It Starts Small

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²² reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

Rejoice Always

The pursuit of happiness and joy is an exhilarating journey shared by every soul on this planet! Everyone yearns for that elusive state of bliss. They desire to experience it in the here and now. Many hope to carry it even beyond the veil of death. It is a fundamental right woven into the very fabric of humanity. Yet, this quest for joy propels individuals in myriad thrilling directions! Some might dive thousands of feet beneath the waves. They are enchanted by the vibrant corals and vibrant fish found in the deep blue sea. Others will soar high into the heavens, embracing the challenge of climbing majestic Mt. Everest. For some, it means venturing from the serene countryside to big cities. They are driven by the relentless pursuit of wealth and opportunity. Meanwhile, others flee the clamor of urban life, seeking solace in the peaceful embrace of nature. The pursuit of joy can lead some to the sacred bonds of marriage. Others may find themselves on the rocky path of divorce.

What, then, is the profound source of true joy? So often, we are bombarded by the bleak news that floods our screens. Natural disasters cast a relentless shadow. The horrors of terrorism, shattered families, and a tainted culture further add to the chaos. The wicked grip of persecution continues as well. How can our hearts possibly find reason to rejoice? What is the elusive key that unlocks this deep-seated joy amidst chaos?

First, we are going to look at the question, “why should we rejoice?”

God wants us to be joyful

²⁶ To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

God is the ultimate giver of joy! It doesn’t emanate from some hidden place within us, nor does it originate from elusive mystical sources or material wealth. If you truly desire to experience joy, you must earnestly seek God! The closer we draw to Him, the more our hearts will overflow with joy! God yearns for our lives on this earth to be filled with exuberance and delight. He does not want us wandering through life in despair, discouragement, or discontent. He desires for us to embrace the fullness of joy that is found in Him!

Joy transcends mere absence of difficulties; it flourishes amidst them! God reigns supreme, and since the fall, our world has been rife with challenges. This truth echoed even in the time of Jesus. He promised joy to these individuals. They would later witness the heartbreaking devastation of Jerusalem. This occurred at the hands of the Romans in 70 AD.

This unwavering truth remains: God desires their joy to be found in Him! In 1 Thessalonians, we are boldly commanded to “rejoice always.” This isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a divine decree! There are moments when choosing to rejoice demands that we wholeheartedly decide to follow His command. Often, our hearts don’t feel it initially.

Habakkuk made the decision to rejoice in the Lord no matter what difficulties he might face.

¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights.

For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

We are to rejoice because our names are in the book of life

²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10:20

⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:5-7

When you find yourself feeling down and out, cling tightly to the incredible position you hold in Christ! Embrace the powerful truth of your identity. Dive deep into Ephesians 1:1-14. Let these transformative words uplift your spirit. They will ignite your faith!

Reflect – What are some of the blessings you have in Christ?

We possess an everlasting inheritance! We are His beloved sons and daughters, granted the precious gifts of eternal life and salvation. The blessings we receive during our time on this earth are countless and profound. Yet, nothing holds greater significance than ensuring our names are inscribed in the book of life. It is all too easy to become disheartened by this world’s trials. Perhaps we didn’t achieve the degree we longed for. Maybe we stumbled on a test or missed a career opportunity. However, let us remember. These experiences pale in comparison to the awe and joy. Our names are written where it truly matters, in the book of life.

We are to rejoice because of who is our God

¹ The king rejoices in your strength, Lord.
    How great is his joy in the victories you give!

Psalms 21:1

⁹ Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord
    and delight in his salvation.

Psalms 35:9

God is our unwavering strength and our ultimate salvation! He reigns sovereign, holding the reins of every facet of our lives with unmatched authority. His boundless love envelops us, caring for us intimately and saving us from the depths of despair. Each moment, He has our best interests at heart, orchestrating plans that are filled with goodness for us (Romans 8:28). His Word is not just a guide; it is a source of pure joy, drawing us ever closer to Him. We immerse ourselves in the richness of His character. We strive to embody His essence. As we do this, our joy becomes more profound!

