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The Spirit of Thanksgiving

Introduction

  • Key Scripture: Psalm 100:4-5 — "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures to all generations."
  • Thanksgiving is not just a holiday; it is a lifestyle for the Christian.
  • Thanksgiving is not based on feelings but is a deliberate decision to recognize God’s goodness in every circumstance.
  1. Thanksgiving is a Command from God
  • Key Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
  • God calls His people to be thankful in all circumstances.
  • Negative attitudes, such as complaining and murmuring, lead to judgment:
    • The Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3).
    • Paul’s admonition: Philippians 2:14 — "Do all things without complaining or disputing."
  • Application: Replace murmuring with praise. Acknowledge God as the source of every blessing.
  1. Thanksgiving is an Attitude of Gratitude
  • Thanksgiving starts with recognizing the gift of life and God’s faithfulness.
  • Key Scripture: Romans 8:31 — "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
  • Examples of thanksgiving in adversity:
    • Daniel gave thanks even in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10-22).
    • David faced Goliath with faith and courage (1 Samuel 17).
    • Paul and Silas sang praises while imprisoned (Acts 16:25-26).
  • Illustration: Joy comes when we untie the ribbon on God’s daily gifts.
  1. Thanksgiving Unlocks the Supernatural
  • Key Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 — "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
  • Thanksgiving aligns our prayers with God’s will and opens the door to His blessings.
  • Example of Jesus:
    • At Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:41-44), Jesus gave thanks before the miracle.
  • Key Point: If you need a breakthrough, begin with thanksgiving.
  1. Thanksgiving in Worship
  • Illustration of Mary:
    • Mary anointed Jesus with costly perfume (Mark 14:3-9).
    • Her act of thanksgiving was extravagant and selfless.
  • Question for Reflection: Are we giving Jesus our very best, or just the scraps of our lives?
  • Key Scripture: Matthew 6:33 — "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
  1. Thanksgiving Reflects the Presence of the Holy Spirit
  • Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-20 — "Be filled with the Spirit... giving thanks always for all things."
  • Spirit-filled believers live lives marked by gratitude:
    • Speaking in Psalms and hymns.
    • Giving thanks in all circumstances.
  • Key Point: Thanksgiving transforms trials into triumphs.
  1. The Danger of a Thankless Heart
  • Illustration of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19):
    • Ten were healed, but only one returned to give thanks.
    • The thankful leper received salvation in addition to healing.
  • Key Point: Thanksgiving multiplies blessings and seals miracles.
  • Contrast: Complaining leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from God.
  1. Thanksgiving Opens the Door to God’s Blessings
  • Key Scripture: Psalm 22:3 — "God inhabits the praises of His people."
  • Thanksgiving brings God’s presence and power:
    • Walls of Jericho fell with thanksgiving (Joshua 6).
    • The sun stood still for Joshua (Joshua 10:12-14).
    • Lazarus rose from the dead (John 11:41-44).

Conclusion

  • Key Reflection: Are you living with a spirit of thanksgiving, or are you bogged down by negativity and complaints?
  • Challenge: Practice thanksgiving daily.
    • Thank God for your life, health, family, and every provision.
    • Express gratitude in prayer, worship, and service.

Call to Action

  • Lead the congregation in a time of thanksgiving:
    • Offer prayers of gratitude.
    • Reflect on God’s faithfulness and blessings.
    • Sing a song of thanksgiving, such as "Give Thanks" or "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."
  • Final Encouragement: Philippians 4:4 — "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!"

List of Scripture References

  1. Psalm 100:4-5 — Thanksgiving and praise.
  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — God’s will to give thanks in everything.
  3. Philippians 4:6-7 — Prayer and thanksgiving bring peace.
  4. Romans 8:31 — God is for us.
  5. Philippians 2:14 — Do all things without complaining.
  6. Daniel 6:10-22 — Daniel’s thanksgiving in the lions’ den.
  7. 1 Samuel 17 — David’s faith in facing Goliath.
  8. Acts 16:25-26 — Paul and Silas singing in prison.
  9. John 11:41-44 — Jesus gives thanks before raising Lazarus.
  10. Mark 14:3-9 — Mary anoints Jesus with costly perfume.
  11. Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the kingdom of God.
  12. Ephesians 5:18-20 — Spirit-filled thanksgiving.
  13. Luke 17:11-19 — The one thankful leper.
  14. Psalm 22:3 — God inhabits our praises.
  15. Joshua 6 — Jericho’s walls fall with thanksgiving.
  16. Joshua 10:12-14 — The sun stands still.
  17. Philippians 4:4 — Rejoice in the Lord always.