Title: In Everything Give Thanks
Bible Book: 1 Thessalonians 5 : 18
Author: William R. Shively
Subject: Graditude; Thankfulness, Thanksgiving Day
Objective:
Introduction
Thanksgiving is not just a special day in the life of the Christian. We are to give thanks continually to God who blesses us daily. The giving of thanks is a spiritual experience. We are acknowledging the God who deserves to be thanked for His mercy and grace. Ingratitude is a despicable sin against a loving and benevolent God. Someone has said that “Ingratitude is the daughter of pride.” Thanksgiving fuels the spirit of humility.
I. THANKFULNESS IS COMMANDED
A. CHRIST’S EXAMPLE IN GIVING THANKS.
(Jn. 6:11, loaves of bread; 11:41, Lazarus, Matt. 26:26, Last Supper)
B. CHRISTIANS EXHORTED TO GIVE THANKS.
1. Accompanied with prayer. (Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Phil. 4:6)
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” (Col. 4:2)
Someone has said, “If we should take the time to think more, we would undoubtedly thank more.”
2. Accompanied with praise. (Ps. 92:1; Heb. 13:15)
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
II. THANKFULNESS CULTIVATES
A. CULTIVATES CONTENTMENT.
The giving of thanks cultivates our contentment. It reminds us of the things we have received from God. “Contentment is understanding that if I am not satisfied with what I have, I will never be satisfied with what I want.”
“. . . for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philip. 4:11-12
“Complaining about our lot in life might seem quite innocent in itself, but God takes it personally.”
“You can learn to give thanks even if you don’t feel particularly thankful. If God gives a command, he expects obedience, whether you are in the mood or not. Thankfulness, like forgiveness, is not an emotion. Thankfulness is an intelligent response of gratitude to God.” Erwin W. Lutzer
O what a happy soul am I!
Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be;
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don’t!
To weep and sigh because I’m blind,
I cannot, and I won’t. Fanny Crosby (1820–1915)
It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with who we are.
B. CULTIVATES CHARACTER.
Jesus continually gave thanks to the Father. Christians are to be Christ-like. Thankfulness cultivates our character to be more like Jesus.
C. CULTIVATES CONFIDENCE.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philip. 4:6
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“It’s only when we choose to give praise for the rough spots in life that we will begin to see them from God’s perspective. If we don’t give thanks in all things, we are living in unbelief, for we are assuming that our circumstances are not controlled by a God who loves us!” Erwin W. Lutzer
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:20
III. THANKFULNESS CELEBRATES
A. CELEBRATES THE GOODNESS OF GOD.
When we count our blessings we discover the goodness of God.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Ps. 136:1)
B. CELEBRATES THE GREATNESS OF GOD.
When we count our blessings we discover the greatness of God.
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” (Ps. 145:3)
“A boy carrying a loaf of bread from the bakery to his house was stopped by his pastor. The minister said, 'Son, where did you get that loaf of bread?'
'From the baker,' was the boy’s reply.
'Yes, I know that, but where did the baker get it?'
'He made it,' said the boy.
'But how did he make it?'
The boy answered, 'Sir, he made it with flour.'
'Tell me, where did he get his flour?'
'He ground it from the grain.'
'Do you know where he got his grain?' asked the pastor.
'Yes sir, he got the grain from the farmer.'
The minister said, 'Now son, I will ask you one more question, and I want you to think carefully before you answer. How did the farmer get his grain?'
The lad hesitated and then replied, 'God made the grain grow.' 'You are right, son. Then, you got your loaf of bread from God. So remember, when you sit down to supper tonight, to thank God for it.'”
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. Thankfulness reveals our spiritual maturity. Grumbling and complaining reveals our immaturity. These sins are despised by God and must be repented of.
2. Someone has said that “If Christians spent as much time praying as they do grumbling, they would have nothing to grumble about.” How’s your prayer life?
3. We need to be thankful for what God has blessed us with today. We may have to learn to be thankful for a lot less in the future. Are you a thankful person?
4. The saved give thanks to their Heavenly Father for salvation. The lost can only dread their eternal destiny. Are you saved?
