November 29, 2024
JUSTIN TUCKER | WORSHIP PASTOR
1 Thessalonians 5:16–22
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
When we hear Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5, they can feel like a checklist for the “perfect Christian life.” But this isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about a way of life—a Spirit-filled life that aligns with God’s will for you.
“Rejoice always.” Joy is a choice, not a reaction. It’s not tied to your circumstances but anchored in who God is. Even when life feels heavy, His faithfulness gives you a reason to rejoice.
“Pray constantly.” This doesn’t mean you have to stay on your knees 24/7. It means inviting God into every moment…your thoughts, your conversations, your decisions. It’s about staying aware of His presence.
“Give thanks in everything.” Notice Paul doesn’t say to give thanks for everything but in everything. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right…God’s presence, His promises, His provision.
Then Paul gives us two warnings: “Don’t stifle the Spirit” and “Don’t despise prophecies.” These remind us to stay open to God’s leading and His truth. It’s easy to ignore that nudge from the Holy Spirit or dismiss words of wisdom because they challenge us, but doing so keeps us from experiencing God’s best.
Finally, Paul calls us to “test all things.” Not everything that looks good or sounds spiritual aligns with God’s truth. Hold on to what is good,what reflects His character, and stay away from what leads to harm or compromise.
Today, let’s focus on living in step with the Spirit. Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. And trust that as you do, you’re walking in God’s will, right where He wants you to be.
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
When we hear Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5, they can feel like a checklist for the “perfect Christian life.” But this isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about a way of life—a Spirit-filled life that aligns with God’s will for you.
“Rejoice always.” Joy is a choice, not a reaction. It’s not tied to your circumstances but anchored in who God is. Even when life feels heavy, His faithfulness gives you a reason to rejoice.
“Pray constantly.” This doesn’t mean you have to stay on your knees 24/7. It means inviting God into every moment…your thoughts, your conversations, your decisions. It’s about staying aware of His presence.
“Give thanks in everything.” Notice Paul doesn’t say to give thanks for everything but in everything. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right…God’s presence, His promises, His provision.
Then Paul gives us two warnings: “Don’t stifle the Spirit” and “Don’t despise prophecies.” These remind us to stay open to God’s leading and His truth. It’s easy to ignore that nudge from the Holy Spirit or dismiss words of wisdom because they challenge us, but doing so keeps us from experiencing God’s best.
Finally, Paul calls us to “test all things.” Not everything that looks good or sounds spiritual aligns with God’s truth. Hold on to what is good,what reflects His character, and stay away from what leads to harm or compromise.
Today, let’s focus on living in step with the Spirit. Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. And trust that as you do, you’re walking in God’s will, right where He wants you to be.
Posted in Daily Devos