True joy is not dependent on circumstances – We are to rejoice always.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

Circumstances can shift unexpectedly, and they seldom promise true happiness. No external condition can miraculously satisfy your soul. Marriage can be a beautiful journey. However, if your heart lacks joy in its absence, it won’t suddenly find it within its embrace. Children and wealth may seem enticing, yet if you lack contentment without them, their presence won’t bring you peace. We must celebrate life in every moment. This is true regardless of whether we’ve met the man or woman of our dreams. It also applies if we’ve landed the perfect job. Even in the face of our deepest challenges, complaining is not our privilege; instead, we are urged to embrace joy. What does this reveal about the essence of our existence?

It reveals that joy is predominantly a choice of the will rather than a fleeting emotion. We possess the power to embrace joy relentlessly, or conversely, to reject it. This mirrors the essence of biblical love—it transcends mere infatuation, where one feels swept away without control. Instead, we actively choose to love. We may also choose to withhold our love. Each decision is a bold declaration of our hearts.

Being joyful is an exhilarating choice—it embodies a radiant attitude and an uplifting spirit, even amidst life’s fiercest storms. This notion may seem utterly absurd to the world around us. They insist that true joy hinges on external possessions and that we are mere victims of our circumstances. However, with the boundless strength of God, we can harness our joy. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit helps us defy all odds and expectations.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:22

Reflect and Application: Can you recall inspiring examples of biblical characters who embraced the profound principle of rejoicing always? Are there any who perhaps even faltered? Do you, with fervor, rejoice in every moment life offers? What steps will ignite your growth in this vital area of joy?

Pray without ceasing

Read and compare Luke 11:5-13 with Luke 18:1-8.

⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; ⁶ a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ ⁷ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ ⁸ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

⁹ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

¹¹ “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11:5-13

18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

⁶ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:1-8

What is the profound lesson we learn here? In both instances, a person was caught up in their own world. They initially shunned the request. They were indifferent to the needs of another. Yet, through unwavering persistence, they ultimately extended their help. This powerful truth resonates. Even those too busy to care can be swayed by sheer determination. Imagine how much more a compassionate God will respond to our earnest pleas. Persistence can pierce the hearts of the indifferent in this flawed world. Consider the boundless grace that awaits us from a loving Creator. He is never too busy to listen.

In both cases, the person making the request shows no hesitation! The guy doesn’t merely tap on the door and mumble, “I guess he doesn’t want to help,” then saunter off. The widow doesn’t timidly ask, “Excuse me, sir, I’m truly sorry to intrude. Could you possibly provide me some protection? No? Well, I didn’t expect much. Sorry to disturb you, goodbye.” No! She boldly declares, “I demand legal protection from my adversary!” and she ardently repeats this plea every single day. Do not falter in your prayers; do not succumb to despair! If your prayer aligns with what’s true and is made in Jesus’ name, unleash it repeatedly. Persist even for decades if it takes!

The essence of this passage is a powerful call to embrace a fervent lifestyle of prayer! We cannot afford to pray just a little here and there. Prayers should not be reserved solely for times of crisis. Reciting a prayer before meals is not enough; we must go beyond the confines of prayer meetings. Prayer should pulsate at the very core of our lives. It must be a vibrant practice thriving in both joyous and stormy seasons. This should be the case regardless of how swiftly responses arrive. We grasp the profound teaching of this verse, and we understand its significance. The burning question remains, “Are you actively living it out?”

Are you fervently praying without ceasing? If not, it may be that you’re caught up in the allure of lesser pursuits. Or perhaps a decline in prayer reflects a heart swelling with pride, leaning on self rather than surrendering to God. Let this powerful passage reignite your commitment to make prayer your utmost priority! What inspiring examples do we find in the Bible that illuminate the transformative power of prayer?

In everything give thanks

²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

We must always express our gratitude, no matter the circumstances! It’s a powerful reminder that in every challenge and triumph, there lies the opportunity to give thanks. We firmly believe that God orchestrates everything for our ultimate good, provided we love Him wholeheartedly. Certainly, it’s easier to be thankful when life showers us with blessings. For example, when our stock investments soar. It is not as easy when they plummet by 70%. Yet, in both scenarios, our hearts must still lift in gratitude to God. Why, you ask?

