Thanksgiving!

"... in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus for you."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 ~

1. God commands us to be thankful.  

         "Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High." (Psalm 50:14)

         "Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.  

                                                         (Psalm 97:12)

         "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him,      

          and bless His name."   (Psalm 100:4)

         "Praise the Lord!  Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures    

          forever."   (Psalm 106:1)

          "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For his mercy endures forever.  Oh, give 

           thanks to the God of gods! For his mercy endures forever.  Oh, give thanks to the Lord of 

          lords!  For His mercy endures forever..."   (Psalm 136:1-3)

          "... giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the 

          saints in the light."  (Colossians 1:12)

          "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in 

          Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." 

          (Colossians 2:6-7)

           Read these scriptures for more on this. (Colossians 3:16-17) (Colossians 4:2) (1 Timothy 2:1)

              

          (A.) Every gospel depicts Jesus, who is our example, giving God thanks.

                  "At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that 

                  You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes."

                   (Matthew 11:25)

                          Matthew 15:36 ...and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks...
                          Mark 14:23 And when he had taken a cup, and given thanks...
                          Luke 22:17, 19
                          John 6:11, 23; 11:41

      B.  Daniel was obedient to be thankful even when forbidden by the authorities.

                          Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was
                          signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had
                          windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling
                          on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks
                          before his God, as he had been doing previously.

      C.  It is "good" for us.

                           Psalms 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord ...

            1.  It is a mighty tool in ushering us into the Presence of God.

                            2 Chronicles 5:12, 13
                            Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with
                                thanksgiving...
                            Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and
                                into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and
                                bless his name.
                            Psalms 140:1 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto
                                thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

            2.  It causes us to abound in the faith.

                            Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished
                                in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein
                                with thanksgiving.

            3.  It yields the peace of God in our hearts and minds.

                            Philippians 4:6, 7

      D.  It honors and magnifies God.

                            Psalms 50:23
                            Psalms 69:30

      E.  It is God's will.

                            1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is
                                 the will of God...

      F.  It is a good spiritual indicator of our spiritual condition.

           1.  The wicked are ungrateful: "For ... they did not honor him as God,
                or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and
                their foolish heart was darkened" (Romans 1:21)

           2.  But "the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name." (Psalms 140:1)

III.  How should we give thanks?

      A.  Audibly: with our voice, not just in our thoughts.

                  Psalms 34:1 (cp. Psalms 71:8; 109:30) ...in my mouth...
                  Psalms 35:28 ... with my tongue...
                  Hebrews 13:15 (cp. Isaiah 5:3; Jeremiah 30:19) ... let us offer
                       ... the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

            1.  In verbal testimony.

                       1 Chronicles 16:8 (cp. Psalms 105:1) Give thanks unto
                            the Lord, ... make known his deeds among the people
                        Psalms 9:1 ... I will give thanks to the Lord with all my
                            heart; I will tell of all thy wonders.
                        Psalms 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of
                           thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
                        Psalms 105:1, 2 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon
                            his name: make known his deeds among the people ...
                           talk ye of all his wondrous works.
                        Psalms 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of
                           thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing
                        Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks
                           likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all ...
                        Luke 17:12-18

            2.  In music.

                        1 Chronicles 16:7
                        2 Chronicles 5:12, 13

                  a.  With song.

                            2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto
                                 thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing
                                 praises unto thy name.
                            Nehemiah 12:8, 27 And the Levites...in charge of the
                                 songs of thanksgiving ... with hymns of thanksgiving
                                 and with songs ...
                            Nehemiah 12:46 ...in ancient times, there were leaders
                                 of the singers, songs of praise and hymns of
                                 thanksgiving to God.
                            Psalms 28:7 (cp. Psalms 7:17; 138:1) ...with my song
                                 I shall thank Him.
                            Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with
                                 thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with
                                 psalms
                            Isaiah 51:3 ...joy and gladness shall be found therein,
                                 thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

                  b.  With musical instruments.

                            Nehemiah 12:27 Now at the dedication of the wall of
                                  Jerusalem they sought out the Levites ... so that they
                                  might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with
                                  hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the
                                  accompaniment of cymbals, harps, and lyres
                            Psalms 33:2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre...
                            Psalms 147:7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing
                                  praise upon the harp....

