Give Thanks

Opening illustration: Our power is shut off, and suddenly we become thankful for electricity. Our garbage is not picked up, and suddenly we become thankful for the garbage collector’s weekly stop. A good friend dies, and suddenly we discover how much he meant to us. Our water becomes too polluted to drink and suddenly we appreciate having good water.

Why is it, Lord, that we take for granted the uncounted blessings of life until they are removed from us? (Steve Shepherd in "For Granted or Gratitude" on SermonCentral)

Introduction: Paul compared new life in Christ to changing old clothes for new ones (Colossians 3:9, 10). But don’t we have old “clothes”—attitudes—that feel more comfortable than new ones? What if we’ve tried over and over to be more forgiving, thankful, and peaceful (vs. 14–15) without much change? If so, it’s important that we not misunderstand what Paul is urging us to do. The secret of clothing ourselves in the attitudes of Christ, according to Paul, is being good hosts to Christ in us (1:27). As we learn to consider and rely on His presence in us gratefully, we gradually discover that wonderful new attitudes of love, peace, and gratefulness are growing in us in ways that we sense are not simply the result of our own efforts.

What are the reasons we must THANK God for?

1. Because He has CHOSEN us (v. 12a)

Paul begins by reminding us of the fact that God chose us or elected us, and therefore we enjoy a position of unique favor with God.

We are Holy - set apart from sin, from the rest of the world, and set apart unto God. We are God's unique creation, His people, chosen to demonstrate His reality to the world in which we live. We were chosen to be different so that others can see His power and glory. He restored us to demonstrate His power to the world around us.

And Because God loves us He counsels us to put off the old man, the sinful way of life, and to "put on," or clothe ourselves, cover ourselves. It is the same word used in Ephesians 6:14 where the Scripture tells us to put on the armor of God before we do spiritual warfare. But in this context he is telling us to put on certain characteristics that will prepare us for peace, not war. Whereas in Ephesians we are putting on the armor for war, here we are dressing ourselves for a peaceful existence with other Christians. We are to clothe ourselves with garments of the new life in Christ. These are the garments worn by the person who has been changed by Jesus.

Illustration: Some years ago, the cartoonist pictured Charlie Brown bringing out Snoopy’s dinner on Thanksgiving Day, but it was just his usual dog food in a bowl. So, Snoopy took one look at the dog food and said, “This isn’t fair. The rest of the world today is eating turkey with all the trimmings and all I get is dog food. Why? Because I’m a dog all I get is dog food?” He stood there and stared at his dog food for a moment and said, “I guess it could be worse. I could be a turkey.” Folks, whenever we begin to think that life is unfair we need to think again. (Mel Shepherd @ SermonCentral)

2. Because He CHANGED us (vs. 12b – 14)

Paul is clearly talking about unity in the church. He is talking about the kind of harmony that should exist among those people who really love the Lord, among those people in whom the Holy Spirit is living.

(i) Heartfelt compassion

(ii) We are to put on kindness

(iii) We are told to put on the garment of humility

(iv) We must put on the garment of gentleness or meekness

(v) We are told to clothe or envelop ourselves with patience

When we put on these traits two specific things take place:

(a) We forbear with one another

(b) We forgive one another

Being thankful and having peace are related. Generally, when the church lacks peace and harmony it probably results from self-seeking or dissatisfaction with things as they are. If you are not happy with the way things are going, or if you want things to be done your way, and it’s not being done your way, then it will most likely result in disharmony within the group. Being thankful points one to the realization that all things are provided in Christ. There is little room for ill will or bitterness if thankfulness prevails. If your attitude is that of thankfulness to God for what He has done and continues to do, then you may have little time for dissatisfaction and disharmony.

3. Because He CALLED us (v. 15)