Thankfulness: Abound in the Faith With
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Thankfulness is a central theme in the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the acknowledgment of God's grace, provision, and sovereignty. It is an attitude that believers are encouraged to cultivate as a reflection of their faith and trust in God. The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples of thankfulness, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.

Biblical Exhortations to Thankfulness

The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes thankfulness in his epistles. In Colossians 2:6-7 , he writes, "Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Here, thankfulness is portrayed as a natural overflow of a life rooted in Christ and established in faith. It is not merely a response to favorable circumstances but a continual state of being that reflects one's relationship with God.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 , Paul further instructs, "Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of thankfulness, which is to be maintained in all situations, recognizing that it aligns with God's will for believers.

Examples of Thankfulness in Scripture

The Psalms are replete with expressions of thankfulness, often in the context of worship and praise. Psalm 100:4 encourages believers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." This verse underscores the role of thankfulness in worship, as an acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness.

The life of Daniel provides a powerful example of thankfulness amidst adversity. In Daniel 6:10 , despite the decree that praying to anyone other than King Darius would result in being thrown into the lions' den, Daniel "went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel's unwavering thankfulness, even in the face of danger, exemplifies a steadfast faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

Theological Significance of Thankfulness

Thankfulness is not only a response to God's blessings but also a recognition of His ultimate authority and goodness. It is an expression of humility, acknowledging that all good things come from God (James 1:17). In Philippians 4:6-7 , Paul writes, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Here, thankfulness is linked to peace, suggesting that a grateful heart is one that trusts in God's provision and care.

Practical Application of Thankfulness

Believers are encouraged to cultivate thankfulness through regular prayer and reflection on God's blessings. Ephesians 5:19-20 advises, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." This passage highlights the communal aspect of thankfulness, as believers are to encourage one another in gratitude and worship.

In summary, thankfulness is an essential aspect of the Christian life, deeply intertwined with faith and worship. It is a response to God's grace and a reflection of a heart that trusts in His goodness and sovereignty. Through thankfulness, believers are called to abound in their faith, continually acknowledging God's presence and provision in their lives.
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Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
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Library

Satan's Devices
... things be now "in you and abound!" Be not ... In steadfast faith, in calm tranquility
of spirit, in ... in resignation, in patience, in humble thankfulness for what ye ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 42 satans devices.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... this I pray, that your love may abound yet more ... they may increase and persevere in
the Gospel faith. ... first of all to manifest his thankfulness therefor; toward ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... Faith glorifies the love of God, for she knows that ... not receive my smile unless you
bring thankfulness with you ... to God except gratitude, let us abound therein. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

What Think Ye of Christ?
... the sincerity of his love and thankfulness to his ... brethren, whether you are in the
faith; prove yourselves ... Apostle prays, that the Ephesians may abound in all ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/what think ye of christ.htm

Contentment
... able to bear it with joy and thankfulness, and to ... apostle had learned both"both how
to abound, and to ... government, but simply and exclusively by faith in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/contentment.htm

The Secret of Power
... with us, ready to make all grace abound in us ... the coldness of our devotion, the
cowardice of our faith! ... Let us turn to Him with fresh thankfulness that unto us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the secret of power.htm

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... a promise; and when the Spirit has taught faith this art ... 2 Corinthians 1:5), did
not more abound in joy ... Though they lift the heart up in thankfulness, yet they ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/11 the comforts belonging to.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... Evil may abound, and ignorant impatience may murmur and cry out ... take from you the
feelings which faith in Christ ... all the way of life with thankfulness, and see ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ...
... been beheld, making faces beam with thankfulness to Him ... of the evangelist by showing
our faith by our ... and Liverpool, where poor and oppressed orphans abound. ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter iii 1870-1871 workers meetings.htm

The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles.
... and to use all His creatures with thankfulness, as the ... of man, when He comes, find
faith on the earth?" [3254] and, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii the heresies attacked by.htm

Resources
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? | GotQuestions.org

What are the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs mentioned in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about a Christian's responsibility? | GotQuestions.org

Thankfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Thankfulness

Thankfulness of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting

Thankfulness: Abound in the Faith With

Thankfulness: Anna

Thankfulness: Come Before God With

Thankfulness: Commanded

Thankfulness: Daniel

Thankfulness: David

Thankfulness: Enjoined

Thankfulness: Exemplified

Thankfulness: Expressed in Psalms

Thankfulness: Habitually offer

Thankfulness: Jesus Set an Example of

Thankfulness: Jonah

Thankfulness: Levites

Thankfulness: Magnify God By

Thankfulness: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public

Thankfulness: Naomi, to Boaz

Thankfulness: Offer Sacrifices of

Thankfulness: Paul

Thankfulness: Resolve to offer

Thankfulness: Saints Exhorted To

Thankfulness: Saul, to the Kenites

Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Praise

Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Prayer

Thankfulness: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others

Thankfulness: should be offered for all People

Thankfulness: should be offered for all Things

Thankfulness: should be offered for Appointment to Spiritual Service

Thankfulness: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign

Thankfulness: should be offered for Deliverance from Indwelling Sin, Through Christ

