Thanksgiving - 1 Thess. 5:18
Giving thanks in everything is the will of God, and He provides the strength and perspective we need to do so in all circumstances.
Bernard Fell preaches on the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, drawing inspiration from a story of a preacher who was robbed but found reasons to thank God in the midst of the ordeal. The preacher reflects on four key points to be grateful for, highlighting the perspective of gratitude even in challenging situations.
Text
In everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18
"Your money or your life", the mounted robber cried:
The night was dark, the stars shone bright, a lonely spot beside.
The preacher, homeward bound, reluctantly obeyed;
Erect upon his faithful steed, his heart was unafraid.
Now in life's changing scenes, pleasant or untoward,
God's Word exhorts in ev'rything give thanks unto the Lord;
On this the preacher mused, and found four things of note
To thank the Lord in this distress, and in his diary wrote--
I render thanks to God, and praise Him more and more,
Though I have traveled many years, I've ne'er been robbed before!
I render thanks to God-the man with gun and knife
By force absconded with my purse, but didn't take my life!
I render thanks to God, 'tis true he took my all,
But since my treasures are in heav'n, the coins purloined were small!
I render thanks to God with this he almost sobbed--
I was the one the bandit robbed, not I, by grace, who robbed!
In ev'ry phase of life, 'tis not so hard to find
A cause in this oft thoughtless world to thank our God so kind:
In sunshine or in storm, in sickness or in health,
In days of triumph or defeat, in poverty or wealth.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction
- A. The importance of giving thanks
- B. The will of God in Christ Jesus
- II. A Story of Giving Thanks
- A. The robber's demand
- B. The preacher's response
- III. Reasons to Give Thanks
- A. Protection from harm
- B. Provision in times of need
- C. Perspective on material possessions
- IV. Conclusion
- A. The ease of finding reasons to thank God
- B. The importance of giving thanks in all circumstances
Key Quotes
“Your money or your life” — Bernard Fell
“In ev'ry phase of life, 'tis not so hard to find A cause in this oft thoughtless world to thank our God so kind” — Bernard Fell
“I was the one the bandit robbed, not I, by grace, who robbed!” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to find reasons to thank God in all circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be.
- Remember that God's protection, provision, and perspective are always available to us, even in the midst of challenges.
- Cultivate a heart of gratitude by expressing thanks to God regularly, whether in prayer, song, or other forms of worship.