What are you thankful for this thanksgiving? That question will be asked at countless tables today. As I read from scripture this morning, I came across many places where Paul was thankful. I started to wonder about the things he would be grateful for if he were sitting at our table. One thing stood out; he would be thankful for you, church!. Paul was super thankful for the church, and we should also be. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” His thankfulness is worth imitating in our body as a church. Here are many instances where Paul was thankful:
Ephesians 1:16 (CSB) — 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
Romans 1:8 (CSB) — 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.
1 Corinthians 1:4 (CSB) — 4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3–5 (CSB) — 3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 (CSB) — 2 We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. 3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 (CSB) — 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 Indeed you are our glory and joy!
1 Thessalonians 3:9–10 (CSB) — 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?
2 Thessalonians 1:3 (CSB) — 3 We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, since your faith is flourishing and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (CSB) — 13 But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
2 Timothy 1:3 (CSB) — 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.
Philemon 4–5 (CSB) — 4 I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
This Thanksgiving what are you thankful for?
As you examine the scriptures above, If Paul was sitting at your table today, what do you think Paul would be thankful for?
Who in the church are you thankful for?
Thank God for them.
Let them know you thank God for them.
Let them know why you thank God for them.
We are Thankful for you, City Church!