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.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A. The Maturing Christian in Fellowship with God

1. Lives a rejoicing life: 1 Thess. 5:16

a. What joy is not

– Giddy emotionalism caused by external means: Phil. 4:4

– Dependent on circumstances: Habakkuk 3:17-18

b. What joy is

– Comes from the truth of the Gospel believed and received: Luke 2:10-11, Acts 8:39, Acts 13:44-52, Rom. 15:13

– A by-product of our new life in Christ: John 15:11; 16:24

– Known by the presence of God: Psalm 16:11

– Given by the Holy Spirit: Gal. 5:22

– Not sought in and of itself: Jer. 29:12-13

– Strength for the Christian Life: Nehemiah 8:10

– Fragile, not in itself, but our experience of it: Psalm 51:12

c. When this command is to be obeyed

– Always: 1 Thess. 5:16

– On every occasion: Phil 4:4

DEFINITION OF JOY: “Joy is the gift of God brought about by the Gospel of the Lord Jesus bringing lasting contentment in all situations, enduring strength in all circumstances and sustained satisfaction in the heart and mind of the redeemed child of God.”