Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ASV)

A final member of this triplet for personal development is “Give thanks in all circumstances.” No combination of happenings can be termed “bad” for a Christian because of God’s constant superintendence (Romans 8:28). We need to recognize that seeming aggravations are but a temporary part of a larger plan for our spiritual well-being. Out of this perspective we can always discern a cause for thanks. In fact, failure to do this is a symptom of unbelief (Romans 1:21).

“For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” justifies all three brief commands. Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks do not exhaust God’s will but are vital parts of it. “In Christ Jesus” is a significant qualification of God’s will because only here can inner motives be touched. Paul’s earlier rule, the Mosaic law, was strong on outward conformity, but was helpless to deal with human thoughts. It could not dictate an inner attitude even though it was a perfect expression of God’s will. In union with Christ, together with an accompanying inward transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17), however, compliance with God’s standards can extend to motives. These three commands penetrate the innermost recesses of human personality—the spring from which all outward obedience flows. The true victories in life are won by Christians who are joyful, prayerful, and thankful.