            3.  With prayer.

                            Nehemiah 11:17 ...the leader in beginning the
                                   thanksgiving at prayer...
                            Ephesians 1:16 ...giving thanks for you, while making
                                   mention of you in my prayers
                            Philippians 4:6 Be careful (anxious; worried) for nothing;
                                   but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
                                   thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
                                   God.
                            Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God, ... praying
                                   always for you
                            Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the
                                   same with thanksgiving.
                            1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for
                                   all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
                            1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
                                   supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
                                   thanks, be made for all men.
                            2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God... as I constantly remember
                                   you in my prayers night and day
                            Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always, making mention
                                   of you in my prayers

                  4.  With shouts of joy.

                            Psalms 100:1 (cp. Jeremiah 30:19)

      B.   Publicly.

                            Hebrews 12:28 ...let us show gratitude...

            1.  Among the nations (heathen).

                        Psalms 57:9 (cp. Psalms 18:49; 108:3) I will give thanks
                             to Thee, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing
                            praises to Thee among the nations.

            2.  In the company of God's people.

                        1 Chronicles 16:4, 7; 23:30
                        2 Chronicles 31:2 ...to minister and to give thanks and to
                             praise in the gates of the camp of the Lord.
                        Psalms 11:1; 22:22, 25
                        Psalms 35:18  I will give Thee thanks in the great congregation...
                        Psalms 42:4 These things I remember...I used to go
                             along with the throng and lead them... with the voice
                             of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival
                        Psalms 52:9 I will give Thee thanks forever ... in the
                             presence of thy godly ones.
                        Psalms 109:30 (cp. Psalms 105:1, 2) With my mouth I will
                             give thanks abundantly to the Lord; and in the midst of
                             many I will praise Him.
                        Psalms 111:1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart,
                             in the company of the upright and in the assembly
                        Acts 27:35 And having said this, he took bread and gave
                             thanks to God in the presence of all...
                        1 Corinthians 14:14-17 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit
                             only, how [they] say the Amen at your giving of thanks...?
                             For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other man
                             is not edified.

      C. Privately, at home.

                   Daniel 2:23; 6:10

IV.   When should we give thanks?

      A.  In every circumstance.

                    Ephesians 5:20 (cp. Ephesians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2)
                          Giving thanks always for all things unto God...
                    Philippians 4:6 ... in everything ...
                    Philippians 4:11 ... for I have learned, in whatsoever state
                          I am, therewith to be content.
                    1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is
                         the will of God ...
                    2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:13

      B.  While entering his presence.

                    Psalms 100:4 (cp. Psalms 95:2) Enter into his gates
                         with thanksgiving ... be thankful unto him...

      C.  Continually; habitually.

                    Ephesians 1:16; 5:20 "always"
                    Philemon 1:4 "always"
                    1 Thessalonians 1:2 "always"
                    2 Timothy 1:3 "constantly ... night and day"
                    Hebrews 13:15 "continually"
                    Psalms 34:1; 35:28 (cp. 71:8) "...at all times... continually
                         ...all the day long..."

            1.  Even in the middle of the night.

                         Psalms 119:62 At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to Thee ...

            2.  Three times a day.

                          Daniel 6:10 ... kneeling on his knees three times a day,
                               praying and giving thanks ...

            3.  Every morning and every evening.

                          1 Chronicles 23:30 And they are to stand every morning
                                to thank and to praise the Lord, and likewise at evening.

V.   For what should we give thanks?

      A.  For victory.

                    Psalms 18:47-49 It is God that avengeth me ... He delivereth
                         me from mine enemies ... Therefore will I give thanks....
                    1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us
                         the victory...
                    2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always
                         causeth us to triumph in Christ ...

            1.  Over sin.

                         Romans 7:23-25

            2.  Over death and the grave.

                         1 Corinthians 15:57

      B.   For his goodness and mercy (forgiveness).

                         1 Chronicles 16:34-35 O give thanks to the Lord, for He
                              is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
                         1 Chronicles 16:41 ... give thanks to the Lord because
                              his lovingkindness is everlasting.
                         Ezra 3:11 And they sang, praising and giving thanks to the
                              Lord, saying, For He is good...
                         Psalms 54:6 ...I will give thanks to Thy name, O Lord, for
                              it is good.
                         Psalms 100:4, 5; 106:1; 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 31
                         Psalms 136:1-3 (cp. Psalms 106:1; 107:1, 8, 15, 31;
                              118:1, 28, 29) O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is
                               good: for his mercy endureth forever...
                         Isaiah 12:1 I will give thanks to thee, O Lord; For although
                               thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away,
                               and thou dost comfort me.
                         Jeremiah 33:11

      C.  For his protection.

                    2 Samuel 22:49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies:
                         thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up
                         against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

      D.  For his holiness and faithfulness.

                    Psalms 30:4 (cp. Psa 97:12) ... give thanks at the
                           remembrance of his holiness.
                    Isaiah 25:1 I will exalt thee, I will give thanks to thy name;
                         for thou hast worked wonders, plans formed long ago,
                         with perfect faithfulness.

