Title: The Benefits of Giving Thanks
Text: Selected
Tracing: Preached November 22, 1992 AM at SDCC.
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A. INTRO
Thanksgiving is the last Christian Holiday largely unspoiled by
commercialism. Christmas has Santa Claus, elfs, and toys. Easter has the
Easter Bunny and colored eggs. But Thanksgiving still means thanksgiving!
As one observer wrote, "There just isn't a lot Madison Avenue can do with
Pilgrims on their knees."
It is interesting to me that a culture as secular as ours is supposed to be
still finds it important to stop and give thanks to God.
I AM SO GLAD! Glad that for at least a day or two people think about God,
glad that some (for at least a day or two) are more receptive to hearing about
that God. Glad that we have a reminder to stop and acknowledge the source of
our blessings and give thanks.
Thanksgiving plays an important role in our relationship with Christ. It
serves at least three important functions in helping us walk with Him as we should.
B. BODY
1. Giving Thanks Protects from Pride
It is an acknowledgement of the source of our blessings. Not by our own
accomplishment have we prospered, but by the blessings of God. The thankless
heart is a prideful, selfish heart. But the thankful heart is submissive and
obedient.
Consider God's warnings to Israel (Dt. 8:6-18). One of the greatest
dangers to God's people throughout history has been comfort and complacency.
In hard times we seek Him, in comfortable times we forget Him.
2. Giving Thanks Promotes Good Stewardship
An understanding of the true source and ownership of all that we have
frees those resources to be used for his purposes.
Consider the offering for the Temple (1 Chr. 29): David -- 110 t. gold,
260 t. silver; the people -- 190 t. gold, 375 t. silver, 675 t. bronze, 3750
t. iron. How so much? David's explanation in His prayer v. 14-18.
Consider the early church (Acts 2:42-45 4:32-35). If God has provided
all that you have, and has demonstrated that He faithfully meets your needs,
there is no fear is the surrender of your possessions because you know He
will provide!
3. Giving Thanks Points to the Source of Our Security
A fundamental question that God's people must always face is this: Who
or what do you trust? Many today place their confidence in their job, the
strength of their country, or the safety of their investments. But the only
REAL security is in the providence of God! And it is THAT attitude of trust
that goes a long ways towards making one a godly and righteous person.
David was identified as "a man after God's own heart". Consider His
testimony:
Ps 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never
forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name
of the LORD our God.
Ps 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to
the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Ps 44:6 I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
Ps 62:10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your
riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
I've been reading a book about the economy that would curl the hair on
your toes! There is a good chance that the end result of the irresponsible
spending of our Congress will end in a chain of events that will wipe out
almost everything the average person has -- savings, investments, and
mortgaged property. If I weren't a Christian, I would be quaking in my
boots! But it has helped me to realize that modern Christian MUST COME TO
KNOW where their security lies -- only in the providence of God!
C. CONCLUSION
You didn't produce what you have. You cannot produce what you need. But God
has provided it all for you. Won't you accept it?
D. COMMENTS
Prepared by Scott L. Purcell
Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church
1501 Stokelan Drive
Malden, MO 63863
(314) 276-2343
Reproduce, modify, and use freely
for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!
If these outlines are of some benefit to you,
a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!
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