THANKSGIVING: Much More than a Holiday

INTRODUCTION

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I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving this past Thursday. Thanksgiving is often filled with family, friends, and lots of good food. We had a wonderful time with our families – enjoying plates full of dark meat, cornbake, and pie, and ______ by the Cowboys game. If I’m honest my sanctification is tested every Thanksgiving, every year I walk the fine line of gluttony & grumbling about the Cowboys, maybe I’m the only one who struggles with self-control every Thanksgiving. If you’re wondering if you ate too much on Thursday I found this helpful guide.

· Signs You Ate Too Much

If those don’t help just step on the scale and you’ll know for sure. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday – and it officially kicks off the holiday season even though you have been able to buy Christmas trees at Menards since October – but know it’s okay to listen to Christmas music, right?

Need

In the aftermath of “Thanksgiving” I think it’s easy to make it a holiday of family and food instead of giving thanks. And there is a temptation to simply think of “thanksgiving” as a holiday in November – as if there are 364 days of grumbling, discontentment, and ingratitude – and it’s vital for us to see that THANKSGIVING is much more than a holiday. Certainly, it’s a day set aside to “give thanks” for all of our many blessings but Thanksgiving is much more than a holiday in November.

· G.K. Chesterton

God’s Word has a great deal to say about “Thanksgiving” – and God’s Word reveals that it’s much more than a holiday. Now that “Thanksgiving” Thursday has come and gone, has our grateful heart and giving of thanks go with it? We desperately need to grasp God’s perspective on thanksgiving.

Preview

If you have your Bible, and I hope you do, turn/scroll to Thessalonians 5. . In we find the truth about thanksgiving and discover that from God’s perspective it’s much more than a holiday.

THANKSGIVING: Much More than a Holiday

Follow along as I read . (Read ). The ext reveals with great clarity three essential characteristics of the Christian life. We learn a great deal about how God desires His people to live from . A believer’s life is marked by joyfulness, prayerfulness, and thankfulness. The Father’s gracious gift of salvation through His Son and the presence of the Holy Spirit motivates God’s people to rejoice at all times, to pray continually, and to give thanks in each and every situation. A Christian’s life is to be characterized by a deep abiding joy, an unceasing dependence upon God through prayer, and an attitude of gratitude. This is more than a mere suggestion this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. We must rejoice, we must pray, we must give thanks as a worshipful response to who God is and what He’s done for us. The gospel (good news of God’s saving work in Jesus) alters our attitude and actions! We’re transformed to be people who rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

Our focus today is the call to live a life of “thanksgiving” highlighted in . God’s word reveals that “thanksgiving” is much more than an annual holiday in November. Let’s take a closer look at what God’s Word says about living a life of thanksgiving. Sometimes it’s really helpful to clarify what something is by stating what it is not. Let’s do that with thanksgiving this morning.

A) Thanksgiving is not seasonal (5:16)

First, ‘Thanksgiving is not seasonal.” “Thanksgiving is not seasonal.” The idea contrasts the typical thinking about thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving is one of our national holiday’s we can be tempted to think of it as part of the holiday season. We hear phrases like “it’s the season for thanksgiving,” “Count your blessings during this month,” “Set aside time today to give thanks for all of your blessings.” We tend to make “gratitude” our focus during this season (week/day of Thanksgiving). It’s not wrong to have a special day/season that prompts us to be grateful to God for all of His many blessings but we don’t want to limit thanksgiving in our lives to a season. Thanksgiving is much more than a holiday. God’s Word reminds us that “Thanksgiving” is never seasonal.

Paul exhorted the believers in Thessalonica to “give thanks” (5:16a). Paul’s charge to “give thanks” (εὐχαριστέω) denotes the ongoing act of “expressing gratitude (thankfulness) for their blessings.” God has called us to live thankful lives, thanksgiving is more than a holiday, the act of giving thanks should be lived out continuously in the Christian life. We know this is true in our heads but is this truth being lived out in our lives?

God has called us to be engaged in the act of giving thanks every day. Our lives should be marked by an attitude of gratitude. We should be continually giving thanks to God for all of His incredible blessings. Most often the act (expression) of giving thanks is accomplished verbally through prayer but can also be expressed in song.

· - And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.[1]

· - 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.[2]

Our prayer life must be marked by thanksgiving.” Our worship must be marked by “thanks-singing.” Let there be no mistake or confusion, God calls us to live “thankful” lives daily. We’re called to give thanks continually, it’s much more than a holiday and should never be reserved to one Thursday in November. Thanksgiving must be celebrated continually.

