Sermon On Thanksgiving: His Gates with Thanksgiving Eph. 5:20

Sermon On Thanksgiving: His Gates with Thanksgiving Eph. 5:20

Intro.

Thanksgiving is a celebration of family, friends, food, and giving thanks for all the things we have. We give thanks for our families, friends, and loved ones who support us through good times and bad. We give thanks for the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the homes we live in. And we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy.

In Philemon The nature of Paul's thanksgiving is continual, Godward, and personal to let Philemon know he esteems him highly (4).

The reason Paul thanks God for Philemon's faith in Christ shown by loving believers is to imply that Onesimus is among them (5).

Paul prays for Philemon's faith to be active in his relationships so this same faith might be shown towards Onesimus (6).

I. We’re encouraged to be Thankful in the Bible

Being thankful is one way all of us can let our lights shine – it can have a powerful influence on those around us

I Chr 16:8,34 David’s song of thanksgiving

Neh 12:31 Thankful for the finished task

Ps 100:4,5 Thanks

I Cor 15:57 Victory

II Cor 2:14 Triumph over the devil

II Cor 9:15 Thankful for salvation

I Thes 5:18 God has everything under control

As indicated, “expressing” our gratitude can mean (1) expressing our gratitude to God for His blessings and (2) expressing our gratitude to others for their kindness – it can also mean (3) talking to others of our gratitude for God’s blessings (Mk. 5:19)

Paul thanks God for Philemon's love shown in good deeds that refreshed believers (7).

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II. Need To Express Our Thankfulness

The Need To Express Our Thankfulness. Thanksgiving to God, the “fruit of our lips,” is a “sacrifice of praise to God” (Heb. 13:15)

A. “The Grateful Acknowledgement of Benefits Received.”
B. Giving Thanks Presupposes:
1. Knowledge that you have been blessed, cf. 1 Tim. 1:12-13.
2. Knowledge of and review of the blessings received.
-Must “count our blessings” to be thankful! (Phil. 1:3)
3. Knowledge of the source of the blessings (given by God): Can’t credit ourselves (cf. Jas. 1:17 vs. Dan. 4:30-33).

As with love, gratitude must be expressed with deeds, as well as words (cf. 1 Jn. 3:18). Ultimately, we show our gratitude to God by the help we give to others (Matt. 25:31-46)

What a marvelous God we worship, the psalmist (Psalm 137) declares, One who is high and lifted up beyond our human experiences but also one who is close enough to touch and who walks beside us along life's way. We can bring all our feelings to God—no matter how negative or complaining they may be—and we can rest assured that He will hear and understand. The psalmist teaches us that the most profound prayer of all is a cry for help as we find ourselves overwhelmed by the problems of life.

III. FOR WHAT MUST WE GIVE THANKS? [Eph. 5:20: “for all things”]

Behold there is a man…why didn’t Saul know or recognize this? The servant trusted that God would help them even in this small things 1 Samuel Chapter 9

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Saul was anxious about the donkeys, being late, and being lost. His servant wanted to hear from God and knew that no request was too small

He wanted to hear from Samuel…the seer (long hair, beard)

Giving thanks is a test and profession of our faith:

a. Paul’s imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-14, 18): Paul rejoiced!
b. Why? How can we be thankful for “everything”? Rom. 8:28, 35-39
c. All things work together for good…, 8:28.
d. No exterior force can separate us from God; everything can work a blessing for God’s people! 8:35-39

• Sermon about Marriage: Building Trust in Your MarriageEcclesiastes 4:9-12
• Sermon About Encouragement: Encourage the Encouragers1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
• Sermon About Forgiveness: The Power of ForgivenessPsalm 130
• Sermon About Church: The Mission of the Church1 Timothy 3:14-16
• +10 Sermons About Gratitude, Thanks, Thanksgiving and Blesses

Conclusion
1. Ingratitude reveals pride, self-reliance, self-satisfaction, and self-love, 2 Tim. 3:1-4.
2. Lack of thankfulness toward God is the height of ungodliness, Psa. 140:13
3. We must overflow with thanksgiving (Col. 2:7).

References

Bible Answers.