6.3 RULES CONCERNING LIFE (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Rejoice always."

Because We Would Not Be Commanded What Was Not Possible

The way to obey is made clear - it is rejoicing in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1).

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!"

It is joy centred in the Lord, not in changing circumstances. Paul and Silas were in appalling circumstances - in the prison - in the stocks - in the midnight dark, but they rejoiced in the Lord (Acts 16:25 ). The Thessalonians knew what it was to be afflicted - but it was affliction with joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6 ).

Because the Indwelling Holy Spirit Causes His Joy to Spring Forth

The abiding of the Holy Spirit means having the abiding joy of God within. He is the Helper and source of joy (John 14:16 ) When affliction would rob us of all natural joy, we still have joy in the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6 )

Because Joy is the Fruit of the Spirit Growing in Us

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace."

Because the Kingdom of God Reality of Joy is Ours

Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Our joy and rejoicing is not food and drink, it is real joy in the Holy Spirit.

Because We Can Face All Things with All Joy Always, for His Hand is in Everything

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

"Without ceasing" occurs four times in the New Testament (Romans 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:13; 5:17 ). Always in a context of prayer - and usually intercession. Persistent prayer, like a bombardment, destroys strongholds of the foe. Praying without ceasing is accomplished by the practice of regular set times of prayer releasing the Spirit to cry to God all the time. (References to set times: Psalm 55:17; Psalm 119:164; Daniel 6:10 ). The Holy Spirit aids our unceasing prayer (Romans 8:26-27 ). Even when our hands are busy with duty, our spirits can be the channel of the Holy Spirit for intercession.

Thanksgiving (Psalm 116:17 ). Saints make a habit of having times of thanksgiving (Daniel 6:10 ). Saints in all circumstances and conditions give thanks - in the full sway of afflictions, Job blessed the name of the Lord (Job 1:8,20,21 ). We can find something for which to thank God in every event - even when we cannot see, we can trust and give thanks.

In Contrast the Wicked Are Unthankful

(Romans 1:21 ) In the last days men will be unthankful (2 Timothy 3:2 ).

Those Who Would Enjoy Being in the Will of God Will Be Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you".

To live in His will is to offer by Christ Jesus sacrifices of praise to God continually (Hebrews 13:15 ), and so give thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17 ).

Subjects of Thanksgiving That Lead to Thanksgiving in Everything

• Giving thanks to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15 ) leads to thanksgiving for all His gifts for bodily needs (1 Timothy 4:3-4 ).
• Giving thanks for His lovingkindness and mercy (Psalm 106:1 ) leads to thanksgiving for all His good and mighty acts on our behalf (Psalm 106:2 ).
• Giving thanks for His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness every night (Psalm 92:1-2 ) leads to thankfulness in song for all His favour, twenty four hours a day.
• Giving thanks for the loyalty of others to the Scriptures (1 Thessalonians 2:13 ) leads to thanksgiving for all the evidences of advancing in the faith (Romans 1:8; Ephesians 1:15-16 ).
• Giving thanks for the work we have been given to do (1 Timothy 1:12 ) leads us to give thanks for all the help of fellow believers (Acts 28:15; Colossians 1:12 ).
• Giving thanks always glorifies God (2 Corinthians 4:15 ).

Be joyful, prayerful, thankful - this is God's will for you. These are good rules for your lifestyle.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you believe in taking the positive line by doing all the good you can?

2. Are you living by the command to rejoice always?
   • What does it mean to you to pray without ceasing?

3. How do you find it possible to be thankful in all circumstances and so fulfill God's will?
   • What are some of your subjects of thanksgiving that lead to thanksgiving in everything?