Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving Psalm 100:4

Give Thanks to God! For His deeds, goodness, might, mercy and deliverance (1 Chronicles 16:7-8; Psalm 100:4; 107:1-3; 136:1-3) The Lord’s comfort of Zion moves us to thanksgiving, Isaiah 51:3 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 2

Thanksgiving… “Grateful acknowledgment of benefits received” Opposite of selfishness, arrogance and rebellion Springs out of love, joy and praise Where it is found, contentment is found Without it, selfishness, lusts and anxiety abound “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 3

Giving Thanks Presupposes… Knowing we are blessed, 1 Timothy 1:12-13 Knowing / reviewing blessings we have received, Philippians 1:3-5 Knowing the source of our blessings, James 1:17 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 4

When Must We Give Thanks? Before (expectation), 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 During (reliance), Acts 28:15 After (acknowledgment), Luke 17:11-19 Psalm 34:1 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 5

For What Must We Give Thanks? Physical, spiritual, ordinary, extraordinary, received and withheld, 2 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Food (1 Tim. 4:4), All men (1 Tim. 2:1), Memories (Phil. 1:3), Brethren (Col. 1:3) God’s attributes and works (Eph. 1:3) “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 6

For What Must We Give Thanks? Giving thanks a test and profession of faith Paul’s imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-14, 18) How can we be thankful for “everything?” Romans 8:28 No exterior force can separate us from the love of Christ, Romans 8:35-39 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 7

Who Must We Thank? Father gives good gifts, Matthew 7:11 (Jas. 1:17) Not exclusively the Father, 1 Timothy 1:12 Father gave the Son (John 3:16) Son gave His life (Matthew 20:28) Holy Spirit gave all truth (John 16:13-15) Godhead, Romans 1:20-21 (Acts 17:25) “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 8

How Must We Give Thanks? Through Christ (the means of all our blessings, Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 3:17 With our whole being Our lips (prayers and songs), Hebrews 13:15 Our lives (sacrifice and service), Colossians 2:7 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 9

Give Thanks to God! Ingratitude reveals pride, self-reliance, self- satisfaction, and self-centeredness, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Lack of thankfulness toward God is the height of ungodliness, Psalm 140:12-13 Overflow with thanksgiving, Colossians 2:7 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) 10