1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The truth we find in Scripture can be hard. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to us. It often is in direct opposition to our pride or comfort. Truths like:
• Love your enemies
• Do everything without grumbling or complaining
• Do not worry about anything
• Husbands, love your wife as Christ loves the church
Why is it so hard to "rejoice always" and to "give thanks in everything" as we see in today's text?
The key to this verse is the little word "in". We can be grateful that it does NOT say "give thanks 'for' all circumstances". It says, "give thanks 'in' all circumstances..."
He's not saying to be thankful FOR the brokenness and sin in the world. Things like, cancer, divorce, miscarriages, disabilities, conflict, etc.
He's saying that we can be thankful IN the midst of these circumstances.
Why? Because in the midst of pain, pandemics, and problems there are ways we can live a life of gratefulness.
Here are five reasons we can "give thanks in every circumstance."
1. The Price He's Paid for Me
• John 3:16-17
• Ephesians 2:8
2. The Plans He Has for Me
• Romans 8:28
3. The Promises He's Given to Me
• Hebrews 13:5
• Isaiah 43:1-2
4. The Progression He's Making in Me
• Romans 5:1-4
• James 1:2
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
5. The Place He's Preparing for Me
What is that gives us hope? One day all sin and suffering will be no more.
• John 14:1-3
What has He prepared?
• Revelation 21:4
1) A place with no more sorrow or crying
a.) Heaven is a place where the hurts and disappointment of this world have no more sting.
b.) Where the frustrations of life are replaced with unspeakable joys.
c.) Where the pains of life are not permitted and the failures of life control us no longer.
2) A place with no more pain
a.) Heaven has no handicap parking places.
b.) There are not pharmacies and prescriptions to fill.
c.) Heaven doesn't have hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers.
d.) The days of aches and pains will cease and all of your pains and problems will be extinguished.
• John 14:4-6
According to God's Word there is only One way to enter heaven. it is through faith in Jesus the Christ. Repenting of your sin and trusting Jesus fully. It is a gift of grace available to you.
Want to talk with someone about receiving this gift?
Text the word "Next" to 662-301-9107 and one of our pastors will connect with you. You can take that next step today!
