Thanksgiving Sermon

Last week I handed out a piece of paper and asked you to pray and think one thing that you are thankful for this year. I asked you to write no more than one sentence. I think its great to be thankful for many things and its extremely hard to choose one thing that you are thankful for, but that’s what I asked you to do. Then I challenged you to bring back that piece of paper and be ready to share in just one sentence the one thing that you are thankful for. Is there anyone here this morning that would like to share their one sentence?

The one thing that I am most thankful for this year is my loving, caring, supportive wife that is journeying through life with me!

Are you thankful this morning? Have you stoped and to count the blessings that God has placed upon your life? What a wonderful blessing it is to be in the house of the Lord this morning!

Right up until December we are going to be in a series called rooted. There will be special Sunday morning services that will be different, however we will be looking more closely to the book of Colossians.

Colosse had early been a stopover along the main road from the east on the way to Ephesus. However, under the Roman Empire, the preferred route was through Laodicea, so Colosse lost some of its importance although it was still a large and busy place. Colosse had become the home of many Jews who had fled there when they were forced out of Jerusalem under the persecutions of Antiochus III and IV, almost two hundred years before Christ. The church in Colosse had been founded by Epaphras (1:7), one of Paul’s converts. Although Paul had not yet visited this church, he wanted to write this letter to refute false teachings about Christ that were confusing many of the Christians there.

Paul gave continual thanks to God in his prayers. So it was natural that when Paul prayed for the church at Colossae, the prayer burst into an overflow of thankfulness and praise. This thankfulness was because their lives demonstrated that God was at work in them and in the church. The Gospel was bearing fruit in and through their lives.

Colosse had early been a stopover along the main road from the east on the way to Ephesus. However, under the Roman Empire, the preferred route was through Laodicea, so Colosse declined in importance although it was still a large and busy city. As a trading center it was a crossroads for ideas and religions. Colosse had become the home of many Jews who had fled there when they were forced out of Jerusalem under the persecutions of Antiochus III and IV, almost two hundred years before Christ. The church in Colosse had been founded by Epaphras (1:7), one of Paul’s converts. Although Paul had not yet visited this church, he wanted to write this letter to refute heretical teachings about Christ that were confusing many of the Christians there.

Paul gave continual thanks to God in his prayers. So it was natural that when Paul prayed for the church at Colossae, the prayer burst into an overflow of thankfulness and praise. This thankfulness was because their lives demonstrated that God was at work in them and in the church. The Gospel was bearing fruit in and through their lives.

Paul always gave thanks to God in his prayers. So it was natural that when Paul prayed for the church at Colossae, the prayer burst into an overflow of thankfulness and praise. This thankfulness was because their lives demonstrated that God was at work in them and in the church. The Gospel was bearing fruit in and through their lives. When you pray do you always give thanks to God? Never underestimate the power of intercessory prayer. Do you know who regularly prays for you? I always know that there are 4-5 people that I know for sure that prays for me on a daily basis because I have asked them to pray for me. Let me challenge you this morning to ask others to pray for you on a daily basis. And then who do you pray for on a daily basis?

When Paul heard that the church in Colossae was growing in their faith in Christ Jesus and in their love ... for all the saints and their hope of heaven he became thankful. When committed followers of Christ see God using a person they are thankful.

I hope this morning you will see what made Paul thankful and then learn how we too can expresses thanksgiving for God’s fruit in the lives of others. My prayer is that we would allow God to use us so that we can be a cause of thanksgiving. For it is God who is at work in us to build us up in faith, love, and hope.

As we look at verses 3-8 keep in mind that this passage is one long sentence in the Greek held together by the subject of thanksgiving. Paul is overwhelmed with thankfulness he is thankful for the Colossians, he is thankful for the gospel, and he is thankful for Epaphras.

After the greeting a prayer of thanksgiving is offered for the readers beginning in verse 3. “We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

After the greeting a prayer of thanksgiving is offered for the readers beginning in verse 3. “We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you (NAS),

Thanksgiving needs to be part of every prayer we pray. Notice that Paul says that he “always” gives thanks. This was his practice and habit. The word “thanks” here comes from the Greek word that is translated, “Eucharist,” which refers to the Lord’s Supper. Communion is to be a time of thankfulness for what Jesus has done on the Cross.

Although Paul had never visited Colosse, what he heard about the believers there caused his heart to rejoice and to respond by praying for God’s continual blessing to be upon them. I encourage you to do the same thing. When you hear something good about someone, pray for him or her. I don’t know about you but my tendency at times is to pray for people who are hurting or backsliding. While that is very much needed, we also must pray for people who are serving God because the devil will launch an attack against them in order to destroy their witness and tear down their testimony. My challenged for you this morning is to be like Paul. When you hear or see someone doing well, thank the Lord for him and intercede on his behalf.