Thankfulness: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others

Thankfulness: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Conversion of Others

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Gift of Christ

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God in Others

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Needs

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel

Thankfulness: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others

Thankfulness: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave

Thankfulness: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service

Thankfulness: should be offered for Wisdom and Might

Thankfulness: should be offered in Everything

Thankfulness: should be offered in Private Worship

Thankfulness: should be offered in Public Worship

Thankfulness: should be offered in the Name of Christ

Thankfulness: should be offered: Always

Thankfulness: should be offered: As the Remembrance of God's Holiness

Thankfulness: should be offered: Before Receiving Food

Thankfulness: should be offered: On Behalf of God's Servants

Thankfulness: should be offered: Through Christ

Thankfulness: should be offered: To Christ

Thankfulness: should be offered: To God

Thankfulness: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings

Thankfulness: should Enter God's Gates With

Thankfulness: Simeon

Thankfulness: The Heavenly Host Engage In

Thankfulness: The Israelites, to Joshua

Thankfulness: The People of the Island of Melita (Malta), to Paul

Thankfulness: The Spies, to Rahab

Thankfulness: The Wicked Averse To

Thankfulness: To Barzillai

Thankfulness: To God of Abraham

Thankfulness: To God of Abraham's Servant (Eliezar)

Thankfulness: To God of David

Thankfulness: To God of Deborah

Thankfulness: To God of Eve

Thankfulness: To God of Hannah

Thankfulness: To God of Hiram

Thankfulness: To God of Isaac

Thankfulness: To God of Jacob

Thankfulness: To God of Jehoshaphat's Army

Thankfulness: To God of Jethro

Thankfulness: To God of Joseph

Thankfulness: To God of Leah

Thankfulness: To God of Lot

Thankfulness: To God of Melchizedek

Thankfulness: To God of Miriam

Thankfulness: To God of Moses

Thankfulness: To God of Noah

Thankfulness: To God of Rachel

Thankfulness: To God of Samuel

Thankfulness: To God of Sarah

Thankfulness: To God of the Jews

Thankfulness: To God of the Levites

Thankfulness: To God of the People of Israel

Thankfulness: To God of the Queen of Sheba

Thankfulness: To God of the Sailors

Thankfulness: To God of the Shepherds

Thankfulness: To God: Before Receiving Food, by Jesus

Thankfulness: To God: Blind Bartimaeus

Thankfulness: To God: One of the Ten Lepers Whom Jesus Healed

Thankfulness: To God: Paul

Thankfulness: To God: The Demon-Possessed Man Who Was Exorcized

Thankfulness: To God: The Lame Man Healed by Peter

Thankfulness: To God: The Man Who Was Paralyzed

Thankfulness: To God: The Roman Centurion for his Boy

Thankfulness: To God: The Woman Who Was Bent Over for Eighteen Years

Thankfulness: To Hanun

Thankfulness: To Onesiphorus

Thankfulness: To Phoebe

Thankfulness: To the Men of Jabesh-Gilead

Related Terms

Acceptable (48 Occurrences)

Accept (106 Occurrences)

Gratitude (6 Occurrences)

Insisting (5 Occurrences)

Firstfruits (37 Occurrences)

First-fruits (45 Occurrences)

Thanking (4 Occurrences)

Thankful (15 Occurrences)

Thankfully (2 Occurrences)

Thankless (1 Occurrence)

Encouragement (25 Occurrences)

Everywhere (53 Occurrences)

Excellent (52 Occurrences)

Denounced (3 Occurrences)

Partake (19 Occurrences)

Partaken (2 Occurrences)

Cherish (20 Occurrences)

Acknowledge (61 Occurrences)

Acceptation (2 Occurrences)

Assurance (16 Occurrences)

Sacrifice (300 Occurrences)

Slandered (8 Occurrences)

Thank (68 Occurrences)

Noble (61 Occurrences)

Always (186 Occurrences)

Grace (277 Occurrences)

Felix (11 Occurrences)

Calah (2 Occurrences)

Meal (288 Occurrences)

Thanks (151 Occurrences)

Places (610 Occurrences)

Intercession (12 Occurrences)

Offer (403 Occurrences)

Dial (2 Occurrences)

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)

Philippians (2 Occurrences)

Service (317 Occurrences)

Ahaz (42 Occurrences)

Eucharist

Supper (17 Occurrences)

Woman (4043 Occurrences)

Lord's (548 Occurrences)

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Israel (27466 Occurrences)

Religion (23 Occurrences)

Thankfulness of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting
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