January 29, 2023 · Pastor Matt Stokes
Gratefulness
Faith
Overcoming
Forgiveness
Encouragement
Pastor Matt Stokes
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In God’s sovereignty, the persecutors and the persecuted will both bring Him glory.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9a
We will not let the machinery of the ministry take the place of loving the family.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The Father’s heart is to form the character of Christ in us.
(Galatians 4:19)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
“Nothing happens to us - it happens for us”!
(Romans 8:28)
If God is for us... who can be against us!
Romans 8:31
Give thanks in all things for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
[We have obtained] an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you.
- 1 Peter 1:4
One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 3:13-14
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Don't allow what man thinks ABOUT US to become more important than what God has said TO US.
Search me, O God, and know my heart.
- Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart
- Psalm 139:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
- Proverbs 4:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart
- Psalm 139:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
- Proverbs 4:23
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
- Matthew 12:34
We give thanks for all things, because this is the will of God for us, in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
There’s thankfulness even in the midst of brokenness!
Discussion Questions:
1) Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. The final phrase says, "… For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." There are several biblical scholars that believe this phrase is regarding all three statements in verses 16 through 18. Why does the Apostle Paul use such extreme language? Are these commands realistic? How do we achieve this level of spirituality?
2) Pastor Matt talked about not letting the "machinery of the ministry" take the place of "loving the family." What does this mean? Can you think of examples of this? Why does it happen? What steps can we take to avoid it?
3) Can you remember a time when it seemed like God was "setting you back," but eventually, you came to realize that God was "setting you up" for your good and His glory? Would you please share about it with your group?
4) Do you remember times when what other people "thought about you" became more important than what God "said about you"? What kind of negative affect did this have on your life? Are you still struggling with it, now? How can we help each other when someone is emotionally/psychologically hijacked by people and/or circumstances? How can we help ourselves to be thankful in this (and all of the above) circumstance(s)?