Central Thought: Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude to God for all His benefits.
Hymn: Praise, my Soul, the king of Heaven
Text: Psalm 100:1-5, 105:1-5
Introduction:
The first thanksgiving recorded in the scriptures is that of Cain and Abel, in which God accepted Abel and his offering, while rejecting Cain’s. Ever since the practice of thanksgiving in various forms have featured quite often in God’s dealings with man. The scripture enjoins us severally to give thanks to God. Israel as a nation had festivals of corporate thanksgiving instituted by God, as a time of rejoicing, reflection and gratitude. These three principles of Rejoicing, Reflection and Gratitude constitute the beginning and endpoint of any thanksgiving. By rejoicing we pass a message to everyone about the faithfulness of God. By reflection we draw nearer to Him in humble submission while by gratitude we show Him how indebted and loyal we are to His majesty.
In this study, we shall examine the practice of thanksgiving from a scriptural perspective with the aim of establishing why and how we should thank God, even today.
Lesson Objectives:
The objectives of this lesson are as follows:
- To explain what thanksgiving means.
- To discuss why and how we should give thanks to God.
- To identify scriptural principles of an acceptable thanksgiving.
- To give some scriptural examples of people that gave thanks to God.
- To list the benefits we can derive in thanksgiving.
Question 1.) What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving was originally a feast of the Lord held at the beginning of the harvesting season to thank God for a bountiful harvest (Exodus 23:16). Another thanksgiving feast was held at the end of harvest; it was called the feast of ingathering. Both were intended to show gratitude to God for a very successful season.
Form the above we may infer that thanksgiving is the act of expressing appreciation to God, emanating from a deep sense of gratitude for His work in our lives, and as an act of loyalty and submission to His authority.
Thanksgiving could be a personal, family, congregational, national or centered around any other unit of group identity. It is usually an occasion of joy, sober reflection and deep gratitude to God. Most often, thanksgiving is a vocal activity. It is a recommended lifestyle for all believers.
Question 2.) Why and how should we give thanks to God?
Psalm 103:1-14
There are several reasons why we must thank God. Some of these reasons are as follows:
- For who He is, in demonstration of loyalty and submission, we give thanks.
- For our salvation and the forgiveness of sins.
- For daily provisions bestowed upon us, we give thanks.
- For protecting our lives against danger.
- For giving us victory over temptations and trials of life.
- For the successes recorded in our careers.
- For healing, good health and immunity we enjoy.
- For another fruitful day, week, month or year.
- For the peace of our lives, the peace of our environment and land.
- For the progress and victories of our loved ones.
- For the fruit of the womb and the fruit of our labors.
- For promotions and for every benefit, no matter how small.
Finally, we thank God because we are commanded to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20).
In giving thanks to God, it is necessary to first give our lives as a living sacrifice unto God. This requires that we believe God and be converted, and that we order our daily walk to please Him. We thank God verbally, in words or song, accompanied with rejoicing, bringing monetary gifts or presenting material substances or providing foodstuff to declare His faithfulness and mercy to us and for the worship of God. Thanksgiving should be seen as a spiritual exercise with great benefits, and not a social function to celebrate our arrival.
Question 3.) List some principles associated with acceptable Thanksgiving.
First an acceptable thanksgiving must come out of personal conviction and with a clearly defined purpose. Next the substance of thanksgiving must be without blemish i.e. healthy, attractive, of high value and painful to part with. It is done sacrificially, does not require engraving of names of donors, and does not expect reciprocation or special recognition by the church. Thanksgiving must be done with a pure motive and that is to honor God.
No one should be compelled to thank God in a particular way; our motive should be based on what is acceptable to the Lord.
Question 4.) Give some scriptural examples of people who gave thanks to God.
- Cain and Abel, Genesis 4:3-5
- Noah, Genesis 8:20-22
- David, 2 Samuel 24:24-25
- Solomon, 1 Kings 3:4
- The Corinthian church, 2 Corinthians 9:11-13
- The Samaritan leper, Luke 17:15-19
These are a few examples of people who gave thanks to God. Their thanks were in diverse forms but the common denominator was the depth of gratitude in each of them.
Question 5.) How relevant is today’s practice of Annual Thanksgiving Service?
This practice is both scriptural and relevant. In relating with the nations of Israel, God gave them ordinances and laws for personal worship and for corporate or national worship. The feast of harvest and the feast of Ingathering were part of the ordinances for corporate worship (Exodus 23:15-19, 34:22). These feasts were corporate solemn assemblies, where the people had to reflect and be in sober contemplation, on the mercies of God. It was a time to collectively show gratitude and renew their loyalty to God as a people.
The church today engages in corporate evangelism, corporate prayers, corporate study of the word of God as one entity. So it is normal that at intervals, the Church should have time to show corporate gratitude to God by way of thanksgiving.
However, we must not shy away from the fact that there are so many abuses associated with some church thanksgiving today.
Thanksgiving is supposed to be a spiritual activity and not a social function. Allowing unbelievers and non-church members to play leading roles in such a service is abnormal. It is not a competition between churches or among church members, but an occasion to motivate one another to love God and honor Him.
Some environment requires that members are guided and prepared over a period of time. God is interested in our praise, substance and worship.
Question 6.) What are the benefits in Thanksgiving?
2 Corinthians 9:8-12
Thanksgiving makes one to be acceptable to God, Genesis 4:7. Acceptable Thanksgiving restores unto us all of God’s benefits, Genesis 8:20-22; 9:1-3. Prayers are answered Psalm 50:14 & 15. It guarantees God’s visitation 2 Chronicles 1:6-7. It increases our treasure in heaven Philippians 4:17. Finally the giver is blessed and receives the joy of the Lord.
Daily Living Application
Naturally and as Christians, thanksgiving should flow daily out of our heart-felt gratitude for what He is doing for us in Christ. It should not be to impress man but to earn God’s approval and acceptance.
While it is true that the subject of thanksgiving has been misused and abused by some, we cannot wish it away both as individuals and as a congregation. A corporate thanksgiving should be carefully planned to accommodate all: young and old, rich and poor, civilized or barbarians, matured or young in the faith and whether male or female. Issues that generate controversy should be prayerfully and maturely handled. The ultimate goal must be to glorify God, and to put believers in good standing to receive the fullness of God’s grace.
Memory verse: Psalm 105:1
“O give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people.”
Daily Devotional Guide:
Monday: Let us enter His gates with Thanksgiving.
Psalm 100:4
Tuesday: But where are the nine?
Luke 17:11-19
Wednesday: In everything give thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thursday: By Faith, Abel offered unto God.
Hebrews 11:4
Friday: Giving thanks always for all things to God.
Ephesians 5:20
Saturday: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
Psalm 26:7