Give Thanks

Rev Koay Kheng Hin
31 December 2023 Watch Night Service

I          Introduction

Today is the last day of the year. For some, it can be a day of regrets when they choose to remember what could have been. For others, it can be a day of rejoicing when they choose to remember their achievements.

For others, it can be a day of reflection as they ponder what the next year will bring. What then is the appropriate perspective of the children of God as they look back on the year that is passing and look forward to the year to come? Regret? Rejoicing? Reflection?

II         Context

The sermon text for today is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and I read.

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

These three verses are set within the 11 verses from verse 12 to verse 22, which constitute the final instructions of Paul to the church.

This is the first letter Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonica, which was a young church that was established only two or three years before this letter was written. The Thessalonians needed to mature in their faith. In addition, there was a misunderstanding concerning the Second Coming of Christ, which Paul addressed.

The letter was penned most likely in the year AD 51 or 52 in Corinth. Verses 12 to 15 deal with relational perspectives, and how we are to treat each other. Verses 19 to 22, on the other hand, focus on how to handle spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.

However, verses 16 to 18 deal with the inner life, communion with God, and spiritual character.

III       God’s will

These three verses revolve around the acknowledgement that being joyful always, praying continually, and always giving thanks are all within the will of God.

To pray continually refers to the constancy of communion with God, of seeing God in every circumstance of life, whether good or bad. It is in such a posture that we can perceive our circumstances from the vantage point of Christ rather than the other way around.

To perceive our circumstances from the vantage point of Christ is to be conscious of the fact that God is with us in every circumstance of life. It is in the assurance of the presence of God that we are able to be joyful in all circumstances.

These three commands: to be joyful, to be prayerful, and most of all, to be thankful—are ascribed to the will of God for us. This ascription brings to mind Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

However, often our default mode is to see Christ through our circumstances. When our circumstances are good, our perception of Christ is magnified by his divinity. On the other hand, when our circumstances are bad, our perception of Christ’s power and love is diminished. We become what is called roller-coaster Christians.

IV        Giving thanks in all circumstances

It is necessary to note that we are not giving thanks for all circumstances, but we are giving thanks in all circumstances. Giving thanks in all circumstances is only possible through faith, believing that God is always able to turn all circumstances for our good.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” gives us the enduring hope that in the end, good will result from adverse situations.

The case of the life of Joseph is a case in point. In Genesis 50:20, we see Joseph recognising the efficacy of Romans 8:28. Furthermore, giving thanks in all circumstances is an attitude that arises from the belief that even if adverse circumstances do not change at the moment, God will always empower us with a strengthening grace of 2 Corinthians 12:9. There is either a path of resolution or transformation!

V         Practical application of a heart of thanksgiving

Are there things that you are reminded of that you can thank God for? Things that have happened this year in your personal life—your family, the church, your career?

Are there difficult circumstances through which God has held you up and kept you? Have you grown in appreciation for the simple blessings in life?

Have you thought of the fact that you are still alive and kicking? Of the gift of not only life but life for all eternity? This is thanksgiving in practice. A joyful, prayerful, and thankful spirit that empowers you is in contrast to the resignation of the Greek Stoic spirit.

VI        A complimenting spirit of praise

A Christian with such a heart of thanksgiving will possess a complimenting spirit as opposed to a complaining spirit.

Psalm 100:4, Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” captures the intrinsic connection between gratitude and praise.

Such a Christian will not only praise God, but in his interactions with others, he is always prone to compliment and praise. Praise strengthens and builds up. A complimenting spirit praises. A complaining spirit criticises.

VII      Conclusion

I conclude with the whole of Psalm 100, a psalm giving thanks to God from a grateful heart. What then is the appropriate perspective of the children of God as they look back on the year that is passing and look forward to the year to come? The biblical answer is THANKSGIVING. To God be the glory. Amen!