Cultivating Gratitude- Part 7

 We now come to our last verse on Gratitude in the Book of Colossians. Colossians 4:2 states "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."  A Thankful heart enriches and stimulates our prayer life.

Paul starts winding down this letter with some final admonitions. He states here the necessity of prayer. Possibly one of the hardest disciplines in the Christian life is cultivating a consistent, meaningful prayer life. Satan will seek to provide plenty of disruptions. 

Paul states continue in prayer. The idea behind this admonition is to be devoted to prayer, refuse to neglect it, persevere with earnestness in prayer for a strong prayer life is vital to spiritual maturity. 

Paul then adds and watch in the same. To watch originally meant to refrain from sleep, but then came to also include being attentive, mental alertness, and spiritual vigilance. So, what does being watchful in prayer mean? I believe that there are several ideas. 

1) We are to guard against formality, unbelief, and carelessness/frivolity in prayer.

2) We are to guard against spiritual laziness, drowsiness, and from a worldly focus.

3) We are to be aware of the needs around us: needs of our family, our church, our own needs, and the like.

4) We are to be alert to the spiritual dangers around us that threaten ourselves, our homes, our churches. 

5) Dr. Constable adds "to give it constant attention and priority." 

Now, notice once again how Paul ends this important verse- with thanksgiving. Again, we should ask "why add the idea of gratitude?" Listen, a grateful heart keeps us in a right attitude for prayer and fellowship with our heavenly Father. A grateful heart keeps us focused on our dependence on God. We are to be grateful for all that God has done for us in our salvation and how He takes care of us! Remembering God's mercies should motivate us to spend quality time with God in prayer. 

So, as we have observed in the Book of Colossians the apostle Paul highlights for us the vital importance of gratitude- giving thanks to God! This virtue truly is essential for our spiritual maturity. In fact, it is a sign of spiritual maturity that can reveal to all around us how much we love and appreciate our God! Let us cultivate hearts of thanksgiving for it pleases the Lord, glorifies Him, and points people to His goodness. How are you doing in this area of giving thanks? 

Psalm 106:1 Praise ye the LORD, O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever."  

Cultivating Gratitude- Part 6

 We now come to Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." 

For the Christian, there is no such thing as secular or sacred activities. All of life is to be lived in union with Jesus Christ and as His ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:20). 

Notice in our verse the comprehensiveness of all that you do or say. Everything should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. This means under the authority and approval of Christ- being mindful of what would please or disappoint Him. The idea is of being in tune with Christ! In your daily activities are you thinking of what would please Christ? What would honor Him? 

Now, with all of this said, notice the addition of giving thanks to God... Giving thanks is in the present tense meaning that this is to be continuously done, not occasionally. We are to be thankful for all of God's mercies to us, for delivering us from the realm of darkness, for adopting us as His sons and daughters, etc. These things should motivate all of our actions, attitudes, and words. 

An attitude of thanksgiving causes us to keep a conscious reliance on Christ which should lead to right actions and words. We need to cultivate a life where we are always mindful of Christ! If you notice in our verse, this giving thanks to God is by/through him- through an intimate relationship with Jesus.

My friends, let gratitude to God drive your lives and mark your testimony. This world needs to see true gratitude- needs to see why life in Christ is a superior life! F.F. Bruce wrote "In connection with any and every word and deed the believer should ask himself, 'Am I able to thank God the Father for having given me the opportunity to say or do this?'" 

Cultivating Gratitude- Part 5

 As we continue our study of gratitude through the book of Colossians, we come to a verse not often talked about when we think of the topic of "giving thanks." In Colossians 3:16 we find that a thankful heart can enhance the edification of other believers in our corporate worship. Let me explain. 

Colossians 3:16 states "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." 

Verse 16 describes a ministry of teaching and admonishing through music. We are to edify one another as we corporately worship together. Understand, that in Paul's day, the people did not have their own copies of the Scriptures. So, their public worship included preaching and the singing of biblically rich music to drive home God's truth. People taught and edified one another by singing together. The music of the past was focused on biblical accuracy in order to teach doctrine- truths about God, Christ, our salvation, etc. 

Now, where do we find "thanksgiving?" Notice the phrase singing with grace... What is grace? The word has several ideas. Unmerited favor; enablement for service and daily living; acts of benevolence; that which affords joy, delight; but the word also includes gratitude, thanks. Kenneth Wuest writes, "the word 'grace,' χάρις, also means 'thanksgiving,' which element should be included in our singing." 