      E.  For the wonders of creation and life.

                    Psalms 139:14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully
                         and wonderfully made; wonderful are thy works...

      F.  For his truth, his righteous ordinances and judgments.

                    Psalms 119:7, 62; 138:1, 2

      G.  For food, drink and other provisions.

                    Matthew 15:36 ...and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks...
                    Mark 14:23 And when he had taken a cup, and given thanks...
                    Luke 22:17, 19 (cp. 1 Cor 11:24)
                    John 6:23 (cp. John 6:11) ...the place where they ate the bread
                        after the Lord had given thanks.
                    Acts 27:35   ...he took bread and gave thanks to God in the
                        presence of all...
                    Romans 14:6   ... he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he
                        gives thanks to God...
                    1 Corinthians 10:30 If I partake with thankfulness....
                    1 Timothy 4:3, 4 ... [Some advocate] abstaining from foods,
                        which God has created to be gratefully shared.... For
                        everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be
                        rejected, if it is received with gratitude
                    2 Corinthians 9:11, 12 you will be enriched in everything for
                        all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to
                        God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully
                        supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing
                        through many thanksgivings to God.

      H.  For healing.

                    Luke 17:12-18 and he fell on his face at his feet, giving thanks
                        to Him...

      I.  For the evidence of God at work in the lives of God's people.

                    Psalms 109:30, 31
                    1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf for
                        the grace of God which is given you...
                    1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all
                        of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
                    1 Thessalonians 1:3
                    2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we should always give thanks to
                        God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because
                        God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation
                        through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
                    Ephesians 1:16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while
                        making mention of you in my prayers
                    Philippians 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you
                    Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God, the Father ... praying
                        always for you
                    1 Timothy 1:3 I thank God... as I constantly remember you
                        in my prayers night and day
                    Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always, making mention of
                        you in my prayers

            1.  For their zeal.

                        2 Corinthians 8:16

            2.  For their love and growing faith.

                        2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to
                            God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your
                            faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of
                            you toward one another grows ever greater

            3.  For their generosity in donating toward the work of God.

                        1 Chronicles 29:6-14

            4.  For their acceptance of truth and obedience to the teaching.

                        1 Thessalonians 2:13 ...we also constantly thank God
                            that when you received from us the word of God's
                            message, you accepted it...
                        Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God that ... you became
                            obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to
                            which you were committed

            5.  For the proclamation of their faith into all the world.

                        Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ
                            for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed
                            throughout the whole world.

      J.   For spiritual gifts (i.e., speaking in tongues) and ministry.

                   1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more
                        than you all.
                   1 Timothy 1:12

      K.  For salvation and conversion of the unsaved.

                   1 Corinthians 9:15
                    Romans 6:17
                    2 Thessalonians 2:13

      L.  For wisdom and power.

                    Daniel 2:23 ...I give thanks and praise, for thou hast given
                         me wisdom and power...

      M.  For answered prayer.

                    John 11:41

      N.  For everything.

                    2 Corinthians 9:11
                    Ephesians 5:20

      O.  For all men.

                    1 Timothy 2:1

      P.  For the preciousness of God's presence.

                    Psalms 75:1

VI.  The secret of maintaining a grateful heart is contentment.

      A.   Thank him daily.

                    Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us
                        with benefits...

      B.  Thank him no matter what happens.

                    Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I
                        have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
                    1 Timothy 6:6, 8 But godliness with contentment is great
                        gain.... And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
                    Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without
                        covetousness; and be content with such things as ye
                        have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee...

VII. This is what we will be doing "forever" in eternity (Psalms 30:12; 44:8; 45:17; 52:9; 79:13) – even as the angels and 420 elders in heaven at the reign of God (Revelation 4:9; 7:11, 12; 11:16, 17).