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Pastor's Blog October 13, 2022
"1 Thessalonians 5"
Most Christians are convinced prayer is absolutely essential preparation for the second coming of Jesus. But did you know that the practice of gratitude is just as essential? In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (NIV).
This passage is the capstone to what Paul has been talking about in verses 16-18: joy, prayer, and gratitude go hand-in-hand. Paul tells us to always rejoice (verse 16), and rejoicing is related to giving thanks (verse 18). Similarly, to pray unceasingly (verse 17) includes giving thanks and praise to God (verse 18). Finally, unceasing prayer (verse 17) includes prayers of rejoicing (verse 16) as well as prayers of gratitude (verse 18). But the kind of gratitude Paul has in mind is something that comes from God as a gift to us. The literal translation of verse 18 is: "In every single thing, express thanks - for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus into you."
Paul isn't saying every situation is praiseworthy; rather, what he's saying is that there's always something to praise God for in every situation (even if it's only gratefulness that you have the ability to express gratitude). And the reason this is true is due to what God is doing: he is pouring his will in Christ Jesus into you. You do not create gratitude in your heart. Instead, you receive gratitude from God and get to express it as your own in giving thanks.
Friends, the best preparation for the second coming of Jesus is to express thanks in every single thing and situation you encounter, knowing that God's will for you in Jesus is to put thanks in your heart.
God bless,
Pastor Nathaniel Gamble
