The Christian's "Things to do List" (Part 3): 1 Thessalonians 5 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

Scripture

• 1 Thessalonians 5

About this sermon

What else should be on the Christian’s “Things to Do List” ? The answer is running after righteousness. We are to ever follow that which is good, not just when we feel like it, but all the time. This word “follow” is from the word dioko {dee-o'-ko} which means “to run swiftly in order to catch a person or things; to press on; to seek eagerly and earnestly.” The Greek tense indicates we are to continually do this. We are pursue that which is good, honorable, and joyful.” What are some good things to follow? We provide a list of things in this message. We are also to “Rejoice evermore!” This is a command. We are to rejoice always. We are commanded to do this because sometimes we don’t want to rejoice or don’t feel like it. God says, “Rejoice always!” We can rejoice because of the joy that the Lord gives to us. The Scriptures provide several reasons why we can have joy. We look at a list of a number of reasons. Paul also says we are to pray without ceasing. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Pastor E. M. Bounds wrote, "God has of His own motion placed Himself under the law of prayer, and has obligated Himself to answer the prayers of men. He has ordained prayer as a means whereby He will do things through men as they pray, which He would not otherwise do." R. A. Torrey made an astounding observation when he wrote, "Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of God's infinite grace and power. All that God is and all that God does, is at the disposal of prayer, but we must use the key. Prayer can do anything God can do, and as God can do anything, prayer is omnipotent." John Piper observed, "Prayer… is the splicing of our limp wire into the lightning bolt of Heaven … God loves to bless His people. But even more He loves to do it in answer to prayer." This 29-minute message was preached on Sunday night, June 6,2021, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.