In the first three verses, Paul is already laying the groundwork for the major teaching of Colossians: The Supremacy of Christ. In verse 2, he uses the phrase, “in Christ. and then in verse 3, he refers to “Our Lord Jesus Christ.” This triple name expresses the divinity, humanity, and messianic office of the Savior. He is God and Lord of all. The name “Jesus” speaks of His incarnation. He was born into the human race and walked on this earth. “Christ” reminds us that He came as the sacrifice for our sins as the promised Messiah.

The church at Colosse was characterized by three qualities—their faith, their love, and their hope. I believe that these are the three marks of any solid church. The first mark of a mature fellowship is faith. The author of Hebrews tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God.

The church at Colosse was characterized by three qualities—their faith, their love, and their hope. It is my personal persuasion that these are the three marks of any solid church. The first mark of a mature fellowship is faith. The author of Hebrews tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Therefore, the church that gathers together without believing God is going to work will not experience renewal, revival, or blessing.

Faith is the door; faith is the hinge on which the door swings; faith is the key that unlocks the door; faith is the impulse to open the door when the knock comes; faith is the willingness to invite Jesus in; faith impels surrender which allows the Lord Jesus to become the master of your life.

Matthew Henry said, “Faith opens the door of the soul to receive Christ; faith admits him, and submits to him.” Faith is the door; faith is the hinge on which the door swings; faith is the key that unlocks the door; faith is the impulse to open the door when the knock comes; faith is the willingness to invite the Jesus in; faith impels surrender which allows the Lord Jesus to become master of the house. [Dunnam, Maxie. The Preacher’s Commentary, Vol 31: Colossians. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1982, 330]

Faith in Christ leads to love. Because of what Jesus had done in lives of the believers in Colosse, they were able to express love to “all” the saints. Love is a transforming act because it is really faith in action. As says, “…the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

This church was full of love. True faith produces love. Genuine faith in Christ exhibits itself in unconditional love for each and every one of us. Let me ask you a question… Is it always easy to love one another all the time? It is sad, however there are times where disagreements and arguments can and will happen within the church. But I believe that love is the greatest characteristic and the greatest commandment of the Christian faith. Are you exhibiting it in your life today?

II Thankful for THEIR SURE HOPE OF HEAVEN, 5a.

II Thankful for THEIR SURE HOPE OF HEAVEN, 5a.

If you are a follower of Christ this morning we can be thankful for our sure hope of heaven. In the first part of verse 5. “Which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in Heaven.

Our shared faith and mutual love result in and from our common “hope that is stored up for you in heaven.” Faith rests on the past, love works in the present and hope looks to the future. Hope sees the mysteries of God, faith makes them ours and love gives them to others. Because God has “reserved” hope for us in heaven, we can have full confidence in our faith and express our love without holding back. We don’t have to wish for something better to come when we have complete confidence in the reality of heaven.

Why have faith in Christ if there is no hope for a glorious future? Why love others if it doesn’t matter in the end? Hope makes all the difference because we have a confident expectation that everything God says in His Word is true today, or will come true in the future. Hope is stored up for us like a treasure.

The hope of people today is that they hope they will win the lottery, or they hope it will not rain. Many people have no hope. Without it, we end up without any anchor for our life. It breaks my heart when I visit someone who is grieving or is extremely ill and they have no hope.

They longed for and lived for heaven. They thus were laying up their treasures in heaven not on earth.

The hope of people today is that they hope they will win the lottery, or they hope it will not rain. Many people have no hope. Without it, we end up without any anchor for our life. There’s nothing worse than seeing someone grieve because they have no hope.

Christian hope is not a nice “wish you well” message on a halmark card. It is an assured faith, demonstrated by the words “hope” and “reserved” like a treasure. The NT word “hope” signifies the assurance of the thing hoped for. It is a yearning, a confident expectation and assurance that God’s promises will come. This hope of glory is so assured because of the hope we have already received (, ; ) when we received the Holy Spirit.

mere well-wishing. It was an assured faith, demonstrated by the words “hope” and “laid up” like a treasure. The NT word “hope” signifies the assurance of the thing hoped for. It is a fervent yearning, a confident expectation and assurance that God’s promises will be realized. This hope of glory is so assured because of the hope we have already received (, ; ) when we received the Spirit of Hope.

IV. THANKFUL FOR THE GOSPEL, 5b-6a.

IV. THANKFUL FOR THE GOSPEL, 5b-6a.

Paul was thankful for the faith, love, and hope of the Colossians. How did they receive this faith, hope and love? From the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In verses 5b-6 we see that he is grateful for the Gospel itself. These verses reveal four key elements about the gospel.

