Already Within You
Speaker: Pastor Phil Pace
Additional Resources: Extra readings and details are available and appear on this page indented like this.
The Thessalonians: Real People with Real Problems!
One of the Earliest Christian Writings
Paul Was Writing to a Suffering Community
Gratitude Was Countercultural in Roman Honor Culture
Thessalonica’s Stressful Environment
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1) V. 16 The ability to Live a Life Filled With Joy
“Rejoice always”
xaĂrĹŤ "favorably disposed, leaning towards" and cognate with 5485/xáris, "grace") – properly, to delight in God's grace ("rejoice") – literally, to experience God's grace (favor), be conscious (glad) for His grace.
xairō ("rejoice") is also cognate with 2168/euxaristéō ("give thanks for grace"). Both literally mean "grateful."
("Grateful" is an old English term, derived from the even older term, "grace-ful" – which literally means "fullness of grace.”)
The core-idea of "rejoice" or “grateful" in its NT sense is "personally knowing God's grace at work." 5463/xaĂrĹŤ ("glad for God's grace")
Colossians 1:24: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" (NASB).
2) The Ability to Live a Life Anchored In Prayer
V. 17 - “Pray without ceasing.”
Pray - Prayer is an exchange:
proseĂşxomai (from 4314/prĂłs, "towards, exchange" and 2172/eĂşxomai, "to wish, pray") – properly, to exchange wishes; pray – literally, interact with the Lord to switch human wishes (ideas) for His wishes (i.e. as He imparts faith, "divine persuasion"). Accordingly, praying (4336/proseĂşxomai) is closely inter-connected with 4102/pĂstis ("faith") in the NT
God has Given you the Ability by His Faith to Pray.
PROS - Intensifies the Word Euxomai
implying interactivity with God. This exchange is integral to true praying (4336/proseĂşxomai), since it is two-way communication with God (a dialogue, not a monologue).
Praying - at all times -
adialeiptĹŤs ("without unnecessary gap")
means "as continuous as necessary," or "as often as called for." 89
Reflection: The Lord is always in control and sometimes we are aware of it! - We get the opportunity in Prayer
Application:
Be quick to pray with someone
Making times in your day for concentrated prayer.
Morning – Noon - Night
Third Fridays!
Sunday before Services!
Calling/texting a friend(s)
3. The Ability to Live a Life Overflowing with Gratitude
V. 18 “Give thanks in all circumstances”
Give Thanks:
euxaristéō (from 2095/eú, "good" and 5485/xáris, "grace") – properly, aware that "God's grace works well"
When we give thanks – literally, "thankful for God's good grace.”
2168/euxaristeĹŤ ("giving thanks for God's good work of grace")
What does that mean?
means acknowledging the Lord always brings what is favorable to His eternal purpose. (i.e. for eternal gain and His glory)
When we know God’s flavor is upon us - This evokes thankfulness ("grace gladness") in believers as they
receive and obey faith from God,
Accordingly, 2168/euxaristĂ©ĹŤ ("giving thanks for grace") is closely associated with faith (4102/pĂstis), and includes being glad when others thrive (live) in faith
2168 (euxaristeĹŤ)
means recognizing God is achieving His eternal purpose, regardless of the circumstance (1 Thes 5:18; see also Eph 1:11).
The Bad: When Thankfulness Dies, - Hope Fades
A. Ingratitude blinds us to God’s presence
B. Ingratitude leads to spiritual decline
Example Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
The Good! - Why God commands thanksgiving
- God doesn’t want you to be eaten up inside!
- Instead of “God, why me?” it becomes “God, thank You that You’re with me.”
- Gratitude rewrites the story we tell ourselves.
- It re-aligns our hearts with truth.
- It protects us from despair and spiritual attack.
- Gratitude turns our eyes from the problem to the Provider.
- Thankfulness is an act of faith: “God, You are still working.”
Practical Application: Thankfulness
“Cultivating Thankfulness When Hope Feels Low”
1. Daily practice of naming three things you’re thankful for
2. Thank God for progress, not perfection
3. Speak gratitude aloud
4. Use Scripture to thank God specifically
5. Thank God in the middle of trials
