11/19/2023
This morning I preached from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 entitled, "Thanksgiving Living."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
What is living in God - The Presence of God is one of deep intimacy with our Father. It is that place of knowing Him and being fully known by Him. It is that place of righteousness – where we know deeply, not just academically, that through Jesus, we are truly right with God. There is nothing separating us.
1. Obedience to God (walking in the Spirit)
Obedience is connected to trust and respect. It actually comes from a Latin word meaning “to hear.” When we obey God, it is a sign that we really trust Him and are listening to what He is saying, and truly believe that He knows best
Obedience is our way of showing God that we love Him; and it is through our obedience that God recognizes us and enables us to enjoy His Love.
2. Intimacy with God
Intimacy in a relationship is a feeling of being close, and emotionally connected and supported. It means being able to share a whole range of thoughts, feelings and experiences that we have as human beings.
Our God is a personal God who created us for Himself and is longing for an intimate relationship with us. He wants us to live in a sincere love relationship with Him (Matthew 22:37-38). We need to spend time alone with Him, enjoy fellowship with Him, communicate with Him, trust, and follow Him daily.
3. Transparency with God.
Transparency (OPEN) the quality of being done in an open way without secrets:
4. Daily repentant life.
Definition: True Christian repentance involves a heartfelt conviction of sin, a contrition over the offense to God, a turning away from the sinful way of life, and a turning towards a God-honoring way of life.
5. A life consecrated.
Consecration, an act by which a person or a thing is separated from secular or profane use and dedicated permanently to the sacred by prayers, rites, and ceremonies.
Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Colossians 4:2
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Chronicles 16:34
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."