How We Are to Give Thanks
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
(Heb 13:12-16)
I. By Being Sanctified
a. Christ’s purpose
i. Define sanctify
ii. Suffered (separation…)
iii. He is our Example
iv. And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. (Exo 33:7)
v. This is not our home!
b. Jews receiving the letter to the Hebrews were “outside of the camp”, that is, rejected by Judaism as heretics.
c. His suffering outside of the gate, bleeding, and dying were all so that we would be sanctified.
d. When your friends and family want to gossip, complain, talk about evil television shows or movies, go somewhere that would damage your testimony or relationship with God…The thankful response is sanctification
II. By Offering Sacrifices of Praise
a. “By Him”
i. Without Jesus we would be unable to offer an acceptable sacrifice
ii. Because of Him we are thankful
1. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. (Hos 14:2)
iii. This praise is continual
iv. We cannot exaggerate the greatness and goodness of His name
b. Continually:
i. Paul and Silas in prison
ii. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (Act 5:41)
iii. Blind man @ GBS
c. Why constant?
i. We are not always happy
ii. We are not always strong
iii. We ARE always blessed
d. By Him you can offer the SACRIFICE of praise!
III. By Giving Support
a. Doing good and communicating – define
b. Do good and share
i. Servers – Jonathan
ii. Homeless
iii. Environment
iv. Meals on wheels
v. Crisis pregnancy center
vi. Nursing home
vii. Reading to children
viii. Tutoring
c. Why good works?
i. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)
ii. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)
iii. The nature of God – He is good!
d. Why Share?
i. Freely you have received
ii. Mat 25 “least of these”
iii. Acknowledges God’s ultimate ownership
e. Don’t talk about it – BE about it
