Living Intentionally: Joy, Prayer, and Thankfulness
Summary
In reflecting on the poignant story of a friend who passed away, we are reminded of the many "I wish" moments that often accompany the end of life. These wishes highlight the importance of living intentionally and aligning our desires with God's will. As we delve into 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28, we uncover God's wishes for us: to cultivate a joyful, prayerful, and thankful attitude. These attitudes are not mere suggestions but are integral to living a life that honors God.
Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the hope and promises we have in Christ. Despite life's challenges, we can rejoice because our joy is anchored in the eternal treasures and incorruptible body promised to us. This joy is exemplified by the hopeful songs of past slaves who, despite their suffering, found joy in their faith.
Prayer is to be a constant attitude, a way of life that keeps us in communion with God. It is not about the act of praying but maintaining a posture of humility and dependence on God. This attitude reminds us of our need for God's help in every aspect of life, fostering a deep relationship with Him.
Thankfulness in all circumstances is a recognition of God's sovereignty. Even when life doesn't make sense, we trust that God is working for our good. This attitude combats entitlement and cultivates humility, reminding us that everything we have is a gift from God.
Furthermore, we are called to be Spirit-filled, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in accepting, discerning, and living out spiritual truths. This involves not quenching the Spirit's work in our lives and being open to divine truths, even when they challenge our beliefs.
Finally, living a sanctified and holy life is possible through God's faithful enablement. We are not left to achieve this on our own but are empowered by God to live according to His will. This journey requires reliance on God's strength and a commitment to align our desires with His.
Key Takeaways:
- Joy Beyond Circumstances: True joy is not dictated by our current situations but is rooted in the hope and promises we have in Christ. This joy is a testament to our faith, allowing us to rejoice even in suffering, knowing that our present condition is not our eternal condition. [04:13]
- Prayer as a Lifestyle: Prayer should be an ongoing conversation with God, reflecting a life of humility and dependence on Him. It is not about the act of praying but maintaining an attitude of prayerfulness, acknowledging our need for God's guidance in every aspect of life. [06:57]
- Thankfulness in All Things: Cultivating a thankful heart in all circumstances acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. This attitude combats entitlement and fosters humility, reminding us that everything we have is a gift from God, undeserved yet graciously given. [14:17]
- Spirit-Filled Living: Being Spirit-filled means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in accepting, discerning, and living out spiritual truths. It involves not quenching the Spirit's work in our lives and being open to divine truths, even when they challenge our beliefs. [19:27]
- Sanctified Living Through God's Enablement: Living a holy and sanctified life is possible through God's faithful enablement. We are not left to achieve this on our own but are empowered by God to live according to His will, relying on His strength and aligning our desires with His. [33:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:19] - The "I Wish" List
- [04:13] - Rejoice Always
- [06:57] - Pray Without Ceasing
- [11:45] - The Attitude of Prayer
- [14:17] - Give Thanks in Everything
- [16:46] - God's Will for Our Attitudes
- [19:27] - Do Not Quench the Spirit
- [23:00] - Do Not Despise Prophecies
- [25:48] - Test All Things
- [28:43] - Spirit-Filled Living
- [31:21] - God's Enablement
- [33:39] - Living a Sanctified Life
- [36:07] - Final Words and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28
---
Observation Questions:
1. What are the three attitudes that Paul instructs Christians to cultivate in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18? How are these attitudes described in the sermon? [16:46]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to "pray without ceasing," and how is this different from the act of praying? [06:57]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of joy that is not dependent on circumstances? What historical example is used to highlight this point? [04:13]
4. What does the sermon say about the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, and how should Christians respond to the Spirit's guidance? [19:27]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between joy and hope in Christ? Why is this joy considered a testament to faith? [04:13]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a prayerful attitude can impact a believer's daily life and relationship with God? [06:57]
3. How does the sermon describe the importance of thankfulness in all circumstances, and what role does humility play in this attitude? [14:17]
4. What does it mean to live a sanctified and holy life through God's enablement, according to the sermon? How does this relate to the concept of relying on God's strength? [33:39]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to find joy. How might the hope and promises in Christ help you to cultivate joy in similar situations in the future? [04:13]
2. Consider your current prayer habits. How can you incorporate a more constant attitude of prayer into your daily routine, and what specific steps can you take to remind yourself of God's presence throughout the day? [06:57]
3. Think of a time when you felt entitled to something. How can you shift your perspective to cultivate thankfulness and humility in similar situations? What practical steps can you take to express gratitude more regularly? [14:17]
4. Identify an area in your life where you might be resisting the Holy Spirit's guidance. What changes can you make to be more open to the Spirit's work and to live out spiritual truths more fully? [19:27]
5. Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's strength and enablement to live a sanctified life in this situation? What specific prayers or actions can you take to seek God's help? [33:39]
6. How can you align your personal desires with God's wishes for your life, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28? What specific changes might you need to make in your attitudes or actions? [16:46]
7. Consider a relationship in your life that needs healing or restoration. How can the hope of eternal treasures and incorruptible bodies in Christ motivate you to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness? [04:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Anchored in Eternal Hope
In the midst of life's challenges, joy is not a fleeting emotion tied to our circumstances but a profound state rooted in the hope and promises we have in Christ. This joy transcends our present struggles, offering a glimpse of the eternal treasures and incorruptible body promised to us. The historical example of past slaves who sang hopeful songs despite their suffering illustrates how faith can sustain joy even in the darkest times. Their joy was not in their immediate reality but in the assurance of a future with Christ. [04:13]
1 Peter 1:6-9 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you anchor your joy in the eternal promises of Christ rather than your present circumstances?
