anger to those who live in selfish ambition and do not obey the truth but follow unrighteousness.