Paul’s call for continual “thanksgiving” includes an important clarification—“give thanks in all circumstances” (5:16b)—Paul included this important clarifier let the Thessalonians think that “thanksgiving” should be limited to specific circumstances. “When” should we be expressing our gratitude to God? We often think of “thanksgiving” as a holiday. Every year there is a Thursday set aside on the calendar for Thanksgiving – on this day we make it a priority to count our many blessings – this is one day when we spend some time expressing our what we’re thankful for in our lives. God’s Word reminds us “when” we must give thanks – “in every circumstance” of life. We are called to “give thanks in everything” (NASB) or “in everything give thanks” (NET). The act of “giving thanks” is limited to one Thursday in November every year or to a handful of specific circumstances. God’s calling His people to give thanks 365 days a year. God’s calling His people to give thanks for each and every situation of our lives. Gratitude is not dependent upon our circumstances.

Now this is a very profound and impacting truth. For this impacts how we live the Christian life. God calls us to give thanks in every circumstance of life, the good times as well as the hard times. It’s easier to “give thanks” when things are going well—when you have a satisfying marriage, when you have a stable job with a good income, when your children are listening to what you say, and when you’re golf game is “on par.” It’s a lot harder to “give thanks’ in times when our circumstances are less than favorable. Grattitude can become less of a practice when things aren’t going well—it’s hard to give thanks when you lose your job unexpectedly, when your kids are being disrespectful and running you ragged, when you’re being criticized, when you’re not appreciated, when you can’t live up to people’s expectations, and when you lose someone you love deeply. Instead of giving thanks in times of great trial, suffering, and hardship we are tempted to question God, doubt God’s presence, and run from Him in difficult circumstances. We’re called to “give thanks” even in the difficult circumstances of life. Notice, it’s not a call to give thank for these circumstances—this is not “Lord, thank you for parent’ divorce” but rather “Lord, help me to be grateful in this circumstance because I know you are good and You will use this to strengthen my faith, develop perseverance, and make me more like Jesus.” You can give thanks in the circumstance but not for the circumstance—you’re thanking Him for what He will do through the circumstance—this is an important aspect of gratitude we must grasp as followers of Jesus.

We are able to “live thankfully” in every circumstance because we trust in God’s sovereign purpose and plan. says that “all things work together for good for those who are loved by God and called according to His purpose.” The good that God is working through each circumstance is an “eternal good” – making us more like Jesus! This profound truth impacts how we view this world and gives us the motivation to live grateful lives regardless of our circumstances. God’s rule in this world—His divine control of all things—brings an eternal perspective to every situation in life. We can learn to give thanks in all circumstances knowing that God’s loving purpose is being worked out in every event of our lives. We can live thankfully in every situation knowing that God allows events to happen in our lives—both pleasant and unpleasant—so that His wise and merciful purpose and plans will be accomplished in this world.

God’s invitation is to give thanks in every circumstance. We don’t get to pick and choose when to give thanks—we express our thanksgiving to God when you get a promotion, when your son takes his first steps, when you receive and unexpected gift, and when your team wins the big game—and you express your thanksgiving to God in the moment when you lose your wallet, when you lose the big game, when you lose your job, when you lose a baby, and when you lose a loved one. Thanksgiving is not seasonal. We’re called to give thanks in every circumstance of life as followers of Jesus.

APPLICATION

Thanksgiving is never seasonal – it must be a continual practice in every circumstance of our life – so give thanks each day in every situation of life. Life a life of ongoing thanksgiving in every circumstance of your life because you know He is sovereign and is working to accomplish an eternal good in and through our lives.

· Give thanks to God when you enjoy great prosperity.

· Give thanks to God when you lack resources.

· Give thanks to God when your family celebrates the birth of a child.

· Give thanks to God when you family grieves the loss of a loved one.

· Give thanks to God when the sun shines.

· Give thanks to God when it snows.

· Give thanks to God when a friend gives you a gift.

· Give thanks to God when a friend stabs you in the back.

· Give thanks to God when you are encouraged by someone.

· Give thanks to God when you are criticized by someone.

· Give thanks to God when you laugh.

· Give thanks to God when you cry.

Giving thanks to God in every circumstance of life won’t always be easy. We won’t always desire to give thanks in some circumstances – there will be days when you’re gratitude will be mixed with groaning – but in that moment knowing the goodness, faithfulness, sovereignty, and loving-kindness of God and His work will enable you to say “thanks’ in the circumstance and not “thanks” for the circumstance. Thanksgiving is never seasonal! We’re called to live our lives continually giving thanks in each and every circumstance we face knowing that God is good and he is working an eternal good in our lives. Our continual giving of thanks to God in every circumstance becomes an expression of praise and worship.

