Virtual Service November 21, 20221
Thanks Be To God!
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Why Should We Give Thanks To God Specifically?
Because It Counters The World’s Cynicism
Romans 1:20-22 Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
Because It Is God’s Will
1 Thessalonians 5:18 …give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Because It Relieves Worry and Anxiety
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
…And It Allows You To Be At Peace
Philippians 4:7 …and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thankfulness Glorifies God
Luke 17:12-16 …ten men who had leprosy met Him, they stood at a distance calling out loudly, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When He saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed. One of them seeing that he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him…
Thankfulness Is The Antidote To La Vida Loca!
Ephesians 5:18-20 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It Allows God’s Sovereignty Into My Life
The single, greatest act of worship you can render to God is to thank Him. It’s the epitome of worship because through gratitude, we affirm God as the ultimate source of both trial and blessing and acknowledge our humble acceptance of both. With a thankful heart, you can say in the midst of anything, “God be praised.” That kind of attitude looks beyond the circumstance to the plan of God. It sees beyond pain to the sovereignty of God. (Barnes Notes)
It Helps Us To Have A Good Attitude In All Of Our Relationships (Even Bad Ones)
Romans 8:28 It remembers, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”.
Genesis 50:20 An attitude of thankfulness enables us to deal with those who wrong us, saying with Joseph, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good”
.Thankfulness Is An Act Of Eternal Worship
Revelation 4:9-11 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him Who sits on the throne and Who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him Who sits on the throne and worship Him Who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things and by Your will they were created and have their being!”
God Will Judge Ingratitude
Revelation 16:10-11 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast. Darkness fell over the beast’s kingdom, and people gnawed their tongues because of their pain,and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not turn from their evil ways.
1 Chronicles 16:23-36