Thanks Giving (2)

Colossians 1:1–6 NKJV

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

Reasons for Our Thanksgiving

Colossians 1:1–6

The true meaning of Thanksgiving seems to have been forgotten by many over the years.

We know it began with the Pilgrims. But why they started Thanksgiving is either not told or “historically updated.”

It’s being taught the Pilgrims were giving thanks to the Indians for their help. But the first Thanksgiving was a time of giving thanks to Almighty God.

In our passage today, Paul is giving thanks to God for what He was doing among the Colossians.

As we look at Paul’s thanksgiving, and as we consider the start of Thanksgiving, we can find for ourselves reasons to thank God during this Thanksgiving season.

Let’s see what can be “Reasons for Our Thanksgiving.”

1 Faith (v. 4).

col 1:4

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints

Paul said he gave thanks for the faith the Colossians had.

Hebrews 11:1 says faith is the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith always has an object to have faith in. Paul was thankful the Colossians’ faith was in Christ Jesus.

We can give thanks for the object of our faith—Jesus. Give thanks for the assurance of forgiveness. Give thanks for Jesus being actively involved in our lives.

Give thanks for the confidence we have that He hears our prayers. absolutely But give thanks for faith for it is a gift of God that no man can have unless the father gives unto them so Give thanks if You have faith even if its faith so small like that of a mustard seed give thanks for

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

We can give thanks for the gift of faith.

Ephesians 2:8–9 says we are saved by grace through faith, and that this saving faith is a gift of God.

God gave us even the faith to believe. God was active in saving us. Apart from Him we are lost alone without Hope but in Him the most glorious hope is found life its self is found love is found.

The faith we have is a gift from Him. We can give thanks that God still gives faith. God hasn’t stopped giving the gift. He still saves today. If you need some faith today Ask the Lord to grant you faith to increase your faith He says you have not because you ask not this is a good thing to have faith if you are struggling to believe ask God to help you and He will

So Give thanks today for the faith we have.

2. WE Thank God for Love (v. 4).

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints

Paul also thanks God for the love of the Colossians. Faith in Christ results in love for others. Love is one of those things that defies description.

The best way we can describe it is to show it and do it. We have so many reasons to thank God for the love shown to us. We can give thanks for the love of our families. Give thanks for the love of our parents. Give thanks for the love of our spouses. Give thanks for the love of our children. We can give thanks for the love of our church. Give thanks for a church with open arms. Where nobody is turned away. Where everybody is full of love. Give thanks for a church that is there in the good times. Give thanks for a church that is there in the bad times. Shoulders to lean on. Love to draw strength from. The times we need it most.

We can give thanks for the love of God.

Love is one thing that every person needs , but it is a gift from God.(Explain)

Give thanks He’s always watching over us. Give thanks He provides salvation for us. Give thanks He provides eternity for us. He has prepared a place for us. He loves us so much He wants to spend eternity with us.

3 Hope (vv. 5–6).

Lets look at vs 5&6

because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

Finally, Paul thanks God for the hope of the people in Colosse.

The hope of Christians is not based on some chance or unknown future.

Our hope is firmly set on the promises of God. We can give thanks for a hope that is reality waiting to happen.

We can give thanks for the hope found in the Gospel.

Jesus came. He lived a sinless life. He died on the cross. He rose again. We can give thanks for the fruit of the Gospel. (v. 6)

People are being saved. lives changes marriages restored addicts clean

Story of the couple in the rv park

As believers, we can give thanks for our hope.

4.Be thankful for the unanswered prayers

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope

Explain

Hebrews 4:15 ESV /

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

So Be thankful for unanswered prayers

be thankful that if you are a child of God

Your sins are forgiven.

Your future is secure.

If you’re not saved, there is still hope for you.

That You can be forgiven.

You can have peace and joy.

You can have eternal life.

Your hope can be realized today.

All you must do is realize how badly you need Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

He has done the work because you couldn't

you couldn't clean yourself up enough so He is willing to make you clean

you couldn't be good enough but he has been good enough for you

you are not strong enough to continue on your own

but he says his burden is light the fight is His and he has already one

will you today place your heart life and should in Jesus hands

Romans 10:9 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.