1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 packs three important commands into three tiny verses. Paul wrote,
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
What Paul wrote here is more than just three easy memory verses. Paul tells us three things that he expects Christians to do on a continual basis. It isn’t just that Christians need to occasionally rejoice or be “part-time pray-ers” or give thanks under selective circumstances. Paul says these are three things to do always, continually and in all circumstances. Instead of give you more things to think about I want to ask you to do something. I am going to give you three lists to rejoice over, pray over and give God thanks about.
Rejoice:
- That God has created you
- That God has saved you
- That God sent Jesus for you
- That God loves you unconditionally
- That God has supported you through His church/people
- For the people God has put in your life
- What else would make your list?
Pray
- For guidance in your decisions
- For the church to grow and reach more people
- For God to keep working on your heart
- For greater wisdom
- For greater boldness
- For the words to say to those who need God
- What else would make your list?
Give Thanks
- For whatever circumstances your life is currently in, whether it seems good or bad
- For the way God has sustained you up to this point in your life
- That God will continue to sustain your life
- To God for family and friends
- To God for whatever blessings you have…they all came from God
- For God’s patience, mercy, and grace
- What else would make your list?
4 Responses
Bro. Dabbs youve done it again my friend.. and my humble suggestion would be to Pray — for all who are hungry or hurting in this world, be it physically or toiling mentally… and for all who dont have all or any of all of th countless things that I, as most of us, can thank Him for.
This is such bullshit, “in Christ Jesus for you”? What the fuck does this even mean, you all are a bunch of zealots. There is not afterlife you stupid fucks.
Suggest you read a book by Mary C. Neal titled “To heaven and back”.
You dont believe it its alright, but that doesnt change the truth that there will be life after death. And woe unto those who will die without Christ..