1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
‘Three delightful duties’
Read Philippians 4:4-13
Writing by divine inspiration, the apostle Paul admonishes all believers to do three things: ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.’ Our God is so gracious to his people that he makes delight a duty! What could be more delightful and pleasant than constant joy, prayer and thanksgiving? May God give each of us a heart to engage eagerly in these three delightful duties.
‘Rejoice evermore!’ Our sins are forgiven. We have the righteousness of God in Christ imputed to us. We are accepted in the Beloved. We are children of God by faith in Christ, heirs of God and joint-heirs with his Son, Jesus Christ. That one who loved us and gave himself for us is the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Why should we mourn? ‘My Beloved is mine, and I am my Beloved’s.’ What then can keep me from rejoicing? I will rejoice in God my Savior at all times. I cannot rejoice in sorrow, pain and trouble. But I can rejoice in my God in the midst of sorrow, pain and trouble.
‘Pray without ceasing!’ Paul does not mean that we should always be engaged in audible prayer. His meaning is ‘Live constantly before God in conscious, believing dependence upon him.’ He is simply telling us to believe God at all times. When you are serving and worshipping the Lord, believe him, acknowledge your dependence upon the blood and righteousness of Christ for acceptance with God. When you sin, trust Christ for pardon. When you are tempted and tried, trust Christ for protection. When you work, trust Christ for strength. When you eat, acknowledge that you are fed by the hand of God’s goodness. In all things, willingly submit to and trust the wise, adorable, good providence of your God.
‘In everything give thanks!’ At all times, in all circumstances, give thanks to God. Faith can give thanks in all things, because faith realizes that whatever comes to pass comes to pass by the will of God. Give thanks, because, whatever your present circumstances, ‘This is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’