As we sing with thanksgiving in our hearts for God's goodness and attributes, we can teach, admonish, and edify those around us. Notice the phrase in your hearts to the Lord. Thankful hearts sing with power, vigor, and "life." Things that can certainly encourage others. Refocus one's attention! Lift the mood from discouragement to hope. This is singing with commitment to the Lord and with understanding of God's grace. So, we are to sing heartedly with purpose, with thankful hearts in order to teach and edify one another! 

Since this blog's title is "Exhortations," let me exhort you to sing with these things in mind! Sing with gratefulness. It can be infectious and edifying to others!! 

Cultivating Gratitude- Part 4

 We have been tracing out the topic of gratitude throughout the Book of Colossians. We now come to our fourth mention of gratitude in Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." 

This whole section starting in v.11 deals with how to live in peace. In v.15 Paul states that the peace of God was to rule in their hearts or as John Eadie puts it "exercise supreme command." Peace is to govern our hearts, influence our behavior and thoughts. 

Our verse says that we have been called to one body, therefore we need peace in order to enjoy a spiritual oneness in Christ. This is not peace at any cost, but the desire to strive for peace. Romans 4:19 says "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Peace with God should lead to peace with others. 

So now, how does "gratitude/thanksgiving" fit into all of this? Well, let us first state the opposite: grumbling, complaining, nit-picking, etc. often promote agitation, disorder, anger, discontentment, and negativity, all things that fail to promote peace. But an attitude of thanksgiving keeps us focused on the goodness of the Lord, on His word, His will, and what He has done for us. Gratitude makes for peace and good public relations. A right focus encourages and uplifts. Warms the "temperature in the room," so to speak. Promotes a better mood. All of which allows us to focus on what is truly important as a Christian. 

A person who understands all that God has done for them including His patience with their imperfections, should be able to set aside petty things, become more patient with others, and cultivate spiritual concern for others, all of which will lead to a more peaceful atmosphere.

One more thing from our verse. The grammar of "be ye thankful" is "keep becoming more thankful." It is a process that takes time and maturity. But understand, it is also an obligation! 

Let us learn to be thankful that God can bring people together with all of their differences and imperfections. Let us be thankful for other believers and what God is doing in each of their lives. We can learn to work with others through Christ. 

Let us all mature in being thankful because gratitude promotes peace and allows us to accomplish God's work! 

Cultivating Gratitude- Part 3

 As we move on through the Book of Colossians, we are confronted with our third mention of "Giving Thanks" in chapter 2:6-7. A thankful heart is a mark of Christian maturity!  

The Apostle Paul points out in v.6 that since they received Jesus Christ as their Savior, now they must walk in Him- to live out a life of faith and practice in accord with who Jesus is and in accord with His teaching. Our word for "walk" (περιπατέω) is in the present tense and is an imperative. This means that this is a command from Paul to continuously walk in relation to Christ. Day after day cultivating this walk. How do we do this?

Paul gives four participles in v.7 describing a worthy walk in Christ- how to enjoy a vital union with Christ. 

1) Rooted (ῥιζόω) In Christ: Figuratively here, it means to be firmly fixed, planted in Christ. One is rooted in Christ at the moment one places their faith and trust in the finished cross work of Christ. So now one can begin to grow. We need to remember that we are rooted in Christ. The "tree" can now move upward in physical maturity, and for us spiritual maturity. Sometimes it feels like we struggle to mature in the faith. And that can be very frustrating. But remember, that if you have placed your faith and trust in Christ alone for your salvation, you can mature- the roots are there for the sap to flow and the plant mature (John 15). 

2) Built up (ἐποικοδομέω) in Christ: Paul changes metaphors a bit to a building. The foundation has been laid (strong root system), now the building can be erected. Now again, the grammar is continuous action, therefore this is a process of building. When Christ has free reign over our lives we grow up into a beautiful building- we mature in the faith and gain victories over sin allowing us the shine brightly for Christ's glory! 

3) Established (βεβαιόω) in the Faith: the idea is to make firm, sure, strong and stable. If we are continually maturing in the faith, we become more fixed and stable in our beliefs and usability to God. Observe Paul's words in Ephesians 4:13-15 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (14)  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

Notice now in our verse the phrase as ye have been taught. The Colossians matured in their faith through the teaching of Epaphras, possibly other teachers, and through Paul by this letter.  We need to be teachable and learn from solid biblical teaching and preaching. So, as we spiritually mature, we walk in and present to the world a more superior way of life!

4) Abounding in Thanksgiving: Now we come to the "giving of thanks." Of all the things that Paul could present as a worthy walk, notice that he only presents four and the fourth is a life of gratitude! As we are observing through this book, a heart of giving thanks is important to God! It recognizes His greatness, wisdom, power, love, etc. It keeps us focused on Him and not distractions to lead us away from Him. Satan knows that if he can distract us away from the Lord, we will stumble and fall. 

