My sermon last Sunday was entitled, Thank the Lord! I chose that topic because (1) being thankful to God should be apart of our everyday activities and (2) it is “Thanksgiving.” Below is the basic outline of that sermon. I have also included all scriptures so that you can read them again.
Thesis: God wants us to be thankful people. He knows what is best for us, and knows that gratitude is good for us. Gratitude is “good medicine.”
An Overview of what the Bible says about “giving thanks”:
First, there is no place in scripture that greater exalts the spirit of thanksgiving than the Psalms. Read Psalm 95:1-5 and Psalm 100.
Second, Jesus taught the importance of being grateful. Read Luke 17:11-19. Jesus healed 10 lepers, yet only one returned to thank Him. Thus, there was one grateful man and nine ungrateful men. Too often we enjoy the gift, but forget the Giver. Think about it!
Third, the apostle Paul emphasized the importance of gratitude. Read Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6, Colossians 2:6-7; 3:15; and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Also, what is one of the characteristics of those who reject a knowledge of God, who want no part of God, and who live only to serve themselves and their own ways by serving their own lusts? The answer is found in Romans 1:20-21. These people “are not thankful.” Gratitude is not a characteristic of people who believe they are the center of the universe.
A Return to the Psalms: Psalm 103 sets the standard for praise and thanks to God.
Psalm 103:1-2. David calls upon himself to bless (praise) the Lord. The word “bless” includes “praise,” and where does praise come from? Gratitude!
Psalm 103:3-19. These verses declare the great works of God with particular emphasis on the mercy of God. Read these verses, write down each and every description and work of God, and be thankful!
Psalm 103:20-22. David calls upon all creation to bless the Lord.
Conclusion: As I closed the sermon last Sunday, I suggested that before we eat on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), we should read aloud Psalm 103. Did you do that? I hope you did. If not, take out your Bible and read Psalm 103 right now. Remember, the attitude of gratitude is good for us. It will bless our homes, our jobs, and this congregation. It is good medicine!
