When God is Pleased, Peace Will Follow

Sunday Sermon Notes

July 13, 2025

Pastor Derk Adams

Scripture Text:

“When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” — Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)

I. Introduction

Beloved, we are living in a time where strife, division, and spiritual warfare seem to be rising on every side. People often find themselves at odds in the home, on the job, in church, and even with themselves. But the Word of God gives us a powerful promise nestled right in the heart of Proverbs: “When a man’s ways please the Lord…”

This verse is not merely poetic; it’s a divine principle. If we walk in obedience, live in holiness, and seek to please God above all — even the people who can’t stand us, even the systems stacked against us, even the enemies sent to destroy us — God will command peace on your behalf!But let me warn you, you can’t just quote this verse and expect peace. No, there is a prerequisite: your ways must please the Lord. So today, we’re not just talking about peace — we’re talking about pleasing the Lord, and the reward that follows.

II. Background on the Scripture

Proverbs, written largely by King Solomon, is a book of wisdom — divine insight for daily living. Chapter 16 is filled with contrasts between man’s plans and God’s sovereignty. Verse 7 is a kingdom principle: it connects our behavior with divine favor.In the Hebrew context, the word “ways” refers to our conduct, character, and choices. To “please the Lord” means to live in alignment with His will, His Word, and His heart.This is not about perfection — it’s about pursuit. When your life is aimed at pleasing God, He gets involved in your affairs — and when God steps in, even your enemies must back up!

 

III. Key Points

1. God Is Not Just Watching — He’s Weighing Our Ways

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” (Proverbs 16:2)- You might look good to man, but God is weighing your motive. You can’t please God with dirty hands and divided hearts. We must live in a sanctified lifestyle — we’re called to be holy! 🔥 Holiness is still right. Righteousness still matters. We must repent of carnal ways and walk in the Spirit!

2. Peace Comes from Pleasing God, Not Pleasing People

“Do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

Some of you are worn out trying to make people like you — but God says “Just please Me!” When you walk in obedience, God will shut the lion’s mouth and silence every tongue.

Even the devils that used to torment you will have to back up when God is pleased with you.🔥 Don’t chase favor — chase God! And favor will follow!

3. Pleasing God Changes Atmospheres and Aligns Destiny

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Your enemies don’t control your future — God does!- Pleasing God invites divine alignment: your family, your finances, your future fall into place!- The enemy can’t curse what God has favored. You just stay in alignment.🔥 He’ll prepare a table before you — not behind your enemies — but right in front of them!

4. God Uses Peace as a Weapon

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee...” (Isaiah 26:3) Peace is not passive — it’s powerful.

God will cause your enemies to lose the appetite to fight when He’s pleased with your ways- Peace is a wall, a shield, a sword — and it flows from God’s approval!

🔥 God will fight for you while you rest in His peace!

IV. Conclusion – A Plea for Change

Church, hear me: the peace you’ve been praying for won’t come until your ways start pleasing God.It’s time to examine ourselves. Are we truly walking in the Spirit? Are we living to please the Lord, or ourselves?You want your enemies to back up? You want that storm to settle? You want that generational curse to break? 👉 Then please God! Let’s lay aside bitterness, drop our pride, quit compromising, and return to holy living. Don’t let a season of pain cause you to abandon a life that pleases God.

V. An Invitation

Come, saints. Let us lay it all on the altar. Let us cry out for a return to holy living. Let’s repent of lukewarm living and seek the pleasure of the Lord. 🕊️ The Holy Ghost is calling us back to the altar — to holiness, to integrity, to surrender. Lift your hands and cry out: “Lord, I want my ways to please You! Change me! Cleanse me! Use me! Let my enemies see Your peace on my life!”

🔥 If you please God, peace will follow!