1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Introduction
1. Our text explores what it means to live inside God's will.
• His will is for us to rejoice always.
• His will is that we are to pray without ceasing.
2. The third piece of the puzzle—God's will is for us to give thanks in everything.
• “... give thanks in all circumstances.” (ESV)
• “... be thankful in all circumstances.” (NLT)
3. Not only are we called to be thankful in everything, but also to be thankful for everything (Ephesians 5:20). This may seem challenging, but when we understand why God desires this from us, our perspective shifts. Let’s consider this together.
I. The Need to Give Thanks
A. When We Are Not Thankful, It Dishonors God
1. Scripture warns us about the danger of ingratitude.
• Being unthankful is listed among sins that will define "perilous times" (2 Timothy
3:1-5).
• God's wrath is revealed against those who fail to honor or give thanks to Him
(Romans 1:18-21).
2. When we neglect to give thanks, we overlook God's goodness and provision.
B. God Commands Us to Cultivate (Stir Up) Gratitude
1. We are called to be thankful for what God has done for us.
• “... giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Colossians 1:12)
• He has rescued us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13-14).
2. Our gratitude should abound daily.
• It should flow naturally, springing from faith that is deeply rooted in Christ (Colossians 2:7).
• Gratitude is part of the spiritual clothing we are instructed to put on (Colossians 3:12-15).
3. Thanksgiving is essential to our prayers.
• “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)
• Paul encourages us to include thanksgiving even in intercessory prayer (1 Timothy 2:1).
C. Thankfulness Unlocks Spiritual Growth
1. Gratitude helps us overcome worry.
• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
• The result? The peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
2. Thankfulness, prayer, and joy are interconnected.
• When you give thanks in all circumstances, it cultivates a heart that prays without ceasing.
• A heart rooted in prayer finds cause for joy, even amidst life’s challenges.
3. This cycle—thankfulness-to prayer-to joy—is God’s design for fostering a life that reflects His will (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
If we want peace that surpasses all understanding and joy that defies circumstances,
we must develop a spirit of gratitude.
II. How to Cultivate Thankfulness in Every Situation
A. Trust That God Works All Things for Good
1. We can be thankful even in hardship because of God’s promises.
• “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.” (Romans 8:28)
• Loving God requires obedience to His Word (1 John 5:3).
• Responding to His call comes through obeying His gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-
14).
2. This truth transforms how we view trials.
• We glory in our suffering because it produces perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5).
• We rejoice in persecution, knowing that the kingdom of heaven is ours and our reward will be great (Matthew 5:10-12).
• We face adversity with joy, understanding that trials produce maturity (James 1:2- 3).
B. Make Thanksgiving a Daily Practice in Prayer
1. Express gratitude every time you pray.
• This is a habit Paul exhorts us to cultivate (Philippians 4:6).
• Start by thanking God for blessings large and small before presenting your requests.
2. Give thanks even in trials.
• Daniel modeled this beautifully when he prayed with thanksgiving three times a
day, even facing a life-threatening decree (Daniel 6:10-11).
• Thanksgiving is not optional; it is central to a life of faithful prayer.
3. Practice the discipline of counting your blessings.
Through consistent gratitude, your heart will align with God’s peace, even in the
hardest seasons.
Conclusion
1. Do you want to experience the fullness of prayer’s power? Do you long for joy and peace, no matter what life brings?
• Then obey God’s will by giving thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
• Go beyond—thank Him for everything, trusting that He is working it all for good
(Ephesians 5:20, Romans 8:28).
2. When we live with hearts full of gratitude, we align ourselves with God’s purpose.
• Through Christ, we become “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:35-39).
• Nothing—trials, tribulations, or suffering—can separate us from God’s love when we truly live a life of thanksgiving.
Let us leave this gathering today determined to give thanks in all things. Such a life will not only fulfill God’s will for us but also reflect His glory to the world around us.
