Pt.7 of the Power (Benefits) of Giving Thanks for All Things
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." What is? I mean, what does this refer to? Giving thanks? Or to whatever part of "everything" you happen to be facing, and in which you're looking for something for which to give thanks? In other words, is God's will for you to give thanks? or is God's will whatever is happening, and therefore you can give thanks in that situation? Or is it referring to the whole triad of verses 16-18. They all are one sentence, divided up by semi-colons.
1 Thess. 5:12-22 contains a series of phrases that sound almost like a list of Christian commandments. It's actually several groups of phrases, or compound sentences. The core theme seems to be in verse 13: "Live in peace with one another." Before that we are encouraged to love those who labor diligently among us. Afterwards we're encouraged to help those who are struggling and seek what is good for others. Next we're told to rejoice, pray and give thanks (vv.16-19). Then we're given counsel on how not to quench the Spirit.
At the heart of it is: "Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I don't believe they should be separated, and I do believe "this" refers to the whole sequence. Continual rejoicing, continual prayer, and giving thanks in all situations are the will of God for us. They are also at the core of the victorious Christian life - a life of peace - here characterized by honoring those who labor for the Lord, living in peace with one another, helping the weak, seeking after good for others, not quenching the spirit or despising prophetic words, and discerning and choosing good over evil.
Verse 23 picks up with "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."
Faithful. God is faithful. He will bring it to pass. What? Your sanctification, to the point of your being blameless, complete, mature at the coming of Christ. This is the Christian life simplified. Live in peace with others-honoring those who labor for the Lord, helping the weak; rejoicing, praying, giving thanks (all of which involve faith in God); and allowing His Spirit to work by not despising prophetic words, but listening with discernment to examine what you hear and hold on to what's good. And all of this is realizing the God of peace Himself is the one who makes it all happen as He sanctifies you (makes you holy).
Holiness isn't about the things you do. It's about Him who is holy making you holy. The way you get in is the way you go on. He saved you, He sanctifies you. You get in by grace through faith, you go on by grace through faith. And faith both frees you to rejoice and be thankful, and is ultimately and most fully expressed by being thankful. You want peace with men and holiness before God? Be thankful.
No comments:
Post a Comment