Verse of the Year

1 Thess. 5:16-18

English Standard Version Chapter 5

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

Context:

The Thessalonians were a group of early Christian converts in the city of Thessalonica, which was a well-established and strategically located port city in Macedonia with a population around 200k.

Many foreign merchants lived in the city, making Thessalonica an ethnically and culturally diverse city. (Knute)

Thessalonica's strategic location as a commercial center and its status as a free city, exempt from Roman occupation and taxation, contributed to its importance in the region

Paul, along with his companions Silas and Timothy, evangelized Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, likely around 49 or 50 A.D. One of the earlier letters written, probably around 51 A.D.

The church was predominantly newly believing Gentile in composition, including many "God-fearers" and influential women.

Paul praised the Thessalonians’ faith; defended his ministry against outsiders’ attacks; and laid down basic theology about righteous living in a decaying culture, and the final hope of all believers, both living and dead—eternity with God (Knute)

Canon:

The Times

1 Thess 5: 1-3

Our General Lifestyle

1 Thess. 5:4-11

Their reputation: 1 Thess 1:6-10 (They imitated Paul), 1 Thess. 2:14

Paul reminds them when he came: 1 Thess. 2: 4-16

Behavior toward church leaders

1 Thess. 5:12-13

Instructions for all in the Church

1 Thess. 5: 14-15

14) Admonish (warn) the idle

Careless in their responsibilities

Today the attitude is opposite to that first-century expectation, but the result is the same. Christ seems so long in coming, and life keeps rolling along at a predictable clip. We become idle in our Christian responsibilities. Too absorbed in the daily routine, we fail to use our gifts, time, and lives for others and the church. Idleness springs from distorted thinking, and such thinking deserves a warning: it is wrong—stop it.

Encourage the fainthearted (timid)

These were people who had become discouraged, perhaps depressed. They may have felt this way because of difficult circumstances, or because they despaired of living up to the high standards of the Christian faith. These people needed to be helped, not warned. They needed to hear, “You can do it.”

Help the weak

Perhaps they lack knowledge or experience; it could be that they struggle with certain sins which continually defeat them; they may lack courage or find it difficult to trust God. They are weak in the faith and need to be helped along the way. We all identify with this group of people at some time or other.

Inner Attitudes

1 Thess. 5:16-18

16) 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.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

We are the ones commanded to be joyful. It is a choice, a deliberate response that focuses on the grace and goodness of God

Hebrews 12:2–3 “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

17) “Cant stop, wont stop”. Does not mean to use prayer as a way of getting out of our daily responsibilities (Paul would be contradicting himself). It refers, however, to the attitude of prayer, or reverence before God. The Christian’s life of righteousness and his approach to relationships and responsibilities should be such that he maintains a constant attitude of being in God’s presence.

18) 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.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

There is no need for searching, seminars, books, or “fleeces.” God’s will is that we are to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful because we are his children.

Thankfulness is part of our sanctification: 1 Thess 4:3 (action), 1 Thess. 5:18 (attitude)

Personal Responsibilities and Spiritual Integrity

1 Thess. 5:19-22

Check:

A Threefold repetition to show its importance. This repetition shows importance.

Thankful? Grateful? At peace? Joyful? Feel like you’re hearing from God? Everybody else is the problem?

Are your actions being sanctified? Are your desires changing toward what glorifies God?

Are our attitudes being sanctified?

Taking every thought captive? 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

This begins within our selves.

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

Pray: “Lord, help me to rejoice when I think I have no reason to rejoice. Help me to have an attitude of constant prayer. Help me to be thankful no matter the situation. “