How’s your heart this morning? Have you limited your thanksgiving to this past Thursday? Is your life marked by an ongoing expression of gratitude in every circumstance of life? I trust each of us have or are struggling to give thanks in a specific circumstance. I trust that “giving thanks” in this circumstance is the farthest thing from our mind and you’re not sure if it’s going to be possible. None of us have perfected the continual practice of thanksgiving in every circumstance. God is gracious, and our growth in thanksgiving is a part of His work in our hearts, as He molds and shapes us into redeemed people who give thanks to Him in every circumstance we encounter. Thanksgiving is not seasonal – Give thanks to God in every circumstance of life.

B) Thanksgiving is not optional (5:16c)

Secondly, “Thanksgiving is not optional.” Thanksgiving is not optional.” call to “give thanks in all circumstances” in not optional. We celebrate “Thanksgiving” in America every November but it’s not required by law. If someone doesn’t want to celebrate “Thanksgiving” they don’t have to cook a meal (turkey, ham, cornbake & cranberries) and spend the day counting their blessings. And yet “thanksgiving” is much more than a holiday, it’s a way of life for God’s people, and His Word reveals that “Thanksgiving is not optional.”

First, the call to “give thanks in all circumstances” is a command—this is not simply a good idea but a divine imperative—the expression of our thanksgiving in each and every circumstance of life is an act of obedience. Secondly, giving thanks in all circumstances is God’s will for us as believers! Paul’s exhortation reveals that the act of rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances is “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (5:16c). The subject of God’s will is one of the most debated and discussed questions we face in life. Countless books are written on “How to discover God’s will.” Well 1 Thessalonians fills in one major piece of the puzzle for us. Paul didn’t exclusively declare that rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances is “the” will of God but simply this is God’s will for your life. It’s God’s will for His people to live joyfully, prayerfully, and thankfully. God’s divine intent and desire is that His people live thankful lives regardless of their circumstances. The continual expression of our thanksgiving to God is a part of His will for our lives. Our union with the God man (in Christ Jesus) enables us to live according His will by the power of the Holy Spirit. The command to give thanks comes from the highest possible authority—it is a apart of God’s divine will (desire)—therefore thanksgiving is not optional for us as followers of Jesus who care about doing/obeying His will.

APPLICATION

Thanksgiving is not something we can ignore as followers of Jesus Christ. God’s people are commanded to “give thanks in every circumstances”—this is a part of His revealed will for our lives—this is a divine imperative not a divine suggestion.

· How’s your heart this morning?

· Are you approaching thanksgiving as optional in your walk with God?

· Will you obey God’s command?

· Will you submit to His will?

The gospel transforms our lives. Our grumbling hearts can become grateful hearts in Jesus! Our union with Jesus enables us to give thanks continually by the power of the Holy Spirit. Giving thanks is not an option, it’s an imperative, and an act of obedience to His revealed will. Live a life of continual thanksgiving – live with an attitude of gratitude – giving thanks to God each day in every circumstance of life. Let’s count our blessings each day and give thanks to God. Let’s count them together. What can we thank God for in this moment? (SHARE – popcorn prayers of thanksgiving)

· Breathe of life

· Sunrise

· Clothes

· Food

· Car

· Family & friends

· Salvation in Jesus

· Church family

· God’s faithfulness

· God’s goodness

· God’s patience

· God’s love

· God’s grace

· God’s mercy

· God’s compassion

· God’s Peace

· God’s comfort

· God’s healing

· God’s power

· Joy

· Laughter

We are blessed beyond measure. May our hearts “continually give thanks in every circumstance” – thanksgiving is not optional for us God’s people.

CONCLUSION

Refresh

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday celebration filled with family, eating way too much good food, and football. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year – spending time with your family and eating some of your favorites – and yet thanksgiving is much more than a holiday in November.

Renew

We desperately need to see thanksgiving from God’s perspective. Paul’s challenge to the Christians in Thessalonica reminds us that Thanksgiving is much more than a holiday.

Restate

We discover that “Thanksgiving is not seasonal” – give thanks each day in every circumstance knowing God is at work.

We discover that “Thanksgiving is not optional” – give thanks each day in every circumstance because it’s a divine imperative and a vital part of His will for our lives. As God’s people we must obey Him and give thanks each day in every circumstance. We can give thanks in the good and in the bad—trusting in His goodness and grace—and as we count our blessings we find they are countless.

PRAY

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), .

[2] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), .