KEY PRINCIPLES FROM THIS MESSAGE:
“rejoice” – from chairete [present-active-imperative is used for commands, urging ongoing or repeated action] – means rejoice, be glad, be joyful.
Human emotions are the result of proper Biblical thinking. The mind leads our emotions. So, when God commands our emotions (e.g., “rejoice always”) we are only able to obey if our state of mind is dominated by Truth.
Bad doctrine (what’s in the mind) breeds bad eyesight!
As the mind goes, so goes the heart.
If you don’t obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you cannot obey any others!!!
The Gospel is the preeminent command of commands! All other commands are dependent on this one.
A darkened heart, as evidence of an advanced perversion of the mind, believes that it is righteous.
Because of the perversion of the sin nature, the “law of sin that dwells in [our] members” will always appeal to human emotions to lead the mind against God’s will (ref: God’s will is captured in the mind – ref: 2Co 10:3-6).
If you want to OBEY the commands of God that directly relate to human emotions (e.g., “rejoice always” – 1Th 5:16), then, “set your mind on the things of the Spirit” (Ro 8:5), aka, the “sacred writings that are able to make you wise” (2Ti 3:15).