English humorist G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) wrote, “When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” More than just one day a year, Thanksgiving for the Christian should be a way of life. While in a Roman prison, Paul wrote to the church at Colossae and called them to a life of thanksgiving. In three separate passages, Paul emphasized three different qualities of Christian thanksgiving:
1. Give thanks joyfully, Colossians 1:12-14
2. Give thanks abundantly, Colossians 2:6-7
3. Give thanks continually, Colossians 3:15-17
In today’s text, we discover four saving actions by God whereby His people can joyfully give thanks.
God has qualified us to share in the inheritance, v. 12.
God has rescued us from the domain of darkness, v. 13a.
God has transferred us to the kingdom of His Son, v. 13b.
God has bestowed upon us redemption, the forgiveness of sins, v. 14.
No matter what you go through this Thanksgiving season, you can be thankful --joyfully thankful, for your salvation.
.png)