A Life of Gratitude in All Things"

Introduction

When you see these scriptures throughout our time together lets read them aloud together

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Thanksgiving often feels tied to our situations—good health, financial blessings, or family gatherings.

In these scriptures Paul challenges us with something deeper: a lifestyle of gratitude that transcends circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians around AD 50-51, making it one of his earliest letters.

The church in Thessalonica was a young, vibrant, and faithful community, but they faced significant persecution (Acts 17:1-9). So Paul wrote to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith, instructing them on living holy lives and preparing for Christ’s return.

These verses are part of Paul’s final exhortations

1 Thessalonians 5:12–22 ESV

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Paul provides a series of short, practical commands to help the church live in light of Christ’s imminent return.

The focus is on cultivating a lifestyle of holiness, unity, and spiritual readiness.

Understanding the heart of Paul

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians reflects the deep love, concern, and spiritual maturity of a shepherd who longs for the growth and perseverance of his flock. Let’s consider the emotions and mindset Paul likely had as he penned this letter:

1. Paul’s Heart of Affection

Spiritual Parent: Paul saw the Thessalonians as his spiritual children

Strengthening their faith

2. Paul’s Heart of Concern

Persecution: Paul knew the church in Thessalonica was enduring intense persecution.

3. Paul’s Heart of Gratitude

Thankfulness for Their Faith: Upon hearing Timothy’s good report about their faith, love, and perseverance, Paul overflowed with thanksgiving to God (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10).

4. Paul’s Heart of Encouragement

Strengthening Their Faith

5. Paul’s Heart of Joy

Rejoicing in Their Growth:

6. Paul’s Heart of Faith

Trusting God for Their Future: Even though Paul could not always be with them, he trusted God to complete His work in them.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 ESV

19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?

This is a great example of how the bible is a breathing living instruction manual from God. We all need affection, we need to know that God cared deeply for us and that He is thankful for our faith in Him. We all need encouragement, we should be reminded that God has a heart of Joy when He knows that we are developing, growing in our faith and all of need to be reminded that we need to trust God for our future.

This Thanksgiving we need to be thankful for what God has done for us, no matter our circumstances.

I. Rejoice Always (v. 16)

Exposition:

This is not a call to superficial happiness but to deep, abiding joy rooted in God’s character.

Paul, writing to a church facing persecution, emphasizes that joy is not about circumstances but about the unchanging goodness of God.

Illustration: Paul and Silas rejoicing in prison (Acts 16:25) despite their chains.

Acts 16:

Application:

Joy is the foundation of thanksgiving. To rejoice always is to trust that God is good and His plans are perfect, even in trials.Ask: Are you looking to God for your joy, or are you relying on fleeting circumstances?

Acts 16:16–24 ESV

16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Acts 16:25–31 ESV

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

II. Requesting Without Ceasing (v. 17)

Exposition:

This does not mean nonstop verbal prayer but maintaining constant communion with God throughout the day.

A prayerful heart acknowledges dependence on God and opens the door for thanksgiving.

Illustration: Daniel’s commitment to daily prayer—even in the face of danger (Daniel 6:10)

A royal decree has been issued by King Darius that forbids anyone from praying to any God or man except the ing for 30 days.

Daniel 6:10 ESV

10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Application:

Cultivate a lifestyle of prayer by involving God in your daily decisions, struggles, and victories.Thanksgiving becomes natural when you consistently see God’s hand at work through prayer.

III. Recognizing God in All Circumstances (v. 18)

Exposition:

Paul’s command is not to give thanks for all circumstances but in all circumstances.

Gratitude reflects trust in God’s sovereignty—that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 ESV

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Illustration:

Job’s response to loss: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).

Job lost his family, 10 children, seven sons and three daughters.

Wealth, Job was described as "the greatest of all the people of the east" (Job 1:3),

Oxen and donkeys: The Sabeans attacked and stole all 500 yoke of oxen and 500 donkeys and killed the servants tending them (Job 1:14-15).

Sheep:A fire from heaven (likely lightning) consumed all 7,000 sheep and the servants caring for them (Job 1:16).

Camels: The Chaldeans raided and stole all 3,000 camels, killing the servants with them (Job 1:17).

Servants: Most of Job's servants were killed during the attacks or disasters (Job 1:15-17).

Health: Job was struck with painful, debilitating sores "from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head" (Job 2:7).He used a piece of broken pottery to scrape his sores, and he sat in ashes in grief and discomfort (Job 2:8).

Support from His Wife: Job’s wife became a source of discouragement rather than support. She mocked his faith and urged him to curse God and die (Job 2:9).

Social Standing and Respect: While not immediate, Job later lamented losing his reputation and respect within his community (Job 29:7-25; Job 30:1-15).Friends and acquaintances distanced themselves from him, and even children mocked him (Job 30:9-10).

Despite all of this listen to his response:

Job 1:21 ESV

21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

God blessed Job for passing the test.

1. Restoration of His Fortunes

Double Blessing:

"The Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10).God not only returned what Job had lost but doubled it:

He had 14,000 sheep (originally 7,000).

6,000 camels (originally 3,000).

1,000 yoke of oxen (originally 500).

1,000 female donkeys (originally 500).

2. Restoration of Family

Children Restored:

Job was blessed with 10 more children—seven sons and three daughters (Job 42:13).

Interestingly, the number of children was not doubled, suggesting his original 10 children were not "lost" permanently but were awaiting him in eternity.

Unique Blessing for His Daughters:

Job’s daughters were described as the most beautiful women in the land (Job 42:15), and Job granted them an inheritance alongside their brothers, which was uncommon in the cultural context of the time.

3. Restoration of Relationships

Job’s extended family and friends returned to comfort and support him after his trials (Job 42:11).

They brought him gifts of money and gold, contributing to his renewed prosperity.

4. Long Life and Legacy

Job lived an additional 140 years after his restoration (Job 42:16), seeing four generations of his descendants.

His life is described as "full of days" (Job 42:17), indicating a life of satisfaction and blessing.

This reminds me

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he brings; But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

Another beautiful example of being thankful no matter our circumstances is in John 6:11)

Jesus giving thanks before feeding the 5,000, even when resources seemed insufficient (John 6:11).

Application:

Trust God in trials, knowing He is using them to grow your faith and display His glory.Make gratitude a deliberate act of faith, even when you don’t feel thankful.

We are to

Rejoice always

Request without ceasing

Recognize God in all circumstances

and lastly we are to be:

IV. Rooted in God’s will (v. 18)

Exposition:

Gratitude is not optional—it’s the will of God for His people in Christ Jesus.

Thanksgiving reflects a life transformed by the gospel, where joy, prayer, and gratitude flow from a heart redeemed by Christ.

Illustration:

The one leper who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11-19

Luke 17:11–19 ESV

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Don’t forget to give thanks to God, recognize Him in all things, the good, the bad and the ugly of life.

Application:

A thankful heart aligns with God’s will and glorifies Him. Ask yourself: Are you living in God’s will by cultivating joy, prayer, and gratitude?

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is not dependent on what happens around us but on the God who works within us.By rejoicing always, praying constantly, and giving thanks in all circumstances, we fulfill God’s will and reflect His heart to the world.

Call to Action:

Take time this Thanksgiving season to rejoice in God’s goodness, bring your needs to Him in prayer, and give thanks regardless of your circumstances.Let thanksgiving be your lifestyle, not just a holiday.

Closing Prayer: A prayer of gratitude for God’s faithfulness, grace, and presence in all circumstances.