The First Epistle To The Thessalonians - Executable Outlines

c. His mercy is a source of great joy - Psa 31:7
d. In His presence there is fullness of joy, and He will abide with us if we obey His
commands - Psa 16:11; cf. Jn 14:21,23
2. To rejoice in the Lord always, follow these simple guidelines:
a. Read and feed upon the Word of God daily - cf. Jer 15:16
b. Meditate upon the teachings of Christ and His apostles
1) Jesus spoke that His disciples joy might be full - Jn 15:11
2) The apostles wrote that our joy might be full - 1 Jn 1:4
c. Spend time with brethren who make us happy
1) As Titus’ joy encouraged Paul - 2 Co 7:13
2) As Philemon’s love and joy refreshed the hearts of others and gave Paul joy - Phile
7, 20
d. Lead others to Christ, for they will be a great source of joy
1) As the Thessalonians were to Paul - 1 Th 2:19-20; 3:9
2) As Philemon was to Paul - Phile 1:7
3) As John’s converts made him joyful - 3 Jn 4
e. Sing praises of joy to God
1) Certainly we should sing when cheerful - Ja 5:13
2) But we can also find joy by singing praises (cf. “Sing and Be Happy”) - Psa
71:23; 104:33-34; 135:3
[By being “proactive” and following these guidelines, it is possible to “rejoice always” even when
external circumstances are not conducive to creating joy (cf. Paul and Silas, singing and praying in
prison, Ac 16:25). Of course, what helps to “rejoice always” is to...]
II. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
A. THE NEED TO PRAY WITHOUT CEASING...
1. In prayer we find mercy and grace to help in time of need - He 4:14-16
2. In prayer we find forgiveness of sins as we confess them - 1 Jn 1:9
3. In prayer we find the peace of God, so helpful in anxious times - Ph 4:6-7
Mark A. Copeland
B. THE WAY TO PRAY WITHOUT CEASING...
1. Having “set times” to pray can help create the habit of praying
a. E.g., consider the example of David and Daniel
1) David, whom God described as “a man after My own heart” - Psa 55:17
2) Daniel, whom the angel described as “O man greatly beloved” - Dan 6:10
-- These great men of God made it a habit to pray at set times throughout the day; we
would do well to imitate their example
b. At the very least...
1) Find some time each day to be alone with God in prayer
a) Early morning may be best for some
b) Others might find it easier to be alone late at night
2) Make it a special time to be alone with your Heavenly Father!
2. We should not limit prayers to “set times”, special needs may call for special praying
a. Jesus, praying on important occasions - Lk 6:12-13
Sermons From First Thessalonians 62