Give Thanks Series

Please turn to Philippians 6

Genuine thankfulness to God is a powerful uniting force for believers. When a dispute broke out in Philippi amongst two women, Paul discussed the testimony of the Gospel through the unity that was at state. It was through prayer and thanksgiving that would overcome disagreements for the cause of Christ. All prayers of thanksgiving to God are made by people who acknowledge Christ as Lord and themselves as his disciples; it is because of this relationship that they offer their prayers to God. (Bratcher, R. G., & Nida, E. A. (1993). A handbook on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (p. 136). New York: United Bible Societies.)

He explained this relationship to the Philippians in Philippians 4:

Philippians 4:1-7 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

• Believers are to be “overflowing with gratitude” (Col. 2:7) and continually offer “up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). The word gratitude comes from the same root word as grace. If we have experienced the grace of God, then we ought to be grateful for what God brings to us (Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Eph 5:20).

Illustration: 6577 Thankful For Unusualness

Dr. Alexander Whyte of Edinburgh was famous for his pulpit prayers. He always found something to thank God for, even in bad times. One stormy morning a member of his congregation thought to himself, “The preacher will have nothing to thank God on a wretched morning like this.” But Whyte began his prayer, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.” (Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations : A Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers. Garland TX : Bible Communications, 1996, c1979)

Finally,

4) How are we to be thankful?—in the name of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20d (giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (ESV)

To give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is to give thanks consistent with who He is and what He has done. We can give thanks always and for all things because no matter what happens to us it will turn out not only for our ultimate blessing but, more importantly, for His ultimate glory. Putting everything that we have seen up to this point together is this last statement. We are not to thank God for things that He despises. When a drunker driver kills another person, we praise God for His presence in the midst of such terrible events and for His redeeming purposes which can bring light out of darkness. This has all occurred and been enabled though our Lord Jesus Christ. (R.C. Sproul. The Purpose of God: Ephesians. Christian Focus Publications. 2002. p. 128).