Rejoicing, Praying and Giving Thanks

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Rejoicing, Praying and Giving Thanks – 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verses 16 to 18

Rejoice always

Rejoice always
1 Thess. 5:16

A good year past, or a bad year? Can I give thanks even then? What about grief, loss….

Paul sees joy as a distinctly Christian response. “Rejoice in the LORD”. Jesus is the only constant in a Christian’s life.

“They are the happiest Christians who have the lowest thoughts of themselves, and in whose eyes Jesus is most glorious and precious.”
John Newton

Pray Continually

pray continually
1 Thess. 5:17

That is hearts so dependent on God that He is the first person we turn to.

“Prayer is beyond question the highest activity of the human soul. Man is at his greatest and highest when he upon his knees he comes face to face with God.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Give Thanks in all circumstances

give thanks in all circumstances;
1 Thess. 5:18a

Thanklessness is the mark of those without God. Overflowing thankfulness is the mark of the Christian. When we cannot see God’s purpose we can still give thanks for His presence. “The moon is always round, which means that God is always good.”

Why? It is the will of God in Christ Jesus

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:18b

Jesus knows what you are are going through. He gives power to go through the present trial, for His Spirit dwells in you.

New International Version – UK (NIVUK)