Thanksgiving Sunday
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It is easy to give thanks in our easy time, but it is mature when we give thanks in our hard time. How can we still give thanks in our hard time?
thanksgiving is toward God, not about human being. it is not about how much we received or are blessed that we give thanks to God, but it is about who he is that we give thanks to him. when we are blessed, we are given signs of who he is. but when we are not blessed, the same nature of God is not changed.
Praise and thanksgiving in the ot and nt involves both personal and corporate prayer, musical expression, singing, exhortation, exaltation, and literary expressions of gratitude and worship to God for who he is and for what he has done for creation, his covenant people, and ultimately for every tribe, nation, and tongue of the world through Jesus Christ.
These include such praiseworthy and thanks-evoking elements as: God’s righteousness, faithfulness, goodness, his covenant-keeping, steadfast love, and the person and work of Jesus Christ
we give thanks not because our lives are smooth and good all the way, but we give thanks because of three reasons. When we do not know how to give thanks, then we are like those who do not believe God. In , Paul describes the people who do not know God, when he wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome.
a person who do not know how to give thanks, is a person who is like a pagan, and these persons show three characteristics. Paul’s audience is mainly Gentile Christians. and it is their beliefs and their behavior he is mainly concerned about altering. The problem is that he is dealing with entrenched habits of the heart and, furthermore, does not have the same clout he would have if his audience were mostly his own converts. tells us what is it like in Pagan’s world which do not have God. Paul emphasizes two aspects of human sinfulness that render people ‘without excuse’: the failure to glorify God and to give him thanks due to our fallen condition and sin.
Since in 1:20 Paul tells us that God has clearly made Himself known by revealing His divine attributes, we cannot blame our separation from God on our lack of knowledge. Rather, the problem stems from our response to the knowledge He gives. Verse 21 is pivotal for understanding this problem. Paul makes clear in 1:21 that although the people knew God, they chose not to honor Him as God and thus rejected His intended order. It’s not as if they misunderstood who He was; in fact, it was quite the opposite. They understood exactly who He was, but refused to honor Him as God (1:21). This initial rejection leads to even worse natural consequences: futile thinking and a darkening of their hearts (1:21).
God has clearly revealed Himself to the world in ways no one could miss. The million dollar question is how we will respond to this information. We can choose to honor Him and thank Him, or not. From Paul’s perspective, it’s that simple.
1) give thanks as a response of knowing God
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
Lexham Theological Wordbook Theological Overview
Praise and thanksgiving in the OT and NT involves both personal and corporate prayer, musical expression, singing, exhortation, exaltation, and literary expressions of gratitude and worship to God for who he is and for what he has done for creation, his covenant people, and ultimately for every tribe, nation, and tongue of the world through Jesus Christ. Quite
1) give thanks as a response of knowing God
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Knowledge of God typically includes recognition of His sovereignty, which results in worship (; ; ;
give thanks as a response of knowing God
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1) give thanks as a response of knowing God
give thanks as a response of knowing God
those who do not know how to thank God have a vague, unformulated knowledge or experience of God. they only have theoretical sort of information about God, which do not develop into real religious recognition. we should know the way of God is higher than our way.
thanksgiving
vague, unformulated knowledge or experience of God
a life that does not give thanks is a wrong way of reacting to our faith. we may have saud polite things about him, but we do not ascribe to him the glory that was his ude. we do not act on the knowledge of God we have, but preferred our own way. we preferred a “religion” of our won making rather than divine revelation. Thus, “religios” is born, springing from a rejected knowledge of the true God and finalizing man’s seizure of God, the trumph of gods over God.
their adoratoin of God, did not keep pace with their knowledge. If we know him more, we should thank Him more. To glorify him as God is to glorify him only; for there can be but one infinite: but they did not so glorify him, for they set up a multitude of other deities.
not thankful for the favours in general they received from God (insensibleness of God’s mercies is at the bottom of our sinful departures from him); not thankful in particular for the discoveries God was pleased to make of himself to them. Those that do not improve the means of knowledge and grace are justly reckoned unthankful for them.