Notice also that Paul adds abounding (περισσεύω) therein- to be in abundance, excess, a picture of a river overflowing its banks. Often in the New Testament the idea is having more than enough. We are to be constantly (present tense- continuous action) overflowing with thanksgiving for all of the many blessings showered on us from God. Read Ephesians 1-2 to observe many of these blessings! A thankful heart glorifies the Lord before all those around us. And many of those around you need to see how awesome your God really is. A life of gratitude is a great and needed testimony before a world of unbelievers under the judgment of God. 

So, gratitude is a mark of spiritual maturity. Are you "growing up" in the Lord? Do you express gratitude before your family, co-workers, in public, everywhere you go? If not, why not? It will keep you focused on the Lord and glorify Him! You can't go wrong with this!! 

Cultivating Gratitude- Part 2

 We are tracing the theme of "Giving Thanks" through the Book of Colossians. The last post observed that we must cultivate a thankful heart because a thankful heart can draw us closer to other believers. 

Today we will observe our second occurrence of "giving thanks" in Colossians 1:10-14. We must cultivate a thankful heart because a thankful heart pleases and glorifies the Lord.

In this text, "giving thanks" is a fourth present participle in a series of participles describing a worthy, pleasing walk before the Lord (vv.10-12). A worthy walk includes being fruitful in every good work (v.10b), increasing in the knowledge of God (v.10c), strengthened with all might... (v.11), and then fourthly giving thanks... (v.12). A thankful heart pleases the Lord because it recognizes the Lord's salvation work on our behalf- recognizes the benefits of that work (vv.12-13). The grammar of v.12a emphasizes our continuous duty before God! 

Now, in vv.12-13 we have three verbal actions, and in v.14 a fourth explanation of why we should be thankful to the Father:

1) He qualified us for a share in the inheritance of the Saints (v.12b): The KJV word "meet" means to render competent or worthy, to make sufficient or fit, to qualify. Through salvation in Christ, we received a standing in God's favor qualifying us for an inheritance far surpassing any inheritance in this life. We can look forward to reigning with Christ in the future Messianic Kingdom and enjoyment of many more kingdom treasures, not the least, living forever with Christ! 

2) He rescued us from the power, authority, and ruling force of darkness (Satan's domain) (V.13a): We were rescued from the hopelessness and misery of our sinful, wretched condition. In Acts 26:18 Paul explains to King Agrippa his mission from God: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." 

3) He relocated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (v.13b): So, the Father relocated us from the jurisdiction of darkness and Satanic forces and resettles us under Christ's domain. We are now under Christ's rule over our hearts and lives. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God." But we also have a great future to look forward to as kingdom heirs who will "rule and reign' with Christ.

4) His Son Redeemed us (v.14): Jesus delivered us from the slave market of sin resulting in the forgiveness of our sins. He purchased us by His own blood! 

As you see, we have every reason to be thankful!! Remember, the "giving thanks" of v.12 is describing a life in Christ that pleases God! 

Think with me for a moment. Paul gave four participles, only four here, describing a life that pleases God. That one of those participles is "giving thanks" emphasizes for us the great importance of this virtue before God. Are you cultivating a heart of gratitude? Is your life pleasing to God? It can be with His help! 

Cultivating Gratitude

 When one studies the Book of Colossians, a theme of "Giving Thanks" emerges from every chapter. It is a minor theme, but an important one. In the next several posts we are going to observe the importance of gratitude- giving thanks. As we explore this theme, take careful note of where this exhortation shows up and be challenged to cultivate a thankful heart. 

The very first occurrence is found in Colossians 1:3. As Paul opens the letter, he quickly recognizes something positive in the believers at Colossae- their maturing faith and love for each other. Understand, Paul did not start the church at Colossae and did not know most of the people. But he heard these positive things, and he was thankful for these qualities in their lives. 

In fact, Paul was thankful to God for maturing these believers through their difficulties (which are revealed throughout the Book). This joy and gratitude led him to pray often for them. Are you thankful for what God is doing in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you even pay attention to the spiritual condition of those around you?

Our gracious Lord can take each one of us with all of our rough edges and mold us into the image of Christ. This ought to excite us and lead us to gratitude towards God for changing lives for His glory! 

Relationships can be hard to develop. Our sin nature often gets in the way. We all struggle with self-centeredness, from one degree to another. So, let us strive to cultivate hearts of thanksgiving for each other! let us pray often for each other! These practices will strengthen relationships and bring unity to our churches. 

Also observe: Romans 1:8; 1Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3; 1Thessalonians 1:2; 2Thessalonians 1:3; 2Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4. 

So, our first point is that a heart of gratitude can draw us closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ.