Giving Thanks

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When we read this passage, it would seem that there was very little to be thankful for!
Most people in similar situations never give thanks, because they can’t see past their circumstances!
There are many people around us that will not give God thanks because in their estimation, God has not done enough, or they feel short changed!
It has been written for our benefit and exercise,and we must put to practice everything we read in God’s word.
We must put to practice everything we read in God’s word.
If we find ourselves measuring the validity of giving thanks based on situation, we will never give thanks to God.
The reality of what I’m saying cannot be understated. There are many people around us that will not give God thanks because in their estimation, God has not done enough, or they feel short changed!
They will blame those around them.
They will blame the church.
They will blame everyone except themselves.
But truth be told. There is no-one to blame but yourself!

I. Giving thanks Identifies us with Christ.

Mark 6:7
Mark 8:6 NKJV
So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude.
Mark 6:7 NKJV
And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
Jesus always gave thanks to the Father.
Mark 8:
Why do we not give thanks to Him?
You know that everything Jesus did He did for an example. Giving thanks should be part of our identification with Jesus!

II. Giving thanks is normal for us.

This picture of Anna in the Temple giving thanks for Mary and Joseph’s child Jesus, is a great example of someone who is close to the Lord, and recognizes His provision.
Luke 2:38 NKJV
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
You see, she “instantly gives thanks”!
Why is giving thanks not normal for us?
Is there too much pre-occupation with this world and the things it offers?
And, does what it offers even come close to what God has given us in Christ?

III. Giving thanks is the language of faith.

Colossians 1:12 NKJV
giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Colossians 3:17 NKJV
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.
We have been fitted to be partakers of the inheritance by the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ!
Our qualification has nothing to do with us, but everything to do with Him!
And so we give thanks as a natural expression of our gratitude and trust in the Lord, and we express it verbally!

IV. Giving thanks is the sacrifice of praise.

A. For things.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Yes, for everything!
The loss of a job, or the gain of one.
Our poor health, or our good health.

B. For each other.

2 Thes.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

V. Giving thanks

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
If we are to give thanks for everything, how much more for those of the household of faith?
We could use an attitude change here sometimes.
Holding a grudge will suppress thanks.
Failure to forgive will make it impossible.
Pride is deadly to giving thanks for the brethren.

V. Giving thanks is the sacrifice of praise.

Hebrews 13:15 NKJV
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Hebrews 13:
This is the spiritual offering we bring to God.
Thanksgiving!
It should be a continual offering, and a sacrifice of praise.

VI. Giving thanks is a choice.

V. Giving thanks is a choice.

Jonah 2:9 NKJV
But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.”
Remember what I said in the introduction?
People will not give God thanks because they are blinded by the blame game.
They are so busy blaming everyone else for their problems, including God, that they will not Give thanks!
Stop blaming everyone else and take responsibility for your own hard heart, and give Him thanks!
And so lastly, here’s the reason above every reason to give Him thanks!

VI. Giving thanks because He is.

Revelation 11:17 NKJV
saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
Rev
The choice is yours!
Either be obedient in thanksgiving, or disobedient in misery now and at the judgment seat of Christ!
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