Fallen humanity neither glorifies nor gives thanks to God
Fallen humanity neither glorifies nor gives thanks to God. the primary function of persons from the beginning of their creation was to honor God and to be thankful to him, but from the fall “they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him.
the primary function of persons from the beginning of their creation was to honor God and to be thankful to him, but from the fall “they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him.
To glorify him as God is to glorify him only; for there can be but one infinite: but they did not so glorify him, for they set up a multitude of other deities
Gruenler, R. G. (1995). Romans. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3, p. 931). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
it is a reason why the Gentiles are inexcusable, because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, &c.; or else it refers to ver. 18, and then it is a proof of their withholding the truth in unrighteousness, because, &c. They knew God; they had a natural knowledge of God, it was taught them, as before, by the light of nature, and by the book of the creatures. they did not own God to be the Author and Giver of all the good things they enjoyed, and return him thanks accordingly; but referred all to chance and fortune, their own prudence and providence, the influence of the stars
it is a reason why the Gentiles are inexcusable, because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, &c.; or else it refers to ver. 18, and then it is a proof of their withholding the truth in unrighteousness, because, &c. They knew God; they had a natural knowledge of God, it was taught them, as before, by the light of nature, and by the book of the creatures
What would be the expected response to this kind of knowledge? The choice has dire consequences. If people had chosen to honor God and thank Him in response to His revelation, the power of God for salvation would have been available to them. In contrast, the choice not to honor Him as God or give Him thanks resulted in futile and foolish thinking, a darkening of their hearts.
And what does this darkening and futility naturally lead to? Being wise in our own eyes (1:22). It also means that the “God-shaped vacuum” He created to draw us to Himself remains empty. Those who have rejected God find other things to worship in His place (1:23)
Poole, M. (1853). Annotations upon the Holy Bible (Vol. 3, p. 481). New York: Robert Carter and Brothers.they did not own God to be the Author and Giver of all the good things they enjoyed, and return him thanks accordingly; but referred all to chance and fortune, their own prudence and providence, the influence of the stars
Runge, S. E. (2014). High Definition Commentary: Romans (pp. 26–27). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
High Definition Commentary: Romans Romans 1:18–32
What would be the expected response to this kind of knowledge? The choice has dire consequences. If people had chosen to honor God and thank Him in response to His revelation, the power of God for salvation would have been available to them. In contrast, the choice not to honor Him as God or give Him thanks resulted in futile and foolish thinking, a darkening of their hearts.
And what does this darkening and futility naturally lead to? Being wise in our own eyes (1:22). It also means that the “God-shaped vacuum” He created to draw us to Himself remains empty. Those who have rejected God find other things to worship in His place (1:23)
2) give thanks so that our thinking/speculation does not become futile - self sufficient reasoning
they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. (NLT version)
give thanks so that our thinking does not become futile
People do not always recognize the realities of their situation. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (cf. ; ). NEB renders, “They boast of their wisdom, but they have made fools of themselves”. “Boast” is perhaps too strong for the Greek, which rather means “affirm”.241 But it is not much too strong. Clearly these people prided themselves on their wisdom, as the self-sufficient so often do. In the process they became fools
People do not always recognize the realities of their situation. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (cf. ; ). NEB renders, “They boast of their wisdom, but they have made fools of themselves”. “Boast” is perhaps too strong for the Greek, which rather means “affirm”.241 But it is not much too strong. Clearly these people prided themselves on their wisdom, as the self-sufficient so often do. In the process they became fools
A fool is not merely someone who is ignorant or lacks intelligence. The term has moral connotations that include a rejection of God (; ). By refusing to acknowledge God, people reveal their foolishness.
they imagined that they were wise because they thought they had explored the natural sciences, investigating the courses of the starts and the quantitites of hte elements, while rejecting the God who made them. therefore they are fools, for if these things are worthy of praise, how much more is their creator.
having some high opinion of themselves and not being patient enough to go the way that God had commanded them, they were immersed in a way of thinking which made no sense.
it is pride that turns man away from wisdom, and folly is the consequence of turning away from wisdom.
