Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on God’s blessings. It’s a moment to pause and appreciate the gifts we often take for granted. But true thanksgiving goes beyond a meal or holiday. It is about recognizing God’s goodness in every aspect of our lives.
An expository sermon on Thanksgiving helps us understand its biblical foundation. It challenges us to give thanks not just in times of plenty, but in all circumstances. This sermon will explore the true meaning of Thanksgiving and how we can apply it in our daily walk with God. Let’s dive into God’s Word.
An Expository Sermon on Thanksgiving
Good morning, church. Today, we are going to talk about a topic that is often overlooked—thanksgiving. Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not just something we observe once a year; it’s something we should practice every day. And to truly understand the significance of thanksgiving, we must go back to the Word of God.
Today, I want to explore the biblical foundation of thanksgiving, the reasons why we are called to give thanks, and how we can make gratitude a part of our everyday lives. Let’s dive into the Scriptures and uncover what God’s Word says about thanksgiving.
#1. Biblical Call to Give Thanks
First, let’s look at what the Bible says about giving thanks. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Did you catch that? Paul says all circumstances. Not just when life is good. Not just when we’re feeling blessed. But in all circumstances. In good times and bad, we are to give thanks.
Now, I know this isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s hard to give thanks when things aren’t going the way we want. But giving thanks isn’t based on our circumstances. It’s based on the goodness of God. Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” God is good, and His love never changes, no matter what we face.
Thanksgiving is an act of worship. It’s how we acknowledge God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His sovereignty. Every time we say “thank you” to God, we are worshiping Him. And that’s what we were made to do—worship God through gratitude.
#2. The Reasons for Thanksgiving
Now, let’s talk about why we should give thanks. There are many reasons, but I want to highlight a few key ones today.
First, we give thanks because of God’s goodness. Psalm 107:1 says it plainly: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” God is good, and His goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. It doesn’t change because we’re having a hard time. God is always good. His goodness is the reason we can give thanks in all things.
Second, we give thanks because of God’s provision. In Philippians 4:19, Paul tells us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God is a provider. He takes care of us, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When we give thanks, we acknowledge that every good thing we have comes from Him.
Third, we give thanks for salvation. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Our salvation is the greatest reason to give thanks. Jesus Christ gave His life for us, and through His sacrifice, we are redeemed. This is the ultimate reason to be thankful—to know that we are forgiven and reconciled to God through Christ.
Finally, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” God’s faithfulness never fades. His love and mercy are new every morning. Every day we wake up, we have another chance to thank God for His unending faithfulness.
#3. How to Practice Thanksgiving Daily
So, how do we live this out? How do we make thanksgiving a daily part of our lives? It starts with our mindset. Thanksgiving is a choice, not a feeling. We choose to be grateful, regardless of our circumstances. But here are a few practical steps we can take:
First, begin each day with thanks. I encourage you, when you wake up, to thank God for another day. It doesn’t have to be a long prayer—just a simple, “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of today.” Start your day with gratitude, and it will set the tone for everything else.
Second, give thanks in the midst of struggles. This is where it gets difficult. But listen, it’s easy to give thanks when everything is going well. The real test comes when life is hard. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul didn’t say “give thanks when you feel like it.” He said, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” That includes the tough times. Remember, God is still good, and His love is still with you, even when life is hard.
Third, express your gratitude through action. Thanksgiving isn’t just about words; it’s about living it out. When you serve others, when you love others, when you show kindness, you are expressing thanksgiving to God. Every act of love is a thank-you note to God for His goodness in your life.
Finally, share your gratitude. Don’t keep your thanks to yourself. Tell others what God has done for you. Share your testimony. When you talk about God’s goodness, you encourage others to be thankful too.
#4. Thanksgiving and Worship
As we’ve already discussed, thanksgiving is a form of worship. Colossians 3:16-17 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Worship is not just about singing songs or attending church. It’s about how we live our lives. Whatever we do, we should do it with thanksgiving. Whether it’s working, serving, or spending time with family—every action can be an offering of worship.
When we give thanks in everything, we declare that God is worthy of our praise. We take the focus off of ourselves and put it on Him. We acknowledge that He is in control, and He deserves all the glory, honor, and praise.
#5. The Power of Gratitude in the Life of a Believer
Gratitude has the power to change our hearts. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It reminds us that we are blessed. And as we practice thanksgiving, we begin to experience the peace and joy that come from a thankful heart. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Thanksgiving brings peace. It helps us trust God more fully. It strengthens our faith. It reminds us that no matter what we face, God is with us, and He is good.
Conclusion
As we conclude today, I challenge you to live a life of thanksgiving. Don’t let gratitude be a seasonal thing or a one-time event. Let it be a daily practice. Let it be your response to God’s goodness, His provision, His salvation, and His faithfulness. In good times and bad, give thanks. And as you do, you will experience the peace and joy that only come from a heart full of gratitude.
Let us pray.
Dear God, we thank You for Your goodness. We thank You for Your provision, Your salvation, and Your faithfulness. Help us to give thanks in all circumstances, remembering that You are always with us, and You are always good. Teach us to live lives full of gratitude, so that we may honor You in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Closing…
As we close today, remember that thanksgiving is not just a seasonal act but a lifestyle. It’s a choice we make every day to recognize God’s goodness in all circumstances. Whether we are in times of blessing or struggle, we have much to be thankful for.
Let this week, and every week, be filled with a heart of gratitude. Let thanksgiving be a reflection of your worship to God, and let it transform your perspective, your relationships, and your walk with Him. As we give thanks, we honor God and experience the peace and joy that only He can provide.
May you leave here today with a renewed spirit of gratitude, ready to give thanks in all things, and always remember: God is good, and His love endures forever.