Rejoice Evermore
A Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Originally preached Sept. 22, 1963
Scripture
16Rejoice evermore.
Sermon Description
What should the Christian’s immediate and continual response be to the gospel and salvation? The response should be one of joy! “Rejoice evermore” is more than an emotion; it is a settled reality of all who are saved. In this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones challenges his listeners with the direct command to rejoice evermore. A Christian is to rejoice evermore for this is the will of God. The command to rejoice is given through the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians. He states that a clear and defining characteristic of the Christian is that of joy. Having experienced the joy that came with his own conversion, the Apostle Paul now instructs all believers that this is the mark of their Christian lives. However, rejoicing evermore is a tall order. Dr Lloyd-Jones recognizes this and asks: “How are we to do this? How can we rejoice in all things? Should we wait on or work up some type of feeling?” He reminds the listener that the Christian maintains a constant attitude of joy by taking their growing knowledge of the truth and applying it by the Spirit. Salvation and the growing knowledge of the vast implications of the gospel when applied by the Spirit will enable the Christian to rejoice evermore.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul exhorts Christians to "rejoice evermore" in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
- Rejoicing should be a defining characteristic of Christians. Examples of rejoicing are seen throughout Acts and the epistles.
- We rejoice for our own sake and for the sake of those outside the faith observing us. Our rejoicing shows we have found the answer and solution to life.
- We should not wait to feel like rejoicing or try to artificially work up feelings of rejoicing.
- We rejoice by meditating on fundamental Christian truths and by the work of the Holy Spirit.
- We rejoice in the Lord - by considering who He is, His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return.
- We rejoice in what we are in Christ - forgiven, reconciled, adopted children of God, indwelt by the Spirit, eternally secure.
- We rejoice in the hope of future glory - our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory to be revealed in us.
- Whether in times of blessing or adversity, these truths drive us to rejoice in the Lord. Adversity should drive us to Christ and remind us of the glory to come.
- Examples of hymns calling us to rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances.
Sermon Q&A
What Does It Mean to "Rejoice Evermore" According to Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
What is the significance of Paul's exhortation to "rejoice evermore" in 1 Thessalonians 5:16?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, this exhortation comes at the end of Paul's letter among a series of general exhortations that are "always important and always true, whatever the particular circumstances." Rejoicing is meant to be one of the "chiefest characteristics of the Christian" at all times and under all conditions. It's not an occasional emotion but a continual state that should define Christian living regardless of circumstances.
How does Lloyd-Jones prove that rejoicing should characterize the Christian life?
Lloyd-Jones demonstrates this through multiple biblical examples: - The early Christians on Pentecost were so filled with joy that onlookers thought they were drunk - Acts 2:46-47 describes how the first Christians "did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" - The healed lame man "went walking and leaping and praising God" - The Ethiopian eunuch "went on his way, rejoicing" after his conversion - The Philippian jailer "rejoiced, believing in God with all his house" - Paul repeatedly exhorts believers to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians) - Peter writes of believers who "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" - John writes so "that your joy may be full"
Why does Lloyd-Jones say Christians should rejoice?
Lloyd-Jones provides two main reasons: 1. For our own sake - "The Christian message is something that is to give us cause for rejoicing." He quotes from Nehemiah that "the joy of the Lord is your strength," indicating that joy empowers Christian living. 2. For the sake of witness - Those outside the faith are observing Christians. "How important it is that we should give them the impression that we know the answer and have discovered the solution." Our joy testifies to the reality of our faith.
What does "rejoice evermore" mean in practical terms?
It means rejoicing not just sometimes when circumstances are favorable, but always—even during troubles, trials, and tribulations. The truly remarkable aspect is being able to "rejoice when things are going against us." This demonstrates having "something which takes you above your circumstances and enables you to be a master of every situation."
How can Christians practically maintain constant rejoicing?
Lloyd-Jones gives a two-part method: 1. Realizing and meditating on fundamental Christian truths 2. Experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit
He warns against trying to: - Wait passively for feelings of joy to come - Work up artificial feelings through external activities - Put on a superficial cheerfulness
What truths should Christians meditate on to maintain joy?
Lloyd-Jones recommends meditating on: 1. The Lord Himself - Consider who Christ is, why He came, His life, death, resurrection, and His current reign and future return 2. Your identity in Christ - Remember you've been "translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear son" 3. Your forgiveness and reconciliation with God 4. Your adoption as a child of God 5. The indwelling Holy Spirit 6. Your eternal security 7. Your glorious future hope
How can a Christian rejoice even in adversity?
Lloyd-Jones offers several insights: - Recognize adversity is inevitable in a fallen world - See adversity as something that drives you to Christ - Remember that difficulties are temporary and heaven is your home - Consider it an honor to share in Christ's sufferings - Understand that "all things work together for good to them that love God"
What role does the Holy Spirit play in Christian joy?
The Holy Spirit is essential to Christian joy. Lloyd-Jones warns: "Don't quench the Spirit. Don't be so polite and so genteel in your religion and your worship that you quench the Spirit. Give him freedom. Let him act upon you." The Spirit testifies with our spirits that we are children of God and gives us assurance. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the Word and the Spirit must work together—neither alone is sufficient.
Other Sermons
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.