The Gospel Shapes Our Worship — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22
Sep 3, 2026 109
What should happen when God’s people gather together?
1 Thessalonians 5:16–22
[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. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not despise prophecies, [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good. [22] Abstain from every form of evil. (ESV)
We can worship together because the gospel teaches us that Jesus is worthy of our worship.
In these verses, Paul gives a whole bunch of instructions in quick succession. These commands apply to our individual Christian lives, but Paul is also showing us what should happen when the church gathers.
We rejoice together
This does not mean pretending that life is easy or trying to manufacture happy feelings. We rejoice in the Lord as we remember what God has done for us through Jesus.
We pray together
We bring our needs, the needs of others, and the needs of our world before God.
We give thanks together
Notice we are to give thanks “in all circumstances.” Paul is not saying that every circumstance is good. But even when life is difficult, we can thank God for his grace and faithfulness.
Back in chapter 4, we asked, “What is God’s will for my life?” Here in verse 18, we find another clear statement about God’s will: “This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks are not optional in the Christian life. There is no need to speculate when Scripture gives us clear instructions like this.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Paul then turns to listening to God’s word. We are not to quench the Spirit or despise prophecies. But that does not mean accepting every claim without question. Paul says, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
Everything we hear must be tested against God’s word. We hold onto what is good and reject what is evil.
This is another reason belonging to a church community matters. We gather with God’s people to rejoice, pray, give thanks, listen to his word, and encourage one another to keep going in the gospel.
The Good News Is…
The gospel shapes our worship because the gospel shows us that Jesus is worthy of our worship. Jesus lived for us, died for us, and rose again. Because of Jesus, we can draw near to God in prayer, rejoice in the hope of salvation, and give thanks in every circumstance.
Christian worship is not about trying to earn God’s favour. We worship in response to the grace he has already shown us in Jesus. Grace leads to gratitude. God has been gracious to us, so we respond in worship and gratitude.
Reflection
When you next gather with your church community, how can you join with others in rejoicing, praying, giving thanks, and holding fast to God’s word?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited