We Are Thankful Because of Christ
We Are Thankful Because of Christ
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Col 3:15-17
1. In the last days people will be “lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Ti 3:1-5)
2. God’s people should be “grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” [and therefore] “let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb 12:25-29)
3. There can be false sense of thanks - “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.” (Lk 18:9-14)
4. Unthankful people will given up to do what evil they think is right in their own sight - (Ro 1:21-32)
5. Let us recognize that thanksgiving produces Humbleness - “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ” (Lk 17:6-10)
6. Remember that generosity produces thanksgiving - “Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Co 9:1-15)
7. Our Speech should be filled continually with thanksgiving “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. (Eph 5:1-13)
8. Christians are to continually pray our thanksgivings - “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Php 4:6-8) “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Col 4:2) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Th 5:16-22) “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Ti 2:1-5)
9. Christians are to receive all food “with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Ti 4:3-5)
10. Christians are to have thanksgiving for each others salvation “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers...For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (1 Th 1:2-5) “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. (2 Th 2:13)
11. As we close let us remember that Christians are to give our thanksgivings to God forever and ever “...and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
(Rev 7:11-12)
GracePointe Baptist Church
2209 N Post Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73141
Phone: (405) 769-5050