1. Colossians 3:14-15.

I. How are we to express our thanks?

A. Thanksgiving.

1. John 6:11 – "And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would."

2. Philippians 4:6 – "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

3. Also consider many of the songs we sing (O Thou Fount Of Every Blessing, etc.).

B. Thanksliving.

1. Our behavior is an expression of our thankfulness (or lack of thankfulness) for what God has done for us (ex: attendance at worship services, giving, evangelistic efforts, etc.)

II. Benefits of being thankful.

A. Giving thanks causes us to realize how much we are blessed.

B. Giving thanks causes us to realize we are dependent upon God.

1. Philippians 4:19 – "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

2. James 1:16-17 – "Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

C. Giving thanks causes us to realize our responsibilities concerning what we have.

1. I Timothy 6:17-19 – "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

D. Giving thanks ought to cause us to become content rather than covetous.

1. Philippians 4:11 – "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

2. Hebrews 13:5 – "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

III. Things for which we ought to be thankful.

A. For people.

1. Our civil authorities. I Timothy 2:1-3 – "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;"

2. Our spiritual family. Ephesians 1:15-16 – "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;"

3. Our families, friends, those who taught us the gospel, etc.

B. Physical blessings.

1. God’s creation. Psalm 75:1 – "Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare."

2. Our food, clothing, homes, etc.

C. Spiritual blessings.

1. Redemption through Christ’s blood and forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7 – "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"

2. An inheritance. Ephesians 1:11 – "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:"

3. Hope of heaven. I Corinthians 15:19 – "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

1. We ought to develop a heart of thankfulness for all God has done for us.