Topical Bible: Thankfulness: should be offered for Appointment to Spiritual Service

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Topical Encyclopedia

Thankfulness is a central theme in the Christian life, reflecting a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and grace. When appointed to spiritual service, thankfulness becomes an essential response, recognizing the privilege and responsibility bestowed by God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals expressing gratitude for their roles in spiritual service. The Apostle Paul frequently begins his letters with expressions of thankfulness for the opportunity to serve and for the faith of those he ministers to. In 1 Timothy 1:12 , Paul writes, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service." This verse highlights Paul's recognition of Christ's empowerment and the honor of being chosen for ministry.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the appointment to spiritual service often came with a profound sense of gratitude. Consider the Levites, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle. In 1 Chronicles 23:30 , it is noted that they were to "stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise in the evening." Their daily routine of thankfulness underscores the importance of gratitude in their appointed roles.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing thankfulness as a response to God's calling. In Colossians 3:17 , Paul instructs, "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." This directive encompasses all aspects of life, including spiritual service, urging believers to maintain a posture of gratitude.

The Role of Thankfulness in Ministry

Thankfulness in ministry serves multiple purposes. It acknowledges God's sovereignty in appointing individuals to specific roles, fosters humility by recognizing that service is a gift rather than a right, and encourages perseverance by focusing on God's faithfulness rather than personal challenges.

In Philippians 1:3-5 , Paul expresses his gratitude for the partnership in the gospel, saying, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This passage illustrates how thankfulness can strengthen communal bonds and inspire collective dedication to spiritual service.

Practical Application

For those appointed to spiritual service, cultivating a heart of thankfulness can be achieved through regular prayer, reflection on God's past faithfulness, and acknowledgment of the community's support. By doing so, individuals can maintain a focus on God's purposes and find joy in their service.

Conclusion

While a conclusion is not provided, the importance of thankfulness in spiritual service is evident throughout Scripture. It is a vital response that honors God, strengthens the believer, and enhances the effectiveness of ministry.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Timothy 1:12
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From his Return to England in 1824, to the Commencement of his ...
... it very remarkable that we should come unexpectedly on ... them from expressing their
thankfulness for such ... and afterwards, if suitable company offered, proceed to ...
/.../chapter v from his return.htm

The New Temple and Its Worship
... And offered at the dedication of this house of God an ... according to that he hath not.'
The thankfulness of the ... made it possible that the feast should be observed ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the new temple and its.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... God was first in concluding sin should be offered to the ... he but looked to it as he
should and might ... been needless, and so had not obtained thankfulness; or else ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

His First Continental Journey.
... They afterwards expressed their thankfulness for the opportunity ... be made more
extensively useful, should such ever ... into silence, and Pastor Gessner offered up ...
/.../chapter vi his first continental.htm

The New Covenant.
... For "thankfulness" we must write "conscience," and substitute ... this inheritance they
waited till Christ should die ... For the blood of Christ, when offered in heaven ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Completion Op the Fifth Continental Journey.
... in the end, to be a subject for thankfulness on their ... thus to go forth, in his name;
and should I or ... who at once attached himself to them and offered them help ...
/.../chapter xvii completion op the.htm

The Second Continental Journey.
... communication, except supplication, which was offered both by ... a degree of sweet peace
and thankfulness covered my ... Should it please Him who had hitherto blessed ...
/.../chapter ix the second continental.htm

Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
... on all around Him, as occasions offered, and returning ... We are bound to acknowledge
with thankfulness, the blessings of ... Psalm 35:20) , and such should be their ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiii opposition to messiah.htm

Summa Theologica
... the word "light" is used in its proper sense in speaking of spiritual things? ... Whether
it was fitting that the gathering together of the waters should take place ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

The Third Continental Journey, or the Journey to Greece.
... felt great openness in addressing them, and thankfulness filled my ... time at the
commencement, when Majors offered a short ... to be"at least what I should like to ...
/.../chapter xi the third continental.htm