THANKS BE UNTO GOD!
TEXT: Psalms 107

I. INTRODUCTION:
A. A man has no greater privilege nor demanding duty to his Creator than to give
thanks.
1. Our forefathers thought it to be so beneficial that they declared to have a day set
aside for thanksgiving.
2. As in contrast to our modern culture, ever wondered whom they considered worthy
of thanksgiving?
3. It is unfortunate that some current leaders wish for us to thank ourselves for what
we have accomplished rather than God.
II. WE ALL NEED TO KNOW HOW TO EXPRESS THANKSGIVING:
A. We express the giving of thanks by rejoicing always.
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18;
2. Phil. 4:4
3. That does not mean that I am never filled with sorrow.
a. Now in health I can rejoice that God gave me an able body.
b. In pain I can rejoice in that I know I am capable of being sensitive to others who are in pain.
c. Even in Job’s pain and suffering, he was still thankful that he had not lost his integrity.
B. We can express the giving of thanks by praying without ceasing v. 17;
1. Philippians 4:6.
2. The man who seldom prays fails in his attitude of thankfulness.
a. A child is taught by proper parents to say thank you loud enough to hear.
b. Prayer is that avenue which we verbally express to God how much we appreciate his care over us.
c. Prayer indicates a total dependency upon
3. God’s grace and mercy to help.
4. When He helps we pray even more because a praying man is thankful for his help.
C. We can express the giving of thanks by knowing that in whatever condition we are in, we have a reason to give thanks v. 18;
1. 1 Corinthians 15:57 Thanks be to God which gives us the victory...
2. Thankfulness is a state of mind.
3. Whether we are filthy rich or mangy dog poor we can still thank God that He loves us and permitted us to know his truth so we can obey and go to heaven with him one day.
III. SOME SPECIFIC THINGS IN WHICH WE SHOULD GIVE THANKS:
A. For helpful things.
1. Faith Eph. 2:8, 9; Rom 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:3-5.
a. Those who gave me faith 2 Tim. 1:5; Paul, Jesus, Barnabas, my kinfolk.
2. Family
a. A home. Realtor may sell a house but he can never sell a home.
b. A church family 1 Jn. 3:1; Ps. 133:1.
3. Forgiveness 1 Jn. 1:9; Matt. 5:23, 24.
B. For Happy things
1. Hope Titus 1:2; 2:13.
2. Happiness (Psalm 1; 1 Jn. 1:4 These things we write that your joy may be full)
3. Heaven (Jn. 14:1-3; Psa. 23:6).
C. For Hurtful things
1. Suffering 1 Cor. 11:24-28; Acts 20:24; 2 Cor. 12:7-10.
2. Sickness (Job. Mark 2 - How many may have never known Jesus if they
had not been sick?).
3. Separation (Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:8; Jn. 11:25, 26).
IV. THANKSGIVING MOVES ONE CLOSER TO GOD:
A. Expressing one’s thankfulness to God builds a relationship with him.
1. How many folks have you helped or have helped you and they become more dear
to you than before.
B. Thankfulness prepares me to tune my heart to please him.
C. The closer you are to someone the more you think about them.
D. Thankfulness generates appreciation. You are not simply thankful, but thankful to
someone.
E. Thanksgiving is selflessness. It keeps us focused on our Supreme Creator.
Paul – “By the grace of God I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
CONCLUSION
A. We need to learn to express our thankfulness to God by learning how to
rejoice, pray, give thanks daily.
B. There are many things in which we should be thankful. A thankful man
will be a praying man.
C. When we are thankful as we ought to be, we will move closer to God, and He to us.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up”(James 4:7-10).