3) give thanks so that our foolish heart will not be darkened - obsurity of vision in religious matter
give thanks so that our foolish heart will not be darkened.
their minds become dark and confused (NLT version)
give thanks so that we wont drift away from Him.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
4) give thanks so that we wont drift away from Him - idolatry
Instead ofworshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
thanksgiving life is a way for following God’s example
thanksgiving life is a way to get rid of imorality and impurity
make a god of one’s own. It is to exchange something of real worth (the glory of God) for something of no value (an image). The word rendered immortal245 is more literally “not corruptible”. example: worship of the golden calf at Sinai. they not only did not find that Reverend Being, but even lowered Him to devils and to stones and stocks
thanksgiving life is a way to keep us in God’s salvation.
they not only did not find that Reverend Being, but even lowered Him to devils and to stones and stocks
Daniel is a good example for us. see Daniel’s prayer []
make a god of one’s own. It is to exchange something of real worth (the glory of God) for something of no value (an image). The word rendered immortal245 is more literally “not corruptible”
the idolatry does not only happen ourside of church who worship idols, but also those who are found inside the church who worship God while do not give thanks to Him.
see Daniel’s prayer []
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans (p. 86). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.example: worship of the golden calf at Sinai.
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
ephesians 5:4;
Adam and Eve are the best example of being unthankful that it led to the unknowing of God, futile of mind, foolishness of heart, and deviation of faith.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
psalm 9 , 118, 136
philippians 4:4-9
Conclusion
The Lexham Bible Dictionary Jesus’ Prayers of Thanksgiving
Jesus’ Prayers of Thanksgiving
The New Testament records Jesus offering thanksgiving to God on several occasions. For example, when reflecting upon the division between those who accepted Him and those who rejected Him, Jesus thanks God for hiding His plans from the wise and revealing them instead to little children (Matt 11:25; Luke 10:21). Also, before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus thanks God for hearing Him (John 11:41–42). The most notable accounts of Jesus giving thanks are during His feeding miracles and at the Last Supper.
Feeding Miracles
Each Gospel account of Jesus multiplying loaves and fishes (Matt 14:14–21; 15:29–39; Mark 6:30–44; 8:1–13; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–15) mentions that He “gave thanks” (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō; or εὐλογέω, eulogeō) before miraculously distributing the food. While the two Greek terms used in these accounts hold slightly different meanings—εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō) means “to give thanks,” while εὐλογέω (eulogeō) properly means “to bestow a blessing”—the term εὐλογέω (eulogeō) seems to be an idiomatic expression meaning “to give thanks” (Nolland, The Gospel of Matthew, 644). The idea is that Jesus was offering thanks to God as provider, not “blessing” the food in order that it might multiply.
Jesus’ Prayers of Thanksgiving
The New Testament records Jesus offering thanksgiving to God on several occasions. For example, when reflecting upon the division between those who accepted Him and those who rejected Him, Jesus thanks God for hiding His plans from the wise and revealing them instead to little children (; ). Also, before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus thanks God for hearing Him (). The most notable accounts of Jesus giving thanks are during His feeding miracles and at the Last Supper.
Feeding Miracles
Each Gospel account of Jesus multiplying loaves and fishes (; ; ; ; ; ) mentions that He “gave thanks” (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō; or εὐλογέω, eulogeō) before miraculously distributing the food. While the two Greek terms used in these accounts hold slightly different meanings—εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō) means “to give thanks,” while εὐλογέω (eulogeō) properly means “to bestow a blessing”—the term εὐλογέω (eulogeō) seems to be an idiomatic expression meaning “to give thanks” (Nolland, The Gospel of Matthew, 644). The idea is that Jesus was offering thanks to God as provider, not “blessing” the food in order that it might multiply.
only when we truly experience the goodness of salvation and encounter Christ, then we learn to give thanks.
Reference:
Reference:
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
thanksgiving life is a way for following God’s example
thanksgiving life is a way for following God’s example
thanksgiving life is a way to get rid of imorality and impurity
thanksgiving life is a way to get rid of imorality and impurity
thanksgiving life is a way to keep us in God’s salvation.
thanksgiving life is a way to keep us in God’s salvation.