Thursday prior to Advent 3

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16–24—What is our response to and our witness of Christ has accomplished for us? That we rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. This we can do, because we are no longer in our former state, as people who have no hope, in bondage to sin. Christ has set us free, and gives us His gifts of Word and Sacrament, that our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul calls upon his people to always rejoice. How can this be? For a Christian, rejoicing does not depend on possessions or good fortune. A Christian is the happiest person in the world because he has been freed from sin and now experiences the fullness of life. Moreover, he knows who is coming. This is reason for rejoicing, for the coming One brings victory, peace and love.

For Paul the Christian life involves all of life and all the time. In verses 16-17 Paul uses the words, “always,” “constantly,” and “in all circumstances.”  Rejoice always, pray constantly, give things in all circumstances. Being a Christian is not a one-day-per-week, not a forty-hour week. It is a quality of life that pervades all of life. A Christian lives every moment with a God-consciousness. [1]

Prayer for deliverance from sin: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, You desire not the death of a sinner, but rather that we turn from our evil ways and live. Graciously spare us those punishments which we by our sins have deserved, and grant us always to serve You in holiness and pureness of living; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. [2]

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[1] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[2] Collect for deliverance from sin, Lutheran Service Book © Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis