THE ESSENCE OF THANKSGIVING
Colossians 3:17
Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.
Introduction:
Paul urged his readers not only to divest themselves of behavior not appropriate to their union with Christ but also to clothe themselves with attitudes and actions that are appropriate. He did so to complete their understanding of their responsibilities as Christians. We should say all words and practice all deeds in harmony. We are to do all with thanksgiving to God. When faced with a question about what the Christian should do, Paul taught that we should simply ask ourselves what conduct would be appropriate for one identified with Christ.
Body:
Notice the emphasis on the duty of thanksgiving.
I. Thanksgiving should be done in words or in deeds.
a. In words
1 Chronicles 16:8-9 8 Give thanks to the LORD call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
b. In deeds
Psalm 107:21-22 21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings.
II. Thanksgiving is a command in order to give God glory.
a. We must desire it.
Ephesians 5:20-21 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
b. We must aim it.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
III. Thanksgiving is a grateful remembrance of the mercy of God.
a. We are once lost and slave.
Romans 6:17-18 17 but thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
b. We are enemies before.
Romans 5:10-11 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving should be done in word or in deed we must desire it and aim it in order to glorify His name. We give thanks to God, for it was a grateful remembrance of the mercy of God on us.
