WHY SHOULD WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD?

SCRIPTURE READING:  PSALM 106:1-5

INTRO:  Christians ought to be the best givers of thanks in the world.  It is both a privilege and a responsibility.  There are a number of things for which we should be thankful.

I.  PERSONAL SALVATION – Colossians 1:12

   A. Remember the moment you received the salvation God offered you?

   B. Paul notes his giving of thanks for his salvation.

II. VICTORY OVER SIN’S PENALTY – I Corinthians 15:55-57

   A. Jesus came to deliver us from the penalty of sin.

   B. The penalty of sin is closely related to the sting of death.

III. DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH – 2 Corinthians 1:9-10

   A. God has given us physical life as well as spiritual life.

   B. Paul recognized that God had delivered him.

IV. THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD – Psalm 106:2

   A. The goodness of God is so bountiful.

   B. We are supposed to talk about the mighty deeds of God.

V. THE MERCY OF THE LORD – Psalm 136

   A. How long will God be merciful to us?

   B. The psalmist calls for us to give thanks and gives the reason.

VI.  JOY IN THE MORNING – Psalm 30:4-5

   A. Our trials may cause us to gripe and complain.

   B. Hold on my child!

VII. OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS – 2 Corinthians 2:12-14

   A. Paul was thankful for his opportunities to witness for Christ.

   B. As a result the gospel went to Europe.

VIII. FAITHFUL FRIENDS AND FAMILY – Romans 16

   A. Are you thankful for your family and friends?

   B. Paul refers to the diversity of friends he knew in Rome.

IX.  GIVE THANKS FOR OTHER BELIEVERS.  Ephesians 1:15-16

   A. Aren’t you glad that you are not the only Christian around?

   B. We need to be thankful for those Christians around the world.

X. GIVE THANKS FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY – I Timothy 2:1-2

   A. Paul encouraged Timothy and us to remember our rulers.

   B. Peace will come when we have godly people ruling over us.

CONCLUSION AND INVITATION