Colossians 1:3-6 (NASB)
3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints;
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel
6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;
Introduction:
Twelve Common Reasons for Thanksgiving
1. Our daily provisions in life – food, drink and other basic needs (Matthew 6:11, 25-32; Acts 14:17)
2. Life itself – our breath and all things; the proper functioning of our bodies (Acts 17:25, 28)
3. Family – wife, children, other loved ones (Proverbs 18:22; 19:14; Psalm 127:3; cf. 1 Timothy 5:5)
4. Ability to work and provide for ourselves and our families (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 10:22)
5. Encouraging test results – doctor report on your health, professor grade on a major assignment, mechanic reporting on your car (Proverbs 12:25)
6. Freedoms we enjoy in America – religion, speech, bear arms, own property and personal possessions
7. Time for rest and relaxation (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
8. Homes to live in and cars to drive (1 Timothy 6:17)
9. A generous gift at a time of great need (Philippians 4:16-18)
10. Access to life saving medical attention and restoration to health (Philippians 2:26-27; James 5:14-15)
11. Opportunity for formal education
12. Doing well in a fine arts (music performance, dance recital, drama) or in a sporting event
Theme: Three vital aspects of thanksgiving so we will properly respond to the God from Whom all things come
I. Our thanks is directed to God vs. 3a
II. Our primary reason to give thanks is the Gospel vv. 4-6
Three responses to the gospel
A. Faith in Christ Jesus vs. 4
B. Love for Christians vs. 4
C. Hope in Heaven vs. 5
III. Our primary means to express thanks is prayer vs. 3b
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