4/25/25

1 Thessalonians 5:16 NASB95 Rejoice always.

Our verse today is two simple words that seem to be easy to accept. That is until you place them together while living in a fallen world.

Rejoice:

According to the ancient religious philosopher Philo, "Joy is a supreme good mood.” "It is the opposite of fear." He also states "God is the giver of joy, and its objects are health, freedom, honor, the good, the beautiful, and worship."

Secular dictionary's define rejoice as to be joyful and glad.

The Bible, however, teaches that you can rejoice with faith and that in that faith, joy maintains itself in the face of affliction and even martyrdom. Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts.

If we look at the act of rejoicing in the ways of the world, then it is not possible to "rejoice always" as our scripture says. Because there are times in this fallen world when we are struggling and fear what is coming. However, when we have joy in our faith then we can have it always.

Faith is a commitment to truth. That Jesus is the salvation of the world in the only begotten Son of God.

Faith is allotted by God, and when that faith is responsible for Joy that is also from God, then even in trials and tribulations, you can "rejoice always."

I would like to share with you an example of rejoicing in times of struggle in my life.

We were expecting a little girl at the end of March. When her water broke in November, the doctor said she would not survive. If she is born alive, she will live for a few days or weeks, suffer, and die. He recommended abortion. When we said no he kept on for several days until we finally had a talk alone. He said your baby will suffer for a short period and die if she lives at all. Do you want that? I responded, "No, I do not want my baby to suffer, but if I get a week, a day, an hour, or a minute with her, I will praise the Lord and rejoice." God is the giver of joy, and when you have faith in Him, even in extremely difficult situations, you can "rejoice always."

By the way, when you "rejoice always," God will ALWAYS bless you with reasons to REJOICE!

Abraham rejoiced without a son, and at 100 years of age, He was given a son, Isaac. By the way, Isaac means to laugh. Which the world would associate with joy.

Oh, and my daughter, her name is Rachel. She is 28 years old, and I have been blessed by God with many years of Joy in her life.

Rejoice always!

Two simple words that the world says can't go together.

It may seem impossible to the world, but with God, all things are possible.

In the next two verses, it explains this.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NASB95 pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice always in Christ Jesus through unceasing prayer and thanks in everything. This is the will of God for you!

Love Bro. Scott