• We are passionately compelled to rise and fulfill our purpose!
• God is in control, wielding His power with purpose! Every challenge we face is a divine lesson awaiting our discovery, urging us to grow and understand His grand plan!
• Ultimately, every single thing we possess is a magnificent gift from God.
• Money isn’t everything! Though it may fade away, our unbreakable bond with God remains unwavering. Money is merely a fleeting shadow, while the eternal treasures of faith and spiritual connection shine brightly!

Request with thanksgiving – What does the phrase “prayer with thanksgiving” truly mean? Imagine the deep emotional resonance of expressing gratitude in our prayers. It is a powerful act that reflects the very essence of our connection to the divine! It encompasses a joyous acknowledgment of the blessings we have received, inviting a flood of possibilities and profound appreciation. Each word becomes a vibrant expression of love and reverence. Our supplications transform into a heartfelt dialogue filled with hope and faith!

Praying with a heart full of thanksgiving ignites a fiery spirit within us, akin to the humble prayers we offer. It boldly recognizes that everything we have is a precious gift. We don’t earn these, but receive them through the boundless grace of God. The essence of this message is clear: we must embrace a vibrant, positive outlook rather than dwell in negativity. Always seek the silver lining and cherish the countless blessings that grace our lives, even in times of struggle. This is not merely a suggestion; as Paul reminds us, “this is God’s will for you.” To be ungrateful is to stray into sin. A spirit filled with complaints and negativity is equally sinful. Rejoicing and gratitude are deeply intertwined, for God understands that a truly thankful heart radiates happiness. Too often, we find ourselves lost in requests: let us not forget to express our heartfelt gratitude!

Do not quench the Spirit

What does it truly mean to quench the Spirit? Quenching the Spirit is the stark opposite of being filled with His divine presence! To quench is akin to ruthlessly extinguishing a blazing fire with water. We actively quench the Spirit when we turn away from His guiding influence. The Spirit rings out warning bells in our minds about the temptations that seek to ensnare us. When we choose to ignore those urgent warnings and sin anyway, we are quenching the Spirit! If the Spirit lays our sins bare before us, and we refuse to repent, we quench His sacred presence further. When He gently nudges us to pray for someone in need, we should respond. Sharing the life-transforming gospel is also important. If we dismiss those prompts, we are extinguishing the very flame of the Spirit within us!

Every time we turn our backs on Him and harden our hearts, it feels as though His voice fades a little more. Eventually, it becomes all but silent. This silence is not a sign of His abandonment; rather, it is a reflection of our own refusal to listen. We must cultivate a sensitivity to the Spirit’s whispers, responding with eagerness and obedience to His divine guidance and conviction.

 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 

Prophecy was definitely a gift during New Testament times. There is some debate in the church at large about whether that gift still exists or whether it has changed. We will not go too deep into that discussion. It is worth noting that most of the message from the prophets in the Bible is not about predicting the future. Instead, it is about exhortation to repent and obey the Lord.

We understand with fervent conviction that the gift of prophecy in the New Testament was given to select believers. This empowered them to deliver direct revelations and divine commands from God to their fellow church members. The Bible has been completed. This diminishes the necessity for such direct revelations. However, the core purpose of a prophet endures. A prophet proclaims urgent warnings, heartfelt rebukes, and fervent exhortations to God’s people. This lights the path for their spiritual journey!

The lesson we must embrace is to be ever teachable! We have just discovered the importance of not hardening our hearts against the Spirit. It is equally vital that we don’t close ourselves off to the individuals. These are sent by the Spirit to enlighten us or to remind us of the powerful biblical truths. There are moments when God speaks directly to us through His Word. Sometimes, He uses the gentle promptings of the Spirit. At other times, He communicates through the remarkable people He has chosen as His instruments. In either scenario, God is calling us to cultivate a spirit of humility and teachability!

 but test them all; hold on to what is good,  reject every kind of evil.

This is an incredibly vital reminder, especially in the chaotic world we inhabit today! We are constantly bombarded with a cacophony of theories and opinions. They come from every direction—media, co-workers, family, the government, and the very cultures we call home! Some of the nonsense we hear is blatantly wrong. For example, an astonishing number of adults genuinely believe the moon is made of cheese. How ridiculous is that? But beware! More insidious and dangerous doctrines exist. Beliefs and worldviews can stealthily infiltrate our churches. They seep into our lives, often without us even realizing it!

³ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. ⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Do not ever accept ideas without questioning their truth! Dive deep into Scripture and scrutinize them! Don’t allow yourself to drift aimlessly like a ship without a rudder, tossed about by every wind and current! God has bestowed upon you a guiding rudder—your faith and understanding—so seize it! Chart the course that God has destined for you. Hold onto it fiercely. Do this regardless of the obstacles or trials that life throws your way! Satan fiercely battles for the very essence of our minds and beliefs! We must awaken to this reality. We must fervently seek God’s discernment. We yearn to uncover the profound truth that distinguishes the genuine from the deception that surrounds us.

In verses 23-24, Paul passionately declares that God is the God of peace! He desires for us to experience profound peace with Him and with one another. It is through Him that we are sanctified—we cannot achieve this on our own! We must surrender ourselves to His divine sanctifying work in our lives. Paul fervently emphasized that his prayers were centered on the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to. He longed for them to be blameless at the glorious return of Jesus. This is a central theme of this incredible book. Just like them, we too must be ready! God is unwaveringly faithful, and His promises will be realized in His perfect timing!

Pray for us

In the previous passage, we found it profound and important to express our heartfelt appreciation. We also discovered the deep respect for those who dedicate their time and energy to minister to us. Are you actively lifting your spiritual leaders up in prayer? If not, let this be a fervent call to action! How can you incorporate this vital practice into the rhythm of your daily prayer life?

Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss

Should we engage in this discussion? Is this truly a matter of culture? How can we be certain we know? We must tread carefully, for to hastily dismiss a Biblical instruction as merely cultural can create perilous consequences. Yet, in this instance, it undeniably seems rooted in culture. It can be enlightening to dig deeper and consider the universal principle that underlies this specific command. Ultimately, it calls us to express genuine affection and courtesy when we greet our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.

In the vibrant tapestry of cultures around the globe, expressing affection is a delicate dance, often misunderstood. In certain countries, when a brother embraces another brother, it can stir whispers. This act can lead to misinterpretations of their bond. Sometimes, it even results in labeling them as homosexual. Such interactions can leave the recipient engulfed in discomfort, a stark contrast to the warm intentions behind them. Moreover, the dynamic shifts when a brother interacts with a sister. In some societies, such gestures can be deemed outrageously inappropriate. Sometimes, they can even lead to a defensive reaction like pepper spray! The heart of this message is a universal one: to greet fellow believers with genuine warmth. A sincere handshake and a friendly verbal greeting can transcend barriers. However, the nuances of politeness vary from culture to culture, reinforcing the importance of understanding the world around us. Today, in many places, traditional methods of greeting persist, weaving connections that celebrate our shared humanity.

 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

Paul wrote it to the whole church. He wanted it read by the entire congregation. This emphasized the importance of unity and shared understanding within the congregation. He believed that the message in the letter was not just for a select few. It was for every member. It addressed core issues of faith, community, and moral guidance. These issues were relevant to everyone. Paul ensured it reached everyone. He aimed to foster a deeper connection among the believers. He encouraged them to reflect on their collective responsibilities. They could find strength in their shared beliefs.

Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you

Paul, as he often does, closes with a heartfelt benediction that resonates deeply with those gathered around him. He entrusts them into the loving and compassionate hands of the Lord. The Lord loves them even much more than he does. He understands their struggles, hopes, and dreams in ways that surpass human comprehension. With warmth and sincerity, Paul expresses his faith. He believes the Lord will guide them through their challenges. The Lord will shower them with blessings and wisdom as they navigate their journey. In this moment, he emphasizes the importance of trust and faith in divine providence. He reminds them that they are never alone. They are cherished and supported by a love that is boundless and everlasting.

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Discussion Questions

• How can we rejoice always, even when things aren’t going well or according to plan?
• What does it mean to pray without ceasing? How can you improve your prayer life in the coming year?
• How can we give thanks in everything? What principles from the Bible can help us to do this?
• What does it mean to quench the spirit?
• What does verse 21 teach us about discernment?
• What is our role in the sanctification process?
• How has God been faithful to you in the past year?
• Should we literally greet others with a kiss? Why or why not?

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