Let Us Thank God for Supplying Our Needs (Philippians 4:19)
Introduction:
1. This verse is very reassuring -- it informs us that God supplies all the needs of His children. 2. This morning we pointed out 5 of the special needs that God supplies: a. instruction b. direction c. assistance when we are tested d. comfort in times of sorrow e. assurance that all things work together for good. 3. This evening we are turning our attention to our response to these special needs. 4. In our lesson we are examining passages that relate to "giving thanks." Discussion: I. WHEN WE GIVE THANKS WE ARE BEING LIKE JESUS
A. Jesus gave thanks on many occasions, including: 1. when he fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:19-21) 2. when He fed the 4,000 (Matthew 15:35-38) 3. when He gave instructions for His Supper (Matthew 26:26-29). B. Jesus also thanked the Father: 1. for revealing certain things to certain people (Matthew 11:25) 2. for hearing Him (John 11:41). C. During His ministry,: 1. Jesus commended a Samaritan who thanked Him for curing him of leprosy (Luke 17:15-16) 2. Jesus condemned the hypocritical Pharisees for the way they expressed gratitude (Luke 18:9-14). II. THE NEW TESTAMENT EPISTLES TEACH CHRISTIANS TO BE THANKFUL
A. Ephesians 5:3-4, 20 B. Philippians 4:6 C. Colossians 3:15, 17; 4:2 D. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 E. 1 Timothy 2:1; 4:4-5 F. Hebrews 13:15 Conclusion:
1. Let us briefly consider the last verse we read -- Hebrews 13:15. 2. It contains an exhortation for Christians to give thanks "continually." 3. In other words, the Lord wants us to give thanks: a. often b. for all kinds of reasons c. under all types of circumstances. 4. We are to give thanks "by Him." 5. Let us remember how Jesus felt about "giving thanks." a. He gave thanks often. b. He gave thanks for all kinds of reasons. c. He gave thanks under all types of circumstances. 6. "Let us thank God for supplying our needs."
