Topical Bible: Thankfulness: Resolve to offer

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Topical Encyclopedia

Thankfulness, a central theme in the Christian life, is an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's goodness and sovereignty. It is not merely an emotion but a deliberate act of the will, a resolve to offer praise and gratitude to God in all circumstances. The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples that underscore the importance of cultivating a thankful heart.

Biblical Exhortations to Thankfulness

The Scriptures consistently call believers to a life marked by thankfulness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" . This verse highlights that thankfulness is not contingent upon favorable conditions but is a constant duty for those in Christ. Similarly, Colossians 3:17 encourages believers, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" . Here, thankfulness is integrated into every aspect of life, both in action and speech.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the practice of thankfulness. The Psalms, in particular, are replete with calls to give thanks. Psalm 100:4 exhorts, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name" . This verse illustrates the connection between thankfulness and worship, emphasizing that gratitude is an integral part of approaching God.

The Israelites were also commanded to remember God's past deeds and express their gratitude. In Deuteronomy 8:10, Moses instructs the people, "When you have eaten and are satisfied, you are to bless the LORD your God for the good land He has given you" . This command serves as a reminder that thankfulness is a response to God's provision and faithfulness.

New Testament Examples

The New Testament continues to emphasize thankfulness as a hallmark of the Christian life. Jesus Himself modeled thankfulness, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000, where He gave thanks before distributing the loaves and fish (John 6:11). His example demonstrates that thankfulness precedes the manifestation of God's provision and miracles.

The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous hardships, consistently expressed gratitude. In Philippians 4:6, he writes, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" . Paul’s life exemplifies how thankfulness can coexist with trials, serving as a testament to trust in God's sovereignty.

Theological Implications

Thankfulness is deeply rooted in the recognition of God's grace and mercy. It acknowledges that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). This understanding fosters humility, as believers recognize their dependence on God for all things. Furthermore, thankfulness is an act of worship that glorifies God, as it shifts the focus from self to the Creator.

Practical Application

Cultivating a thankful heart requires intentionality and discipline. Believers are encouraged to regularly reflect on God's blessings and express gratitude through prayer and worship. Keeping a gratitude journal or incorporating thankfulness into daily devotions can help maintain a posture of gratitude. Additionally, sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness with others can inspire and encourage a community of thankfulness.

In summary, thankfulness is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the acknowledgment of God's goodness and sovereignty. It is a resolve to offer praise and gratitude in all circumstances, reflecting a heart transformed by the grace of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 18:49
Therefore will I give thanks to you, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises to your name.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 30:12
To the end that my glory may sing praise to you, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you for ever.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... Our narrative brings that gracious offer into connection ... burnt offerings meant devotion
and thankfulness, therefore He ... when young, and sticks to his resolve. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... whole burnt offering: then shalt they offer bullocks upon ... the leaven of self-will,
but salted with thankfulness. ... it had already come; if we resolve to praise ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Rom. I. 8
... and able to teach all men to offer unto God ... are not better than Paul, who confesses
his thankfulness for both ... grace, think not that the reward of resolve on our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ii rom i 8.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... the converts no loftier desire"can offer no greater ... first of all to manifest his
thankfulness therefor; toward God ... to pull down mountains, and resolve to give ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... the trouble to sing him a psalm or offer up a vow ... we make to God in the way of
thankfulness may be ... a mist over plain facts, but you henceforth resolve to prove ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

Election.
... Nor are the non-elect without obligations of thankfulness. ... damnation, still he will
make the offer, as there ... The whole matter would resolve itself into freewill ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliii election.htm

Trials of the Christian
... for him hast suffered awhile he can resolve, yea, dissolve ... us be content, and count
it a mercy with thankfulness. ... Offer's Introduction, Hume's History, and Ency ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiv trials of the christian.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... Suffer the word of exhortation, while I offer some caution ... talk, and mean, and intend,
and resolve, and hope ... has a controversy with us for our un-thankfulness! ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

The More Excellent Way
... But if he does not accept this offer, he insensibly ... there is one that is better still;
that is, thankfulness. ... Let him resolve this day, this hour, this moment ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 89 the more excellent.htm

Introduction.
... If any men resolve to maintain doctrines and practices as ... no other man can by
possibility offer for us. ... and to be received with sincere thankfulness; but, with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm