Rejoice, Prayer, Give Thanks

[전승훈2]

Summary:

Paul gives three short but continuous instructions to the believers: they are to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. These commands are not tied to particular circumstances or seasons of life but are to characterize the believer's ongoing relationship with God. Joy is to remain constant, prayer is to be continual, and thanksgiving is to be offered in every situation. Paul concludes by stating that this way of life is God's will for believers in Christ Jesus. The passage presents rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude as the regular and enduring posture of those who belong to Christ.

Teaching:
We cannot continually rejoice unless we have received the Holy Spirit and are empowered by Him. It is only through the fullness of the Holy Spirit that we are able to rejoice always, regardless of our circumstances.

In every situation and in every matter, we should not simply act according to our own desires. Instead, we are to bring everything before God in prayer and seek to act according to His will.

Those who come before God in prayer cannot help but offer prayers of thanksgiving, whether considering their own circumstances or the circumstances of those for whom they pray. Those whose lives are in God's hands can give thanks for every situation because they know that God is actively involved and sovereignly at work.

Because God is good, we can entrust ourselves to Him and follow His leading with confidence that He will bring about what is good. Sometimes that goodness may be seen in specific events along the way, but ultimately the goodness God promises is understood in light of the final outcome. His purposes are revealed most fully when everything is brought to its ultimate conclusion.

Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Jul 21, 2026
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18