Living a Thankful Life (1 Thessalonians 5:14-24)
Gearl Spicer, November 19, 2023
Part of the Others series, preached at a Sunday Online service
1 Thessalonians 5:14–24 (Listen)
14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
(ESV)
Sermon Notes
Living a Thankful Life
1 Thessalonians 5:14-24
11/19/23
Is your life centered in thankfulness?
*In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.v.18
*Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
*The most grateful are the most impactful - the most impactful are the most focused!
*What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. A.W. Tozer
Two challenges to address:
1. Can I center gratitude in my heart?
2. Will I allow circumstances to take precedent over convictions?
Discovering His way to gratitude -
I. The potential disruptions in life - 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
A. Unruly - lax at the point of responsiblity - URGE
B. Fainthearted - fear rules over boldness - ADMONISH
C. Weak - fragile and living in doubt - HELP
D. Impatience - lacking progress in spiritual pursuits - PATIENCE
II. The power of faithful choices - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
A. Rejoice - lifestyle of joy
B. Pray - constant connection and focus
C. Thanks - gratitude beyond circumstances
III. The keys to an effective life - 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24
A. Allow His Spirit to work
B. Distinguish His prophetic word
C. Examine to affirm authenticity
At the end of the day, may our lives be a reflection of gratitude to Him
And guidance from Him!
Are you thankful?