God's Will for Thanksgiving

Read 1 Thess. 5:16-18

The church in Thessalonica was struggling.

Moral laxity had penetrated the members.

False teachers were threatening to damage the church.

Some were suffering for their commitment to Christ.

Paul wrote this letter to encourage, correct, and challenge the people.

“The Bible says you must submit to me!”

The commands in these verses are simple, but following them certainly isn’t!

“Rejoice always”

Suprising coming from somone who had to suffer so much and continually as Paul.

Paul learned that affliction and deep joy can go together. (2 Cor. 12:10)

He rejoiced in difficulties. (Rom. 5:3-4)

Telling people “God is good” when suffering.

Paul counsels a committment to joy for the suffering church.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

It is not something Christians can generate on their own.

Grace, forgiveness, and gifts of the Spirit from the word joy.

Joy is available when we consistently dig deep in our relationship with Jesus.

“Pray constantly”

Not the Words on our lips, but the elevation of our heart.

Greek - “prayer without intermission.”

Without allowing prayerless gaps to intervene between times of prayer.

If I’m with someone, we are together at all times even if we aren’t talking.

There is not a scenario for the believer when God is not with them.

Access and acknowledge His presence.

“Give thanks…God’s Will.”

Even in difficult trials, God is teaching valuable lessons.

Welcome and use them accordingly.

God is over all. Even in the trial.

“will” (thelema) = requirement.

How is God’s will fully known?

(Col. 1:15-20)

The will of God in Jesus Christ enables us to be saved. He is also enabled to walk with us through difficulty.

What would our Sunday look like if one of had been martyred this weekend?

I believe we would be spurred on to rise and give thanks.