Rejoice Always

Rejoice Always

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Good morning,

While the Apostle Paul was in prison, awaiting his execution for being a Christ-follower, he said in Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! NKJV

In the current environment of the world in which we live, being joyful not only seems difficult, but at times, it seems impossible.

As we suffer moments of loss, uncertainty, and heartbreak, it is odd that the Apostle Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would tell us to rejoice.

But it is through our circumstances, as believers, that we grow and mature in our faith in Jesus Christ. So, no matter what trials or losses we face, we can and should find hope and joy, in Jesus!

Please open your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 5, as we take a break out of the Gospel of Mark, for a Thanksgiving message.

1 Thessalonians is believed to be one of the earliest of Paul’s letters written to different churches.

These new Christians were confused about the return of Jesus, and some even believed they had missed the rapture, because of the intense persecution against Christians at this time.

Paul wanted to know how this newborn church was doing, so he sent Timothy back to minister to the new believers there.

Paul wanted to know about their faith, because they were enduring persecution and there were many false teachers who might have infiltrated their church.

Timothy returned to Paul with a good report, and then Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians as an encouragement for new believers.

I. As Christians, when should we rejoice?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16

One of the things that will enhance our relationship with the Lord is to rejoice always, in every situation.

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

1 Peter 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

1 Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

1 Peter 1:9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. NKJV

The word rejoice is actually an action verb, and the dictionary definition means to feel or show great joy or delight.

We should not only rejoice during happy times, but also during sorrowful times as well.

The Christian can rejoice always because our joy is not based on circumstances, but it is based on the promise and trust we have in the Lord Jesus Christ.

John MacArthur said, “There is no event or circumstance that can occur in the life of any Christian that should diminish that Christian's joy.”

Circumstances always change, but the Lord never changes.

Some people, especially those who are going through trials, may say, “It is impossible, to rejoice always, it can't be done,” and in our own strength, they are right, rejoicing in trials is not natural.

Rejoicing in any situation comes from a supernatural joy, which is only made possible by the Holy Spirit.

Happiness comes from happenings, or because something happens our way. But the Lord instructs us to rejoice in all circumstances, in afflictions, as well as times of blessing.

We don’t rejoice when someone dies or gets cancer, but we believe God is doing things in and through our circumstances, and He even turns evil into good, for those who love Christ.

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. NKJV

God promises to give us beauty for ashes. Even with sin, God somehow can still work all things out for our good and His glory after the correction.

The enemy want you to stress out, but God has a better plan.

II. Pray always.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17

The Bible has 377 references to praise and 375 references to prayer. Christians are to pray continually even though we cannot bow our heads, or close our eyes, at every moment of the day.

Prayer is communication with God, and we can live each minute of the day in a continual conversation with God.

For most Christians, prayer is our untapped power source!

Charles Spurgeon said, “The best style of prayer is that which cannot be called anything else but a cry!”

2 Samuel 22:7 In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears. NKJV

“I called upon the LORD” literally means to cry out; to implore aid with desperation.