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]
[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
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