1. Grace: The Foundation of Thanksgiving
Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 1:1-7, 2:3-9

2. Introduction Biblical truths interpreted by worldly concepts:
Amazing Grace
Jn 8:32
“The truth shall make you free”
“In all things give thanks”
I Thess 5:18

3. Introduction Common understanding of giving thanks:
gratitude for physical and material blessings
Un-Common understanding of giving thanks:
gratitude IN and FOR all things

4. The Meaning and Basis of Giving Thanks
Definition = ‘good grace’
From men
earned or unearned)
From God
OT = somewhat deserved;
NT = always unearned, never deserved
Grace = ‘favor’

5. The Meaning and Basis of Giving Thanks
The unfolding revelation of God’s grace
Grace planned (Eph 1:4-6)
Salvation provided by grace (Eph 2:8)
Future display of God’s grace (Eph 2:7)

6. The Meaning and Basis of Giving Thanks
The unfolding revelation of God’s grace
A lifestyle by grace (Eph 3:2)
Jn 1:14; grace for initial, present, and future tense salvation, instead of grace only for initial salvation
God’s grace is all-sufficient (II Cor 12:9)

7. The Purpose of Thanksgiving
To extol God’s grace IN and FOR everything (I Thess 5:18, Eph 5:20)
Today, Christ controls all things in Heaven and upon Earth
Matt 28:18
All things are subjected under his feet
I Cor 15:27

8. The Purpose of Thanksgiving
To extol God’s grace IN and FOR everything (I Thess 5:18, Eph 5:20)
All things to (the advantage of) the Church
Eph 1:22 (cf. James 1:2-3,12; I Cor 10:13)
Christ is either causing or allowingall things to happen or exist for the display of His Life through us, to His glory
Rom 11:36

9. Conclusion
I can, therefore, give God thanks IN and FOR all things (as I am rightly relating to the Holy Spirit), because: HE is in complete control of all things for my best and for HIS GLORY!