Thankful for Our Win-Win Situation - 11/24/2024 Sunday Sermon

The Tabernacle Today

Thankful for Our Win-Win Situation - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today’s message is a simple one: make sure this week you keep the THANKS in Thanksgiving, and remember WHO to give thanks to: the very God who created you and died to redeem you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Notice how short these 3 verses are: verse 16 is just 2 words; verse 17 is just 3; verse 18 is just 17. All 3 are only 22 verses, (John 3:16 is 24). You could memorize these verses this week and quote them at Thanksgiving!

Notice also that we are told it is God’s WILL for believers to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.” God WANTS, desires, and expects these things to characterize true believers.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. - Deuteronomy 29:29

Notice that God’s word does not present 3 suggestions here, but 3 commands. Believers are commanded to “rejoice, pray and give thanks” no matter how they are feeling or what they are experiencing.

How many times did Paul command believers to “rejoice?” At least 7 times!

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4

Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering…I am glad and rejoice with you all. -Phil. 2:17

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. - Col. 1:24

A non-Christian would not respond well to a command to rejoice and give thanks, especially if their circumstances we’re bad. They would think you cruel for suggesting it.

Do you know who else has a hard time with the commands to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances? Those we may call “carnal Christians.”

As for the one sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and pleasures of life choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. - Combine of Mt. 13:22 & Lk. 8:14

The faithful and fruitful follower of Jesus Christ can be commanded to rejoice whether circumstances are going our way or not, because God has given us an eternal perspective about wins and losses in life.

Bur rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. - 1 Pet. 4:13

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Phil. 4:6-7 (note how close to 4:4)

Christians can always rejoice and give thanks because we pray to the God who is always in control. What do we mean when we say that God is in control? That God will have the final word in our lives, not circumstances.

Genetics is important, but it can’t overcome environment;

Environment is important, but it can’t overcome circumstances;

Circumstances are important, but they can’t overcome our choices;

Our choices are important, but can’t overcome God’s choices.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a Mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. - Zephaniah 3:17