Colossians 3:15-17

Introduction:

1. With our national day for giving thanks coming later this week, it seems fitting to discuss the need for continuous thanksgiving.

2. For the Christian, we should turn Thanksgiving into Thanksliving.

Discussion:

I. Thankfulness Prescribed

A. God’s people are to live a thankful life (Psalms 100:4; 107:21-22; Ephesians 5:4, 18-20; Colossians 1:12; 2:7; 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Timothy 4:3-4).

B. Thankfulness must be a disposition of life rather than a reaction to blissful moments.

II. The Power of Contentment

A. Satan has a full arsenal with which to tempt us, but all sin ultimately flows from a sense of want.

1. He convinced Eve she was lacking and produced covetousness that led to sin (Genesis 3:1-6).

2. This is always why we yield to sin (James 1:13-15; 1 John 2:15-17).

B. Contentment is the cure (Philippians 4:10-13; Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5).

III. The Need to Remember

A. God has always given His people reminders of His blessings:

1. Every Israelite man was to go to Jerusalem three times a year for feasts celebrating God’s provisions (Exodus 23:14-15).

2. The first day of each week, Christians memorialize Christ’s death (Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:17-34).

B. Since all God’s commandments are for the good of His people (Deuteronomy 6:24-25; 10:13; Jeremiah 32:39; Hebrews 12:6-11), it is safe to conclude this is true of these memorials as well.

C. God warned Israel of the danger of forgetting His provisions:

1. The wilderness wandering was intended to humble them and remind them of dependence on God (Deuteronomy 8:1-5).

2. Soon, they would go from desert wanderings to a life of tremendous comfort (Deuteronomy 8:7-10).

3. Self-congratulation and the illusion of self-sufficiency would soon be their temptation (Deuteronomy 8:11-17; Daniel 4:30).

4. The key to avoiding this disaster was to remember where they came from and Who delivered them (Deuteronomy 8:18-20).

D. We too must never forget what God has done for us.

Conclusion:

1. Let us enjoy our feasting with our families this week.

2. Let us thank God for that Thanksgiving turkey this Thursday.

3. Above all though, let us give and live thanks for the Lamb of God Who takes away our sins (John 1:29).