The Sacrifice of Praise

(#242, Yermo, 1939,46; Radio, 1948; Imperial, 1954)

Read Heb. 13:15-17.

To some the term "Thanksgiving" has no significance apart from "Thanksgiving Day" with it's turkey, etc.  How far we have drifted from that first "thanksgiving day" when God was upper most in their thoughts.  It is hard to reconcile the fact that America has become so unmindful of God.  We speak of America's many blessings, and yet God has no part in their plans.  And Christians are not immune from this unthankfulness.  Being unthankful is how we turn our backs on God (Rom. 1:21-23).

ƒ    Praise is a sacrifice.

Believers are to offer many sacrifices: our bodies, good works, and praise.  What is a sacrifice?  It is something that is given or offered in behalf of something else.  Jesus made a sin offering; we are to make a thank offering.

ƒ    The time of this sacrifice (continually).

In Eph. 5:20, "giving thanks always" means...

    1.  When things are going well.  We cannot take our blessings for granted.

    2.  When things are dark.  Paul & Silas gave God thanks in prison.  Jesus commanded this (Mt. 5:11-12).

How can we give thanks continually?

    1.  We must have a conviction that nothing matters for the Christian except the will of God.

    2.  We must appreciate the superiority of Spiritual values over material.

    3.  We must be completely surrendered to Christ.

ƒ    The method of this sacrifice (with our lips).

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!  Just to be thankful is not enough; we must say so.  This fruit indicates the life that is within.

ƒ    The benefits of giving thanks.

    1.  Praise is comely. Ps. 147:1.

    2.  Praise glorifieth God. Ps. 50:23.

    3.  Praise keeps us from discouragement.

    4.  Praise pleases God. Hb. 13:16.

    5.  Praise opens the way to victory (as with Paul & Silas).

To be truly thankful, the heart must be right with God.