The church of Christ

At Granby, MO

								Tweet
Church of Christ Sermons, Lessons and Studies
Speaker		Sermon/Lesson Title   (Right Click to Download Audio or Video Sermons)			Audio Video  Word Document		Category	Date Added	Lesson
Bobby Stafford		We Give Thanks to God, lessons from Thessalonians  (Audio) (Video)					Thessalonians	April 10, 2011	Sunday AM Sermon

What does the church of Christ teach about Giving Thanks To God?

What does the Bible say about Giving Thanks To God?

We Give Thanks to God

Introduction:

     Paul had sent Timothy to the young church at Thessalonica.  While Paul is at Corinth, Timothy returns to him with news about the Christians.  They are steadfast and faithful in their service, but some are having concerns about the second coming of Christ.  Paul is quick in responding and writes this letter we call I Thessalonians.  Put yourself in their shoes – new Christians, new religion.  This is one of the earliest documents from the beginning of the church.

Text:  I Thessalonians 1:1-5

 Body:

I.  Remember We Are “In” God  (verse 1)

     Paul wishes God’s favor and His peace be granted to the Thessalonian Christians.  This peace is said to “guard our hearts and minds.”  Philippians 4:7  This allows us to endure life’s troubles while looking forward to the “home of the soul.”

     This greeting reminds us that we, Christians, are “in” God.  The church is a very special, called-out body of believers who share an intimate  relationship with God.  John 17:20-21 This marvelous relationship began with their baptism.  Galatians 3:26-27 As a result, “God was the very atmosphere in which the church lived and moved and had its being.”  We today should be filled with joy at God’s continual presence with us.  We should feel as the psalmist did in Psalms 121:1-8.  This gives us daily encouragement and motivation.

 II.  Remember to Give Thanks  (verse 2)

     To know the Apostle Paul continually prayed for them must have been a source of great joy to these young Christians.  In verse 2 the “We” refers to Paul, Silas, and Timothy.  Paul was thankful for them and told them so in this letter!  After we pray for others, maybe it would be a good idea to tell them.  “I’ve been praying for you every day.”  This could give much encouragement to souls who are troubled.

     Also, recall the words of Ephesians 5:20.  Do we look for reasons to be thankful in our lives?  Are we thankful for our families, friends, work, church health, . . . ?  Then do we thank God for them?  Psalms 34:1 Are we as quick to thank God for the good in our lives as we are to ask for help during bad times? 

 III.  Be Thankful for Godly Lives  (verse 3)

     “Remembering without ceasing,” Paul constantly thought about the good actions of the Thessalonian Christians – these godly deeds were done in God’s sight.  He was fully aware of them.  Paul mentions three specific areas of their lives for which he was thankful.

1. Work of faith – Their faith was active.  It produced works of service.  Galatians 5:6  This faith had led them first to repent, confess, and be baptized. 
2. Labor of love – Brethren there had such love toward God and each other that they labored diligently for His cause. Agape – a sacrificing love; seeks what is best for others. II Corinthians 5:14-15 Those who love little, work little. Love costs.  These brethren set a great example for others to follow.  NOTE:  We need to look for the good in the lives of each other and thank God for them. 
3. Patience of hope – endurance, steadfastness, hope, confident expectation  These brethren were able to endure what life threw at them because of their hope.  Romans 8:23-25

     Their work was produced by their faith, their labor by their love, and their patience by their hope.  What should these three things look like in our lives or in the church?

IV.  Thank God for the Election  (verse 4)

     There were two specific reasons to be thankful.  They were loved by God and they were the elect.  Greek – “by God” modifies the phrase ‘beloved brethren,’ not ‘the election.’  The brethren and the elect are the same people!  They are New Testament Christians, members of the Lord’s church.  We can know who the elect are – who are Christians and who aren’t.  Be thankful for those who are.  Sadly, the religious world has greatly abased the meaning of “election.”  Greek – picked out, or chosen “For many are called, but few are chosen.”  Matthew 22:14 Called how?  By the gospel  II Thessalonians 2:14  Men have a choice when the gospel is presented to them – to accept or reject.  When they choose to obey, then they have elected to do as God set forth they must do to be saved.  NOTE:  All those who are the elect, brothers and sisters in Christ, should be treated as such, as special people, deserving of our love and respect.

 V.  Thank God for the Gospel (verse 5)

     The gospel Paul preached to them came through words and was accompanied by miracle-working power.  Miracles were to confirm the word. I Corinthians 2:4-5 and I Thessalonians 2:13  “For your sake” – Paul and his co-workers had lived righteous lives before them.  They came preaching the gospel for the benefit of the Thessalonians.

 Invitation:

     When you take time to consider some of the things for which you are thankful, remember some things that might be little to you are meaningful to the one you thank.

Be thankful for:

1.     Someone opening a door for you

2.     A waitress refilling your coffee

3.     The car starting

4.     Clean water

5.     A hot shower

6.     Honesty in others

7.     Jobs you don’t have to do

     How grateful are we?  Are we part of the “elect”?  Have we been treating each other as special people?

Bobby Stafford

April 10, 2011