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I. TO WHOM MUST WE GIVE THANKS? Only to God: because (Psalm 100:4) —

1. It is only by Him we are preserved from evil (Psalm 121:7).

2. It is only from Him that we have anything that is good (James 1:17).

3. He only is good in Himself (Psalm 107:1; Psalm 136:1; Luke 18:19).

II. HOW SHOULD WE GIVE THANKS TO HIM?

1. By a humble confession of our own unworthiness (Genesis 32:10; Ephesians 3:8), through sin (Psalm 51:5; 1 Corinthians 15:9), and our abuse of God's mercies (Jude 1:4).

2. By a humble acknowledgment of Him in all we have (Proverbs 3:6). His power (Psalm 135:1, 6); goodness (Psalm 145:1, 2, 9); mercy (Psalm 136:1-3).

3. By admiring Him in all we have, and praising (1 Chronicles 29:12, 13).

4. By improving all for His glory (Proverbs 3:9).

5. By walking before Him in all well pleasing (2 Timothy 1:3).

III. WHAT MUST WE THANK HIM FOR? For all things (Ephesians 5:20).

1. Our mercies.

(1) Spiritual.

(a)  His sending Christ to die for us. (Luke 2:14).

(b)  His quickening Spirit (2 Corinthians 9:15).

(c)  His gospel (Matthew 11:25)

(d)  His restraining grace (1 Corinthians 15:57; Romans 7:25).

(e)  His renewing and sanctifying grace.

(f)  His comforts (Psalm 147:1-3).

(g)  His ordinances.

(2) Temporal

(a)  Creation (Psalm 95:6; Psalm 100:1-3).

(b)  Preservation (Acts 17:28)

(c)  Provision (Psalm 147:7-9 1 Timothy 6:17).

(d)  Health and strength (Psalm 18:32).

(e)  Gifts and parts (1 Corinthians 14:18).

(f)  Life and liberty.

(g)  Protection.

2. Our afflictions (Job 1:21).

(1) Because they are not so great as we have deserved (Ezekiel 9:13).

(a)  Not spiritual (Psalm 147:20).

(b)  Not eternal (Lamentations 3:39).

(2) Because they are still mixed with mercies.

(3) Because they are really spiritual mercies (Romans 8:28; Hebrews 12:10).

(a)  For the deadening of our sins (Job 36:8-10).

(b)  For the quickening of our graces (Psalm 119:67).Uses —

1. Reproof.

(1) To such as never think of that God who gives them all things to enjoy (Psalm 10:4).

(2) Who think upon Him, but are not thankful to Him.

(3) Who thank Him with their mouths, but not their hearts (Colossians 3:16).

(4) Who thank Him for some things but not for all (Ephesians 5:20).

2. Exhortation. Be thankful. Consider —

(1) This is all the requital God expects, or you can give (Psalm 50:10, 14; Psalm 69:30, 31).

(2) You cannot expect a blessing on your mercies except you are thankful.

(3) The more thankful you are for mercies received, the more ground you have to expect more.

(Bp. Beveridge.)

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KJV: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

WEB: In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.