3 Impossible Commands for All of Us

• 3 “Impossible” Commands for All of Us • 1 Thessalonians 5:1618 November 15, 2020 The Big Idea: In rapid fire succession, Paul gives three commands for all Christians. They describe the will of God for our days – joy, prayerfulness, and gratitude. Each of these is accessible to us through a personal choice. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) 5 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. Things to notice about the commands: 1. They are addressed to the plural “you” – “y’all”, so this is as much to the church as it is to the individuals. 2. All 3 are ‘imperatives’ – in other words, commands. 3. All 3 call for continuous action – in other words, these are habits to be learned and built into our lives. 4. The motivation is given: “this is the will of God”. 5. The power for obedience is named: “in Christ” REJOICE … all the time. • James 1:2-4 – Joy is a choice we must make each day. • We can choose joy, knowing that God is working for our good even in the most painful circumstances. PRAY … all the time. • This doesn’t mean that we are focused in prayer 100% of the time. That IS impossible. It does mean, the Lord is never far from our mind or lips. • Job refers to God as El Shaddai more than any other book of the Bible. El Shaddai means: “overpowerer” and “sufficient”. I will never cease praying if I believe my Lord is more powerful than any trial or obstacle and if I believe He is enough. Prayer is acknowledgment that I can’t face life alone. GIVE THANKS … all the time. Psalm 7:17 Psalm 95:1-3 Psalm 106:1 My gratitude will be constant only if it is rooted in who God is. When it comes from thankfulness for Him, it can happen regardless of the circumstances of my life at any given moment in time. § Gratitude will flow when I remember that the last word belongs to God, and it is resurrection and life. § § § § 6 Practical Ways to Give Thanks 1. Recall God’s faithfulness and power in your life and in the church. 2. Thank God for saving you and others through the redemptive work of Christ. 3. Think about how God is at work. Don’t minimize small blessings, steps in maturity, or minor growth. See and celebrate these things. 4. Make a habit of thankfulness. And, remember that just like grumbling spreads, so does gratitude. 5. Develop a habit of sharing with others things for which you’re grateful to the Lord. Seek to draw this out of others. 6. As you feel irritation and discouragement, redirect your heart away from grumbling and toward gratitude. Number your blessings. As a Christian my whole life should be one great big “Thank you” to the Lord!