Thanksgiving with Paul
1 Thessalonians 5:18
I. Introduction We have much for which to Thank God
· Thankful for Christ
o Christ Crucified
§ The Power and Wisdom of God
· “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24, ESV)
· The Power to Forgive
· The Power to Reconcile
§ The Power to Overcome the World
· “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. ” (Galatians 6:14–15, ESV)
·
o Christ Risen
§ Power to Live
· “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. ” (1 Corinthians 15:20–22, ESV)
§ Proof of Victory
· “knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. ” (2 Corinthians 4:14, ESV)
· 1st Corinthians 15:51
· Thankful for Christians
o For Their Walk
§ “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ” (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3, ESV)
o For Their Witness
§ “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. ” (Romans 1:8, ESV)
o For Their Warm-heartedness
§ “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. ” (2 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV)
· “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” ” (John 13:35, NKJV)
§ “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ” (Philippians 1:3–5, NKJV)
Segue: Can you be thankful for those sitting around you? Are you thankful for all believers?
· Thankful Constantly (1 Thess. 5:18)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NKJV)
o God’s Will
§ “Rejoice always,
§ Pray without ceasing,
§ In everything give thanks
o God’s Plan
§ The letter’s theme is Christ’s return
§ Everyday, his Lord expected
Conclusion
A. Are you as Thankful as Paul?
B. If not, why not?
C. Let’s be thankful every day and so Honor our Lord