Give Thanks in All Circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Key Verse 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1. What is one of Paul’s main themes in his first letter to the Thessalonians? (4:16; 5:1-2) How are verses 16-18 related to faith in the second coming of Jesus?
2. What kind of joy is Paul talking about in verse 16 and how is it different from worldly joy? How can we be joyful “always”? (cf. Psalm 16:11; Acts 16:25)
3. What is prayer? (cf. 1 John 5:14-15) What does “pray continually” mean (cf. Luke 18:1) and what are the fruits of continual prayer? (cf. Galatians 5:22-23)
4. What should be our basic attitude toward God and why? (cf. Genesis 1:1; James 1:17) What happens to those who do not thank God? (cf. Romans 1:21) How can we give thanks in all circumstances? (cf. Romans 8:28)
5. How are rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances related to God’s will for you in Christ Jesus? At this Thanksgiving season, what are you thankful to God for?