Weekly Devotional 1-20-20 In Everything Give Thanks
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Weekly Devotional 1-20-20 In Everything Give Thanks
Paul, in his first letter of encouragement to the Thessalonians, wrote: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1st Thessalonian 5:18). Did he mean that the Thessalonians were to thank God for things such as sickness, stubbing a toe, the continued rebellion of a spiritually lost love one? Did he mean that they were to thank God when their said loved one passed from this life into an eternity of eternal punishment without having come to faith, or did the great apostle have something else in mind?
As we consider this verse and make an application, we must ask ourselves those same questions. But, we must keep in mind this essential interpretive rule – one must read and consider a verse or passage in its contextual setting. So, here goes!
“1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; 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, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1st Thessalonians 5:1-23)
Paul had in mind the imminent return of the Lord and prophesied that as that day approached, evil would abound, and persecutions would increase. They, the Thessalonians, were not to be discouraged but rejoice and give thanks for all that they were experiencing from the hands of evildoers. They were children of light (were of the Family of God) and would escape the destruction that was coming upon those who were of the darkness, the unregenerate.
In both 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, the coming of the Lord is prominent, and this was foremost in his thinking. We know from 2nd Corinthians 11:22b-28 that Paul’s life wasn’t a trouble-free life of ease. He endured being ship-wrecked, imprisonment, various persecutions, and beatings. Yet, he was full of thanks in all these circumstances because of his expectations of the reward he would receive at the hands of the Lord when he passed into His presence. Having the right attitude about that which they were suffering for the Lord (not physical ailments), was healthy and should cause them to be thankful.
So when Paul said, “In everything give thanks,” wasn’t he referring to things associated with spiritual life and eternity? I think so. stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.