Day 2: Prayer as a Constant Connection
Prayer is more than an act; it is a lifestyle of constant communion with God. This ongoing conversation reflects a life of humility and dependence, acknowledging our need for God's guidance in every aspect of life. By maintaining an attitude of prayerfulness, we open ourselves to divine wisdom and strength, allowing God to shape our thoughts and actions. This posture of humility keeps us grounded in the reality that we are not self-sufficient but reliant on God's grace and provision. [06:57]
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: Identify a routine activity in your day where you can incorporate a moment of prayer. How can this practice help you maintain a constant connection with God?
Day 3: Cultivating Thankfulness in Every Situation
Thankfulness is a powerful attitude that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness, even when life doesn't make sense. By cultivating a thankful heart, we combat entitlement and foster humility, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. This perspective shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of grace we have received, encouraging us to trust in God's plan and timing. [14:17]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt discontent. How can you reframe your perspective to see God's hand at work and express gratitude for His provision?
Day 4: Embracing Spirit-Filled Living
Living a Spirit-filled life involves allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in accepting, discerning, and living out spiritual truths. This means being open to divine truths, even when they challenge our beliefs, and not quenching the Spirit's work in our lives. By embracing the Spirit's guidance, we align ourselves with God's will and become more attuned to His voice, leading to a deeper understanding of His purpose for us. [19:27]
Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."
Reflection: Consider a belief or habit that the Holy Spirit might be challenging in your life. How can you be more open to His guidance and allow Him to transform this area?
Day 5: Sanctified Living Through Divine Empowerment
Living a sanctified and holy life is not a solitary endeavor but one empowered by God's faithful enablement. We are called to rely on His strength and align our desires with His will, trusting that He equips us to live according to His purpose. This journey of sanctification requires a commitment to seek God's guidance and a willingness to be transformed by His grace, leading to a life that reflects His holiness. [33:39]
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (ESV): "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle to live according to God's will. What steps can you take to rely on His strength and pursue sanctification in this area?
Quotes
"Does this command mean I can't be sad, tired, disappointed, angry, and discouraged? No, it is not saying that you can't feel these things because even our Savior felt these things. However, it is to cultivate an attitude that says, in spite of the challenges and trials in my life, there is hope. And because there is hope, I can find joy." [00:03:27] (23 seconds)
"This truth is possible because the rejoicing attitude of a follower of Christ is not based on the current circumstances of one's life, but on the realities of what we have in our lives in Christ now and the promised blessings we have in the future because of Christ." [00:03:50] (21 seconds)
"The fact that the Almighty God is watching over us every moment of every day with salvation granted and eternal life in heaven assured. Now, there may be physical and monetary things that you don't have that others have. You may be going through physical challenges or you have relationships with family and friends that are broken that may cause you not to feel like rejoicing. But in Christ, that which sucks the joy out of our lives can be redeemed." [00:04:22] (34 seconds)
"Many of them were Christians who could rejoice even in their suffering because they knew that their present condition would not be their eternal condition because of Jesus. It is sad when someone is a quadriplegic or is bedridden for years with no hope in this present life. So how can they rejoice? They can because of Christ." [00:06:07] (27 seconds)
"It is an attitude that seeks God first and foremost in everything, just like you would if you had some great news or some tragic news. The first thing you would do quickly and immediately is tell your spouse or your very close best friend. In this attitude of prayer, there's a reminder for a constant posture of humility." [00:07:42] (25 seconds)
"Do you pray before you drive off to work or commute to school, before you enter a meeting with your boss or colleague, or before you take a test or exam? If not, why not? Do you think that you have everything under control, that you don't need to seek the Almighty God for His help and protection? Prayer reminds us of our position and place." [00:08:20] (27 seconds)
"Words should convey what the heart truly feels, or else words are just words without meaning. No wonder so many people get bored with praying. Do you ever get bored talking to your spouse or your best friend? I certainly hope not. Because in that relationship, if it is a deep relationship, you should be excited to share everything, from the day's struggle to the week's joy, to the sharing about sadness, the guilt, the desire to do better, the frustration at self, to everything under the sun." [00:11:38] (36 seconds)
"This is because while what we are going through may not make sense to us, and we don't see any positive outcome for how this experience will help us, we are reminded that God is sovereignly in control. While we may never find out the reason we have to go through what we did until we get to heaven, Romans chapter 8, verse 28 holds true, that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." [00:12:41] (31 seconds)
"Through His enabling power, God would sanctify or give them the ability to set themselves apart from the world. You know, it would be supremely unfair if God expects from us something we are simply unable to accomplish. Like if I asked a child to travel all by himself across the Pacific from Asia to North America to go to Disney World. That's impossible." [00:31:07] (26 seconds)
"If God has called each one of us to live a holy and righteous life, He has given us the ability and will enable us and walk with us through our lives to be able to do so if we are willing to rely on Him. And this is our third biblical principle, God's wish number three. Live sanctified and holy lives through God's faithful enablement." [00:33:58] (27 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?