The Benefits Of Giving Thanks Title: The Benefits of Giving Thanks Text: Selected
Tracing: Preached November 22, 1992 AM at SDCC.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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!
- 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!