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GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Key Verse: 5:18

1. What was Paul’s purpose in writing the first letter to the Thessalonian Christians? (1 Th 3:11-13; 5:23)? How was Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, and how much did he love the believers in Thessalonica? (Ac 17:1-9; 1 Th 2:17-20)

2. Read verse 16. What kind of joy is Paul talking about here? How is it different from worldly joy? What is the source of a Christian’s joy? (Jn 15:11; Jn 17:13) How can we be joyful “always”? (Jn 16:22-24; Ac 5:41; Mt 5:11-12; Ps 51:10-12)

3. Read verse 17. What is prayer? (Mt 6:9-13; 7:7; 26:39) What does “pray continually” mean? (Lk 18:1; 21:36; Phil 4:6) What happens to those who do not pray continually? (Mk 14:38) Why should we pray continually? (Lk 11:13; 1 Jn 5:14-15; Mk 9:29; Mt 21:22)

4. Read verse 18a. Why should we give thanks to God? (Jn 3:16; Ps 103:1-5; Ps 136:1; 1 Chron 16:34; Jam1:17) What happens to those who do not thank God? (Ro1:21) How can we give thanks in all circumstances? (Ro 8:28; Phil 4:11-12) How does God bless those who thank him in all circumstances (1 Co 15:57; Ro 8:18)?

5. Read verse 18b. What is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus? At this Thanksgiving season, for what are you thankful to God?