Let Us Learn about Giving of Thanks (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Introduction:
1. Last Sunday morning we based our lesson on the important principle revealed in Luke 18:1 -- "men ought always to pray, and not to faint." 2. According to 1 Timothy 2:1, we are to talk to God through "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks." 3. Today we are focusing our attention on "giving of thanks." 4. As we do so, let us keep in mind the request made in Luke 11:1 -- "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." 5. In our lesson we are consulting 3 great teachers [David, Jesus, and Paul] with the approach: "Let us learn about giving of thanks."
Discussion:
I. LET US LEARN ABOUT GIVING OF THANKS FROM DAVID
A. Some important information is revealed in Psalm 30. B. In this Psalm David reflected upon various ways in which God had blessed him. 1. On many occasions God had protected David from his enemies [David's enemies had not been able to take his life]. 2. On many occasions God had turned David's grief into joy. 3. Throughout his life, God had allowed David to prosper. C. Reflecting upon God's blessings gave David confidence that God would respond to his requests for help (vs.10). D. David concluded in vs.12b by stating his intention to give thanks to God forever. E. In vs.4 David called upon God's people to follow his example. F. Reflecting upon God's holiness, as David did, will lead us to give thanks to Him.
II. LET US LEARN ABOUT GIVING OF THANKS FROM JESUS
A. Jesus gave thanks on many occasions, including: 1. when He fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:15-21) 2. when He fed the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-38). B. Jesus commended the Samaritan He healed of leprosy for "giving Him thanks" (Luke 17:11-19). C. Giving of thanks was very important to our Lord. D. Let us practice the admonition given in Hebrews 13:15.
III. LET US LEARN ABOUT GIVING OF THANKS FROM PAUL
A. Paul often expressed his gratitude to the Lord. B. One example is 1 Timothy 1:12-17 where he thanked the Lord for saving him and putting him into the ministry, even though he had persecuted the church. C. Paul's conversion is recorded in Acts 9, 22, 26. 1. In Acts 9:6 he asked the Lord what he needed to do. 2. In Acts 22:16 Ananias told him what he needed to do. 3. We read about his response in Acts 9:18. 4. At this point he was given a new start (2 Corinthians 5:17). D. In addition to being thankful, Paul taught the Lord's followers to give thanks. 1. Ephesians 5:20 2. Colossians 4:2 3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Conclusion:
1. We have consulted David, Jesus, and Paul concerning giving of thanks. 2. Let us imitate their examples and practice their instructions. 3. According to Revelation 7:9-12, "giving of thanks" will be a special activity in heaven.
