In Everything Give Thanks

By - Pastor Daniel C. Inghram

Adapted from: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Lesson 67, July 28, 2019

In the Book of Thessalonians Paul writes to new believers in the Church family he had established in an area of Greece known as Macedonia. In chapter one verse six, Paul encourages these new believers as they are in the midst of significant affliction. As he comes to the end of the letter, he wants to teach several spiritual concepts with emphasis. That emphasis comes by way of brevity and imperatives. These spiritual mandates are some of the greatest passages in the New Testament.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess 5:16-18, NKJV).

All the verbs—rejoice, pray, give thanks—are imperatives. Therefore, these verses are commands. They are not suggestions or recommendations but are foundational to the Christian’s life. Furthermore, each of these verbs is modified by seemingly impossible standards—always, without ceasing, and everything. What does Paul mean by these commands? They describe spiritual attitudes the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ must have that will enable him to produce the desired action.

We have considered “rejoice always” and “pray without ceasing” in other studies. Now, in verse 18, Paul states the third of these spiritual mandates that should shape the believer’s moment-by-moment spiritual attitude. If believers are to “rejoice always” and “pray without ceasing,” then Paul says that we should give thanks for everything.

“In everything give thanks.” Is Paul saying that we should be thankful for broken legs, loss of jobs, the death of a loved one? How are we to obey this command? We need to orient ourselves with God’s plan. There is nothing in life that is a surprise to God. Consequently, there is nothing in life that does not fit into the plan and purpose of God. As Paul teaches us in Romans 8:28, “…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” If God is working everything together for good, then He is factoring in all that is happening in our lives for His perfect plan. Therefore, knowing that God superintends our lives, our spiritual attitude should be one of continual gratitude, being thankful “in everything.”

“For this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for you.” This clause applies to all three of the imperatives— “rejoice always, pray without ceasing,” and “in everything give thanks.” These mandates are not just snappy phrases from Paul. These are God’s commands for the believer in Christ, to see in you the spiritual attitudes of contentment of soul, constant communion with Him in prayer, and moment-by-moment gratitude no matter what the circumstances.

Conclusion: God is an intimate part of your life and you must be aware that whatever is happening in your life, good or bad, is not only in the mind of God, but part of His plan. God is in control. This does not mean that God is the author of the pain, difficulties, and hardships in your life, but He does allow them and effectively works them into His marvelous plan and purpose. Therefore: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

This post was written by Pastor Daniel Inghram of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!