|
 In
Rom. 1: Paul describes sin in its most basic sense as a
rejection of God. Man’s just responsibility is shown in that
he could “know God” as “eternal power and deity” from
evidences in the world about him. But man’s vanity, his ego,
prevents his acceptance of God; and this is demonstrated by two
things: 1) his refusal to glorify God — to praise, or look up
to God; and 2) man’s ingratitude. “They glorified Him not as
God, neither were thankful.” (v. 21)
Being
thankful, so much like genuine worship or praise, demands a
humble and contrite heart. It indicates our feeling of need
for God; of dependence upon Him. It makes us ever aware
that “in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts
17:28).
Sermons
on thanksgiving tend to stress the expression of
gratitude that is due, following the reception of blessings.
This is, of course, in order, as Jesus taught when he had healed
the ten lepers (Lu. 17:12-19). “Were not the ten cleansed? but
where are the nine?” We are daily blessed, and should daily
express our thanks.
|
|
But
gratitude goes much further than a courteous “Thank You!” or
even the most sincere and complete expression of thanksgiving.
It is an attitude, basic to the life of a Christian. Paul wrote
to the Colossians, “As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and builded up in Him, and
established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in
thanksgiving” (2:6-7). Various manuscripts relate this “thanksgiving”
to their “faith” (K.J., “abounding therein with th. .“)
while Lenski says, “it is closely united with the confirmation
that is constantly received.”
1
Thes .5:18 reads, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” A deep-seated,
constant feeling of gratitude toward God, seems to sum up the
awareness, dependence, and confidence which characterizes a true
follower of God in Christ; and without which we cannot please
Him. It is indicative of faith, and hope, and love. It produces
“the sacrifice of praise” (Heb. 13:15); both in word and in
a life devoted to Him (Col. 3:17).
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
