ALWAYS REJOICE PRAY AND GIVE THANKS

PROCLAMATION

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Thessalonica.  Paul begins the fifth and final chapter of this letter by stating that he does not have to remind them that the day of The Lord is coming for they are children of the light. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-8)  He encouraged them to build one another up, just as they were already doing.  He also told them to acknowledge those among them who work hard for The Lord and to hold them in high regard. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)  Then he urged them to warn the wrongdoers, to help the weak, to encourage the down-hearted, and to be patient with everyone.  Finally he told them to rejoice always, to pray continually, and to give thanks to God in all situations. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)  He said that they should hold on to that which is good, and they should abstain from evil and even abstain from the appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

 

APPLICATION

We should acknowledge those among us who are doing a good job and warn those who are doing poorly.  We should encourage the depressed and help those who are in need.  Remember the old saying, “There, but for the grace of God, go you or I.”  We should always be patient with others, for at some point in our lives someone was patient with us.  Believers should not walk around with a negative attitude.  We are to rejoice because everything is going to work out in our favor and for our good. (Romans 8:28)  So we should count everything as a joy, even our storms, trials, and tribulations. (James 1:2)  We should have a prayerful attitude, and pray often, and pray about everything. (Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18, and 1 Thessalonians 5:15)  We should also acknowledge that God’s hand is in everything (Proverbs 3:6) and then we should thank Him for all that He has done. (1 Chronicles 16:8, Psalm 92:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18)  All that happens to us is either a blessing or a lesson to be learned.