Memory Verse: “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms”-Ps. 95:2.
Bible Passage: Psalms 100:1-5.
Introduction
To be thankful literally means to be full of thanks or appreciation. It is an expression of gratitude to someone. Thankfulness in this context is an act of thanksgiving or a show of gratitude to God. Though some people are ungrateful for various reasons, we must not be ingrates because of its attendant dangers.
OUTLINES
1. REASONS AND BENEFITS OF THANKSGIVING
2. DANGERS OF INGRATITUDE
REASONS AND BENEFITS OF THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is a command (1 Chro. 16:8). The request of a believer should start and end with thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6). We thank God for victories over battles of life (John 2:9). It is important to thank God for his mercies and divine provisions (Psalms 58:19; Michah 7:18-20). Thanksgiving is offered to God for his miracles and restoration of hope (1 Sam. 2:1-5; Psalms 126:1-2). The primary reason God created us in His image is for fellowship, thanksgiving, praise and a joyful heart (Is. 43:21).
If you will cultivate the habit of showing gratitude to God, you will compel overflowing blessings from Him. These blessings from Him. These blessings include answered prayers (John 11:41-44); abundant provision (Mark 8:6-8); deliverance from bondage (Acts 16:25-26). Thankful people are peaceful and joyful (Phil. 4;6-7). They enjoy divine presence (Psalms 22:3;95:2), complete restoration, wholeness (Luke 17:16-19) and victory without a fight (2 Chro. 20:21-23).
DANGERS OF INGRATITUDE
ingratitude is the result of vain imagination and a darkened heart. Sometimes your thanksgiving is senseless to the ordinary person but it is more profitable to be thankful than to complain (Romans 1:12; Prov. 15:8). There are several reasons people are ungrateful to God. Sin or spiritual blindness (Eph. 4:17-18). Refusal to take account of what God has done. (Romans 1:21). Pride (Acts 12:21-23).
Every act of ingratitude comes with its attendant danger. Risk of losing the existing blessing, salvation and Heaven (Matt. 25:24-25,30). Limiting one’s blessings or answered prayers (Luke 17;12-16,19). It could result in emptiness and sorrow (Prov. 15:13; 17:22), thereby making restoration practically difficult.
CONCLUSION: Showing gratitude to God ensures continuous divine presence and fellowship.
QUESTIONS
1. Mention some of the reasons for thanksgiving.
2. Why is ingratitude dangerous?
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) things God did for you last year, for which you need to show gratitude (2X5=10 marks).
Action Point
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