Giving Thanks To God Series

Colossians 3:15-17 NKJV

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

COLOSSIANS 4:1-2 AMP

“Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

INTRODUCTION

Our God is not a Natural God but instead He is the Supernatural God. The Church is not a Natural Church but a Supernatural Church because even the gates of hell will not prevail in the church of the Living God.

The people of God is not Natural People but Supernatural People of God. It is normal for every Christian to be loaded with miracle everyday because our God is a miracle working God.

A. Thanksgiving In The Heart and Home

(1) An attitude of gratitude changes everything (2) It is powerful influence in all areas of life.

B. Paul's Goal: To Develop Thankful People

(1) He knows that thankful hearts will make loving homes and churches

(2) He shows how right it is for believers to be thankful.

LET US CONSIDER THREE THINGS

- Our Heart

- Our Life

- Our Prayers

Body:

A. WHEN THE HEART IS RIGHT, THANKSGIVING IS NATURAL (3:14-16)

1." Above All These Put Love" (a) Loving God makes us thankful for His grace. (b) Loving people makes us thankful for family and friends.

2. The Peace of God Comes To A Thankful Heart (Phil. 4:6-8)

3. See What A Thankful Hearts Brings To Us (vs. 16)

(a) We're prepared to receive the word of Christ

(b) Wisdom results from receiving His Word

(c) We teach and are taught from the Scriptures

(d) The joy of thanksgiving fills us with song

4. How Can We Get Hearts Right So That We Will Be Thankful People

(a) We must confess our sins so that we are right with God (1 John 1:9) (b) We must forgive those who have wronged us so that we are right with others.

B. WHEN THE LIFE IS RIGHT, THANKSGIVING IS NORMAL (3:17-4:1)

1. Paul's Formula For Normal Christian Living

(a) We do everything in the name of Jesus

(b) We give thanks for everything.

2. How Living Thankfully Affects Family Living.

(a) Thankful husband love their wives deeply

(b) Thankful wives build up their loving husbands

(c) Thankful children obey their parents

(d) Thankful parents are considerate of their children.

3. Thanksgiving In The Workplace.

(a) Thankful workers give superior service in gratitude to God

(b) Thankful employers treat workers as God treats them.

C. WHEN PRAYERS ARE RIGHT, THANKSGIVING IS NEVER NEGLECTED (4:2)

1. "Continue In Prayer"

(a) Pray when life is good and when trouble comes

(b) Keep on praying even when answer seem slow in coming.

2. "Watch In The Same With Thanksgiving.

(a) Expect God to answer in His time

(b) Give thanks for answers to prayer before they arrive.

Conclusion

A. What Has This Powerful Epistle Taught Us?

B. How Can We Apply These Important Teachings to Our Lives?

C. How Many Will Give Christ the Preeminence Starting Today?