The Gospel is the truth of God. The last part of verse 5 helps us see that our hope is based solidly upon the “Word of Truth, the Gospel that has come to you.” The Word of Truth and the Gospel are the same thing. “Gospel” simply means “good news.” The verb form means to “preach or proclaim good news.” The gospel is to be shared with others because it is the Word of Truth. There is no other truth that will bring eternal salvation to people.

People are saved because someone shared the “Good News” of the gospel with them. God’s good news for you today is that if you are not resting in Christ, you can.

Verse 6 begins by referencing the extensive progress the gospel was making. “which has come to you, just as in all the world”

The Gospel is for the whole world. Paul is rejoicing because this gospel is going “all over the world.” The gospel that has come to the city of Colossae is the same gospel going around the globe. God has one message of good news, one Word of Truth for everyone. That’s why missionaries and organizations that are committed to proclaiming the good news of the gospel is so important. And proclaiming the Gospel is not just for oversees missionaries but is what we are called as a church to do.

It is sad that the best we seem to do is tell the world come and hear. We have been command to go and tell the Gospel to others, all the way to the remotest parts of the world.

We will learn in the next part of verse 6 that it bears fruit if we will share it with others.

V. THANKFUL FOR THEIR GROWTH, 6b.

The Gospel produces life and growth. Look at verse 6 again: “…this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it…(NIV)” [6 “which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;”]

The gospel is alive, growing, spreading, bearing fruit, and spreading. When the gospel is heard and believed, lives are radically changed. I can personally tell you this in my own life. I believe that God has radically changed my life as I am trying to faithfully walk with the Lord. According to , the gospel is the power of God. I believe that the gospel can break through hard hearts and sinful habits so that the Fruit of the Spirit can grow and ripen to maturity. The Gospel brings the grace and the truth of God.

The Gospel brings the grace and truth of God. The last part of verse 6 states “understood the grace of God in truth.”

The Gospel brings the grace and truth of God. The last part of verse 6 states “understood the grace of God in truth.”

The believers in Colosse understood and accepted the gospel. Then they expressed that understanding by growing in their understanding of the Word of God. The message of God’s truth is a message of grace. You and I cannot earn acceptance before God. Salvation and sanctification are by grace through faith. You don’t have to jump through certain hoops or follow some man-made rules. We receive what we don’t deserve, not because we’re good enough, but when we recognize that we’re bad enough to be disqualified from it. Of all the world religions, Christianity alone offers salvation without demands by works. The gospel of grace is truly good news. It brings faith, love, hope, and a desire to share it with others.

The faith, hope, and love of the Colossian believers led not only to maturity and stability, but to fruitfulness as others were drawn into their midst.

VI. [He was] THANKFUL FOR THEIR LEADER & THEIR LOVE, 7-8.

Verse 7 expresses gratefulness for Epaphras and his work. “You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.”

Epaphras was a dear fellow servant and a “faithful minister of Christ.” He faithfully took the message of grace to the Colossians and as a result he could be trusted. Epaphras both evangelized Colosse and discipled the believers through his teaching.

God’s plan has always been to use us to bring the gospel to a dying world. Epaphras was faithful in spreading the seed. God wants us to be faithful to Him and to the gospel of grace by spreading the seeds of the gospel. Are you? Am I?

I like Epaphras. He goes around speaking good things. I want to be like Epaphras—talking about how great someone is behind his or her back, for not only does this please the Lord, but it also has an impact on me as well. If when you leave church this morning and on your way home you talk about someone either in a good way or in a bad way you will see them that way the next time you meet. Talk negatively about him or her and, even if those things are not totally true, that’s what he or she will become when you see them.

CONCLUSION / CALL TO ACTION

CONCLUSION / CALL TO ACTION

So Colosians introduces us to God’s faith, love, and hope. Faith is the soul looking upward to God; love looks outward to others; hope looks forward to the future. Faith rests on the past work of Christ; love works in the present; and hope anticipates the future. That’s what the church should be: The Body of Christ known for our great faith, our great love and our great hope.

In many ways FBC embodies this Church at Colossae, but we haven’t completely arrived yet. There are still many who need to be touched by seeing our faith at work. There are still many who need to be experience the love of this body. There are still many who no nothing of the hope of heaven that we have.

So be concerned with your Christian growth, examine your fruit. The fruit is what one produces, and what one produces tells what they are. Allow God to use you to bear fruit. When you understand the truth of God and receive the grace of God it becomes natural

Allow the love of God to be evident in your life, and reach out to others. Do not be reactive in your love, but be proactive. Allow your love to be an expression of who and whose you are.

How is your growth? Do you need to begin your growth by accepting Christ? Do you need to further your growth by asking God to produce more fruit in your life? Maybe you need to ask Him to make you love proactive and not reactive. If so, would you, in His strength, make any decisions that need to be made?

As we head home this morning and continue to celebrate thanksgiving, I hope that you will take some time share things that you are thankful for and discuss different ways that you can show the love that God has given you to others.