Thanksgiving Sermo 1 The will of God for the Christian Life 1_Thes_5_16_18

Text: 1 Thes. 5:16-18

Title: The will of God for the Christian Life

Intro: Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn't make it. Terrified, the one shouted to the other, "Put up a prayer, John. We're in for it!" John answered, "I can't. I've never made a public prayer in my life." "But you must!" implored his companion. "The bull is catching up to us." "All right," panted John, "I'll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: “O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.”

A joke but what a great truth. What are we about to receive? Maybe the horn of a bull in our backside but more than that. We are about to receive deliverance. In fact a Christian has received deliverance at Calvary’s cross, but we are in waiting for our deaths re Christ’s return whichever comes first. God has a desire for us to wait in a certain manner.

For of us born again believers who have ever wondered, “what is God’s will for me,” we find the answer to that question in the pages of Scriptures. The Bible emphatically states what God’s will for the Christian is. There is no need for searching, seminars, books, or “fleeces” God’s will for us blood bought born again believers is that we are to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful because we are His children.

Paul writes this letter to the Church at Thessalonica around AD 50 about a year after the brethren there snuck him and Silas out of the city by the darkness of night. Paul had been reasoning with the Jews there in the synagogue that Jesus was indeed the Christ. Some believed including many Gentiles. However many Jews formed a mob and a riot broke out, they shouted “those who have turned the world upside down are here” and they tried to do harm to Paul, Silas, and many of the brother and sisters in Thessalonica.

Paul’s exhortation to his original audience who were new to the faith and already experiencing hostility and opposition (1:6, 2:14) is to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful regardless of the circumstance.

What does the word “will” mean? = God’s want or desire for us.

CPS: Paul’s exhortation extends to us, it is God’s will that we be joyful, prayerful, and thankful always at all times because we belong to Him.

It is the will of God that Christians Rejoices in all things Vs. 16

Ex. This is short and to the point. Rejoice (verb) – Be glad (celebration). But the key is the (adverb) evermore = at all times. In the Greek the emphasis is on the condition under which the verb to be observed. “Always Rejoicing” Paul meant this literally. Christian joy is not bound by circumstances or hindered by difficulties. In fact, joy in the New Testament is often coupled with sorrow or suffering. Paul writes Philippians form Prison yet the theme of the letter is Joy.

These believers in Thessalonica are enduring much hardship as they follow Christ. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. (1:6) Our Joy is not dependent on our circumstances, its not external factors which brings us Joy but the internal dwelling of Christ which brings us Joy.

God’s will for you is always at all times be joyful. Not just when things are good but also when things are bad.

ILL. As a third-century man was anticipating death, he penned these last words to a friend: "It's a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians; and I am one of them."

App: Do you know what eyes are to set on… the goal line and God’s promise to deliver! I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Php. 3:14)

God says I understand life is difficult but don’t focus on the hardship but the good that will come when it’s all said and done. You will be delivered. We are the ones commanded to be joyful. It is a choice, a deliberate response that focuses on the grace and goodness of God.

Why should we rejoice always? The psalmist tells us, That I may shew forth all thy praise In the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. (Ps. 9:14) Because we belong to the Lord and we have a hope that is imperishable. This reason for great celebration!

It is the will of God that Christians Prays at all times Vs. 17

EX: Again short and to the point. Pray (Verb) dialogue/fellowship through communication. It is the Idea of making earnest prayer. But again, the emphasis is on (adverb) without ceasing. It should be read “without ceasing pray!” This means never stop praying. This is not a command about speaking non-stop prayers. Instead it is the attitude from the heart of continual prayer and reverence before the almighty Lord. This is maintaining a constant attitude of being in God’s presence. The Bible teaches that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us, there is nowhere that we can roam that the presence of God is not before us. But the question is, do we live a life that reflects God’s ever-present presence with us. This command means that constantly stay in unbroken fellowship with the Lord.

ILL. Its like the man who has a cough, he coughs through out the day uncontrollably (see Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible)

APP: How do we get to this place in our lives that we have an attitude of earnest prayer, we must begin by being intentional in our walk with Christ. Being intentionally aware that the Lord is always present therefore we are to be always present with the Lord. Let the words of our mouth and meditation of our hearts be wholly acceptable unto you, my Lord my rock, my redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)

Why do we pray at all times? Because we belong to the Lord.

It is the will of God that Christians are Thankful in everything. Vs. 18

For a third time, short and to the point. In everything give thanks. Is Paul exhorting us to say thank you every second of the day? No, it is an attitude of thanksgiving. Attitude of gratitude. The Christian is to understand the sovereignty of God. This command requires trust in the sovereignty of Christ: give thanks in all circumstances. It recognizes God’s eminence in all events. It is understanding that God is the ruler and over ruler of all things and that His purpose will triumph over our circumstances.

A thankful spirit does not come naturally to most of us. Certainly it pushes us beyond our natural capacities when difficult or painful situations invade our life. This command to be thankful, no matter what happens, is possible only by God’s grace. When we can agree with God that he works all things out for good to those who love him and are committed to obedience (Rom. 8:28), then we can thank him.

ILL. What is the worst thing that can happen to us? Death! But for the Christian even after we die we keep on living! The Bible teaches that nothing in this world including death can keep us from the love of God.

App: We have much to be thankful for, gratitude for each event that comes our way is God’s desire for us because He is molding us on earth into what we will be in eternity perfect and complete! As these Thessalonians who are experiencing suffering on behalf of their relationship with Jesus are instructed to be thankful, we are too. Its those hard times that makes us draw close to God.

Conclusion: Do you know what you have that the lost world does not have? A saving relationship with the Lord almighty. They will perish in God’s eternal judgment but you will enter into His eternal presence. This is our motivation for being joyful in all things, prayerful at all times, and thankful for all things.

O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.”