The Keys of Thanksgiving

In 2014, I was asked to give a message at our Thanksgiving Eve service. Because this is November, I thought I would take the occasion to repeat the main thoughts from that message for this month’s article. The title of my message was, “The Keys of Thanksgiving.”

I. Thanksgiving is the key to humility (Psalm 116:17). It is so because when we acknowledge God as the giver of all things, we sacrifice our pride and admit that what we have is a result of His blessing us and we would not have it without Him. Refusal to give thanks is an act of pride.

2. Thanksgiving is the key to godly living (Ephesians 5:1-4). Verses 3 and 4 list many evils contrasted with one thing at the end—giving of thanks. A thankful person will avoid those sins and many others, and live godly instead.

3. Thanksgiving is the key to experiencing God’s blessing (Luke 17:16,19). Ten lepers were cleansed, but the one who returned to give thanks experienced the blessing of verse 19. His faith (expressed by giving thanks) made him whole (a word translated “saved” in other places).

4. Thanksgiving is the key that changes Anxiety into Peace (Philippians 4:6-7). The thanksgiving expressed in verse 6 is the key that turns a trial (anxious care) into a blessing (peace).

5. Thanksgiving is the key to Gospel Light (Romans 1:15-23). Those identified in this passage, who refuse to be thankful (verse 21) for the revelation of God (verse 20), have their hearts darkened (verse 21b). If they had been thankful instead, they would have received gospel light instead of darkness.

Therefore, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Pastor Don Root

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