Topical Bible: Thanksgiving: Saints: Abound in the Faith With

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Thanksgiving, within the Christian tradition, is a profound expression of gratitude towards God, reflecting a heart that acknowledges His sovereignty, grace, and provision. The concept of thanksgiving is deeply embedded in the life of the saints, who are called to abound in faith, continually offering thanks to God as an integral part of their spiritual walk.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of thanksgiving is rooted in Scripture, where believers are exhorted to give thanks in all circumstances. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving as a hallmark of a faithful life. In Colossians 2:6-7 , Paul writes, "Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Here, thanksgiving is directly linked to being established in the faith, suggesting that a grateful heart is a natural outflow of a life grounded in Christ.

Thanksgiving as a Response to God's Grace

The saints are called to abound in thanksgiving as a response to the grace they have received through Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 5:20 , Paul instructs believers to be "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of thanksgiving, which encompasses all aspects of life and is offered in the name of Christ, acknowledging His mediating role in the believer's relationship with God.

Thanksgiving in Prayer and Worship

Thanksgiving is also a vital component of prayer and worship. Philippians 4:6 encourages believers, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This passage highlights the importance of incorporating thanksgiving into prayer, suggesting that gratitude transforms the believer's approach to God, fostering a spirit of trust and reliance on His provision.

The Role of Thanksgiving in Community

In the communal life of the church, thanksgiving serves as a unifying force, drawing believers together in shared expressions of gratitude. Colossians 3:15-17 states, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Here, thanksgiving is portrayed as a collective activity, integral to the teaching, admonishing, and worship within the body of Christ.

Thanksgiving as a Witness to the World

The practice of thanksgiving also serves as a powerful witness to the world. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 , Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." The consistent expression of gratitude, even amidst trials, testifies to the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope that believers have in Christ.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving, therefore, is not merely a seasonal or occasional act but a continual posture of the heart for the saints. It is an essential aspect of abounding in faith, reflecting a life that is deeply rooted in the knowledge and love of God. Through thanksgiving, believers acknowledge God's goodness, cultivate a spirit of humility, and bear witness to His grace in a world in need of hope.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... 1:Thess.3:12), and to "abound more and ... Jesus Christ with all his saints." It is ... as
adoration, praise, petition, pleading, thanksgiving, intercession, communion ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

1 Thessalonians iii. 8-May
... For what thanksgiving can we ... Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with
all His saints.". ... I wish, he says, that this love may abound, that there may be ...
/.../homily iv 1 thessalonians iii.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... the jailor, with his house, became converts to the faith. ... throne of grace, and so
left for saints to make ... sin aboundeth, grace must much more abound' (Romans 5 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Written from Rome
... as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. ... be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in light ... I pray, that your love may abound yet more ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... prayer is found in the Old Testament saints, we have ... to show THE EVIL OF THE ABSENCE
OF THANKSGIVING in our ... give to God except gratitude, let us abound therein ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

John i. 15
... We trust that ye abound more in faith in our ... not only supplieth the want of the saints,
but is ... behold it [359] resolving itself into thanksgiving and praise of ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xiii john i 15.htm

A Liberal Church
... of the ministering to the saints." 2 Corinthians 8 ... all sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every ... bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... in the morning, to offer up the thanksgiving of our ... Christians;"that they may much
more abound in all ... extent of his requirement; that afflicted saints may be ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
... Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving (confession)."[629 ... hold on his
Covenant, and as his saints of old ... which fitted for causing them to abound, is a ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter x covenanting a privilege.htm

Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... Likewise, He works also other gifts, love, thanksgiving, charity, patience ... Here he
shows that even saints ought to seek ... Now, even if I abound in good works like ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 6 article iii of.htm