What We Are Urged To Do (3)
“We urge you, brothers…” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22
Paul’s final words in 1 Thessalonians urge us in the form or warnings and ways to stay focused on the good we have in Jesus. Be uplifted by…
“Rejoice always” (1 Th 5:16). This is not suggesting that everything should make us happy. It not urging us to pretend that everything is okay when it’s not. He’s not saying fake it. God’s Spirit is challenging us to use our faith in our faithful God to find joy in what God gives and blesses us with over what life and this world takes from us. It’s hard to take our eyes off the temporal to see the eternal. It’s hard to look up to heaven to find joy when there are problems in our lives on earth. So, “Rejoice always,” reminds us that Christians always have cause to rejoice that physical problems can’t take or rob from us.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Th 5:17). One of the ways we focus on spiritual things is by praying. “Pray without ceasing” isn’t really urging non-stop, 24/7 prayer (although we could do that if needed). It’s saying pray in every situation. Never let it be said that we’ve quit praying or that something has kept us from praying. Not only is God listening, He wants to hear from us. Talk to Him about life, about problems, about needs, about desires, about temptations, about sin, and about good things…
“In everything give thanks” (1 Th 5:18). Giving thanks to God recognizes blessings. It’s important to see blessings and giving thanks reminds us that life isn’t all bad. But even more important, giving thanks reminds us that God is the source of blessings. So, we “pray without ceasing” not just as complaining and asking but thanking God for the blessings we do have. We always have reason to thank God for what He does for us in Christ.
“For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Th 5:18). So, what is God’s will for you? Sometimes it gets lost in our busy lives and our personal struggles. His will for you is joy, talking to Him, and having reason to give thanks. The Spirit wants to re-center us, refocus us. The Spirit wants us to use our faith to stay connected to God no matter what is happening in our lives. Remember: God is there! dd