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Life lived in the power of the Spirit produces “a stable and deep-rooted joy” (Marshall, 155), which is not a worked-up, human emotion of “feeling good.” In circumstances of suffering, persecution and distress (2:14; 3:7-8), the Spirit keeps the believer’s eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (see Heb 12:2). External circumstances neither create nor prevent this joy.
Prayer is the constant attitude of the believer (see Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2). To pray continually means that every activity must be carried on with a sense of God’s presence (see Bruce, 127).
Paul commands his readers to give thanks in the midst of all circumstances, not to give thanks for all circumstances. There is a world of difference between these two views. The latter denies evil and suffering. The former believes that in every circumstance one can give thanks for hope in Christ that cannot be vanquished (see Ro 8:39).
Life in the Spirit consists of the positive joy, communion, and thanksgiving made possible by his presence. God’s commands are not met in one’s own strength.
Paul warns against putting out the Spirit’s fire (v.19). The specific issue is prophecy. Paul is unequivocal: “Do not treat prophecies with contempt” (v.20). Equally, they ought to test everything, hold on to the good and reject any “evil type of phenomenon allegedly inspired by the Spirit” (Marshall, 159).
Prophecy was important to the early church for the task of explaining the meaning of the OT in light of Jesus and for building up the church through correction and instruction.
Paul strikes a balance between a gullible acceptance of any claim to prophetic utterance and a cynical disdain that denies its possibility. He does not give the criteria for discernment here, but other texts may help (see especially 1Co 12-14). Prophetic utterance must be consistent with the oral tradition. It does not announce revelation direct from God independent of the tradition. It draws attention to the lordship of Jesus who is God’s final and complete revelation (see Heb 1:1-2). Finally, it builds the church.