Thanksgiving Humor

This Babylon Bee article is proof that the Pilgrims first landed in the South.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

While the holiday of Thanksgiving tends to be an American institution, the practice of giving thanks should be universal. This year has been personally trying in a number of ways, but I am blessed in ways beyond counting and on my best days, counted among the thankful. I am hoping that today is one of those days.

Being Grateful is Good for Your Health

See this Associated Press story on the potential health benefits of being grateful. Surely there is a sermon introduction or illustration here.

Paul's Expressions of Thanksgiving

See Kevin DeYoung's short but helpful examination of Paul's expressions of thanksgiving here.

Preaching on Hell

This may seem to be an unusual topic for Thanksgiving Day, but see Guy Davies excellent post on "Preaching on Hell" here. As Christians we can be thankful for both the provision of blessings and the preservation from eternal judgment.

1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13: A Summary

In 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13, Paul continues to respond to criticisms leveled against him by some in Thessalonica. Apparently his opponents suggested that he did not really care about them, an attitude confirmed by his failure to make a return visit to the church. Paul addresses this spurious criticism in at least four ways.

First, Paul tells the Thessalonians that despite the criticism he has received he still cares for them deeply, and thus, desires to revisit them, and rejoices in them, especially in light of the expectation of Christ’s return (2:17–20). Paul’s failure to pay a return visit was not spiritual indifference but rather satanic interference (v. 18).

Second, Paul tells the Thessalonians that although he could not come personally, his concern for them was reflected in the fact that Timothy was sent to strengthen and encourage them (3:1–5). Paul’s explanation that “we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone” should be read in light of the difficulties and challenges of ministry in a pagan environment and the uncertainties of travel and communication in the ancient world. Yet Paul was willing to sacrifice the support and companionship of one of his most trusted coworkers for the Thessalonians sake. How many pastors today would be willing to release a key member of their ministry team for the welfare of another church?

Third, Paul gives evidence of his concern for the Thessalonians by noting his rejoicing at Timothy’s return and positive report and by his desire to return to them for further ministry (3:6–10). Paul was comforted: “now we really live” (vv. 7–8), thankful (v. 9, cf. 1:2; 2:13), and prayerful (v. 10–13). Coincidentally, note that Paul prays for three things: (1) that he might come again (v. 11b); (2) that they might continue in love (v. 12); (3) that they might be consecrated in holiness (v. 13).

I conclude with the following observations/questions/ applications.

• One of the undeniable observations that can be made in this passage is Paul’s great love and concern for the church. Do you take your church for granted? Are you concerned for your fellow believers? If not, commit yourself to becoming personally involved in the mission and ministry of the church. Where there is commitment there will be concern.
  
• The Christian dynamic involves having a faith toward God and love for one another (v. 6). So entrust yourselves to God and give yourselves to others in love.
  
• Paul was thankful yet not complacent concerning the spiritual growth of the Thessalonians. Thank God that those you have shepherded are not what they once were, but ask God to make them more like Christ than are now.

1 Thessalonians 1:3–5: A Few Observations

Yesterday, I noted briefly the nature of Paul’s thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 1:2. Today, I want to offer a few observations about the rest of the thanksgiving, namely vv. 3–5. We begin by noting that a key component of Paul’s thanksgiving is his continual remembrance of the manifestation of Christian virtue (faith, love, hope) in the lives of the Thessalonians (v. 3; cf. 5:8). Another observation is the Trinitarian character of the thanksgiving with the Father and Son mentioned in v. 3 and the Holy Spirit noted in v. 5. A third observation is the soteriological character of the thanksgiving. We see election in v. 4, proclamation in v. 5a, and calling in v. 5b. Finally, one observes a foreshadowing element in the closing statement: “You know how we lived among you for your sake.” This previews the discussion of Paul’s ministry and character that will dominate chapter 2.

1 Thessalonians 1:2: Paul's Attitude of Gratitude

Paul's statement in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 provides a helpful model for Christian thanksgiving. We can note that his thanksgiving . . .

Was directed to God: “We give thanks to God”
Was continual: “always”
Was inclusive: “for all of you"
Was through prayer: “in our prayers”

Joseph Parker once prayed, "O Lord, increase our gratitude. May the rain of Thy love not be lost in the desert of our insensibility."