Joyful Holiness
Thanksgiving • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
This goes back to that theme of “I am not my own”
When one has been done wrong it is important to let the Lord repay it not you— it only leads to further bitterness and a never ending cycle of revenge.
(Tell of the two kids who kept getting back at each other in a prank war)
This does not mean that Christians must allow people to take advantage of them, nor does it mean that they should not take proper action against sin or injustice.
It does mean, however, that Christians must follow Jesus’ instruction to “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you… I am not my own.
Vengeance will consume you if you take that road.
16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
If you belong to Jesus you always have a reason to rejoice.
We need to be in a constant position of Prayer—It should be our default in this life.
If you want to know God’s will for your life look no further, v 18 tells it to you, & for free.
19 Do not quench the Spirit;
Don’t kill the flame that Jesus has put in you.
Ways we quench the flames:
Active ongoing Unrepentant Sin
Seeking out what is good in our own eyes
Isolation (from God and/or Others)
20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
The Word of God is considered prophecy as well.
When God’s Word is preached or read, it is to be received with great seriousness!
Notice how prophecy was not fully rejected, it was to be tested through the lens and standard of the Bible.
Paul assumes that the proper environment for prophecy is within the context of the church
Paul was not worried about Joe Blow Randomenio coming through town, spouting of a word and then splitting—He was worried about people apart of that church.
Prophecy is a gift of the Spirit of God—This does not all prophetic words spoken are of God… But must be tested though the Word of God…
“test everything; hold fast to what is good, abstain from every form of evil:
We should not shy away from any Gift of the Spirit, but be responsible and reverent with each gift.
We should find joy that the Lord trusts us with His Gifts to use in a way that honors him.
What can you rejoice for?
