1. In Hebrews 13 a number of responsibilities are revealed that the Lord wants His people to fulfill. 2. According to vs.15, the Lord's people are to be thankful. 3. In our lesson we are examining several verses: a. in the Gospels that show how "thankfulness" was important to the Lord b. in the New Testament epistles that teach Christians to be thankful.
I. THE GOSPELS SHOW THAT GIVING THANKS WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO JESUS
A. Jesus gave thanks on many occasions, including: 1. when he fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:19-21) 2. when He fed the 4,000 (Matthew 15:35-38) 3. when He gave instructions for His Supper (Matthew 26:26-29). B. Jesus also thanked the Father: 1. for revealing certain things to certain people (Matthew 11:25) 2. for hearing Him (John 11:41). C. During His ministry,: 1. Jesus commended a Samaritan who thanked Him for curing his leprosy (Luke 17:15-16) 2. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for the way they expressed gratitude (Luke 18:9-14).
II. THE NEW TESTAMENT EPISTLES TEACH CHRISTIANS TO BE THANKFUL
A. Ephesians 5:3-4, 20 B. Philippians 4:6 C. Colossians 3:15, 17; 4:2 D. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 E. 1 Timothy 2:1; 4:4-5
1. Let us conclude with the verse read earlier -- Hebrews 13:15. 2. This verse contains an exhortation for Christians to give thanks "continually." 3. In other words, the Lord wants us to give thanks: a. often b. for all kinds of reasons c. under all types of circumstances. 4. We are to give thanks "by Him." 5. Let us remember how Jesus felt about "thankfulness." a. He gave thanks often. b. He gave thanks for all kinds of reasons. c. He gave thanks under all types of circumstances. 6. True thankfulness will motivate us to serve the Lord to the best of our ability.