Thanksgiving—what are you
thankful for? But we are not just to be
thankful FOR—we are also to be thankful IN.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray
continually, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Apostle Paul—letter to church in Thessalonica—one of earliest
letters.
Church undergoing opposition for their faith in Jesus. Wrote to encourage them.
One thing that Paul teaches is that suffering is inevitable for
followers of Jesus. Hard times are part
of God’s plan for His people. We are to
live by faith.
There are things we can learn from hard times that we cannot or
do not learn when things are easy.
Trust in God and faith in Him is learned through times of trial and suffering.
If faith only works in the good times, that is not faith. Faith is especially for the hard times.
·
Rejoice always
o
Joy and happiness are not the same
o
Happiness dependent on circumstances
o
Joy is not
o
Joy comes from faith—things will ultimately turn out because of
trust in Jesus
o
Can’t always be happy—but can be joyful because of loving,
merciful relationship with Jesus
·
Pray continually—always
o
Pray at all times
o
Does it mean we should always be praying? No.
o
But we can always be in an attitude of prayer
o
Prayer is a focus on God
o
Prayer is a trust in God
o
Give all your time to God—be constantly reminded of His
presence, love, grace
·
Give thanks in all circumstances—good and bad
o
Does it say, “Give thanks FOR all circumstances”? No.
o
Some circumstances are very bad.
o
Remember though, Romans 8:28, “And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose.”
(NIV)
o
In all things God is working for our good.
o
Can God bring good out of very bad circumstances? All-powerful God
o
If this is true, then we can give Him thanks IN all
circumstances—in their midst—while they are happening.
o
The focus is on God—not the circumstances—that is faith, trust,
hope in Him.
o
The opposite is worry, and that is sin.
Community Thanksgiving service—Ralph Brandon said, “Thankful
people are happy people.”
o
Thankful people place the focus on God and others.
o
Thankful people recognize what they have received that they do
not deserve—have not earned.
o
Thankful people can then be happy people—because thankful people
are trusting people.
What are you thankful for?
What are you thankful IN the midst of?
Both are important for us at Thanksgiving—and throughout the
year as well.
(Sing) Give Thanks with
a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks
because He’s given
Jesus Christ for us.
And now, let the weak say,
I am strong, let the poor say,
I am rich, because of what
The Lord has done for us.
Give thanks.
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