God’s Will for You
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When preaching on the Ten Commandments, preachers like to remind their listeners that “God didn’t give us ten suggestions; He gave us Ten Commandments.” It’s easy to read the English text of the Bible without realizing the imperative, or command, mode of some verses.
Take 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 where three exhortations are given: “rejoice . . . pray . . . give thanks.” We could read these as suggestions, even exhortations, and miss the fact that in the Greek language they are imperative commands. Paul even drives that point home by saying “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in everything are God’s will for His people. “Why?” we might ask. Because we trust that God is watching over our lives continually; that whatever happens comes through the filter of His will—His goodness and love. Even if things are difficult, we can trust Him.
Make 2019 a year of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks—all the time, in everything! This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Take a saint, and put him in any condition, and he knows how to rejoice in the Lord. Walter Cradock
Nate Thomson | Always Rejoice (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
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