In Everything Give Thanks

1 Thess. 5:16-18

Introduction: As part of Paul’s final exhortaions in his first epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul includes some very practical yet powerful ‘to do’s’!

I would like to underline each of these following exhortataions with what verse 18 says, ‘for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus’.

Let me go the beginning of this section since you’ve honored the pastoral staff this morning.

Verse 12 –  ‘honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance’.

Esteem or hold in high regard = consider, value highly

Question: Maybe we should ask why is this so important?

The following are some of the various ways of honouring our spiritual leaders:

1. Obeying their instructions and following their spiritual guidance (Eph. 6:1; Heb. 13:17).
2. Praying and interceding for them (1Tim.2:1-3; 2Thess. 3:1).
3. Ministering to their needs (1Cor. 9:7-15; Phil. 4:15-19).
4. Supporting them in achieving mission goals and objectives (Ex. 17:12; 2Tim. 4:11).
5. Showing loyalty in the face of challenges (2Kgs. 2:1-3; Matt. 26:33).

Blessings attached:

1. Divine provision form God (Phil 4:17-19).
2. Victory over enemies (Ex. 17:12-13).
3. Deliverance in the day of trouble (2Kgs. 4:8-10, 17-36).
4. Spiritual covering and reward (Heb. 13:17; Matt. 10:41).
5. Unexpected miracles (1Kgs. 17:10-16).

In honouring your spiritual leaders, you are honouring God. Do not look down on God’s anointed. Rather, see them as God’s representatives on earth. By so doing, you receive the honour that God can give unto man in return (Jn. 12:26).

Old Testament was harsh!

“The man who acts presumptuously by not obeying the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.” Deuteronomy 17:12

1. Live Peacefully – v. 13
2. Warn the unruly – v. 14 – those out of order out of place
3. Encourage the timid; the fainthearted, feebleminded – v. 14
4. Care for / uphold the weak – v. 14
5. Be patient with/toward everyone – v. 14
6. Do not repay evil for evil – v. 15
7. Pursue / always do good for yourself and others – v. 15

My big three for today:

1. Rejoice / Be Joyful Always!

chairo {khah’-ee-ro} Meaning:  1) to rejoice, be glad 2) to rejoice exceedingly 3) to be well, thrive 4) in salutations, hail! 5) at the beginning of letters: to give one greeting, salute

Application: One might believe that this is impossible! In the natural it is…but we live in/by the Spirit.

Question: What does that mean / look like? As Christians we remain hopeful, optimistic, determined in the knowledge that God is in all things and that all things work together for the good!

Transition:

• Pray without Ceasing

= without intermission, incessantly, without ceasing

We should pray and not faint.

Transtion:

• In everything give thanks.

Question: What? In everything? It doesn’t say, ‘be happy’, or

(eucharisteo) = thankful, thanks.
For the grace provided in and for all things.

1 Corinthians 10:13, ‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (NKJ)

• It is appreciating the gifts and blessings we have, which we are not entitled to, but which God gives freely to us because He loves and cares for us. He gave us not only life on this earth in our human form but also eternal life if we follow and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: ‘For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.’