AM Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 9.6-15

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

“Thanks Be To God…”

(Beware of Ingratitude)

Introduction

1. The sin of ingratitude may be the most glaring sin of our time! (Cf., Luke 17.17; Rom. 1.21)
2. The Lord is not so much denied as He is simply ignored; not so much blasphemed as much as He is just not included. But this should never be the shortcoming of Christians!
3. Four times Paul exhorted the Corinthian brethren, “thanks be to God…” (1 Cor. 15.57; 2 Cor. 2.14; 8.16; 9.15).

WHO GIVES US VICTORY!

1. The Text: 1 Corinthians 15.57
2. The Context: The validity of “resurrection” and the “hope” it supplies causes great thankfulness to true believers.
3. The Application: If there is no resurrection, there is no hope; if there is no hope, there is no heaven for eternity!

WHO LEADS US IN TRIUMPH!

1. The Text: 2 Corinthians 2.14
2. The Context: Though alone and physically exhausted, Paul was thankful to be able to share the gospel “in every place.”
3. The Application: It is important to remember that our primary purpose is to serve God and share Him with others!

WHO PROVIDES ENTHUSIASTIC CARE!

1. The Text: 2 Corinthians 8.16
2. The Context: Paul was thankful that God put into the heart of Titus the same degree of care for the Corinthians that he had.
3. The Application: Finding and being able to develop brethren for God’s work is a tremendous blessing!

WHO SUPPLIES HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT!

1. The Text: 2 Corinthians 9.15
2. The Context: Chapters 8 & 9 are actually Paul’s reiterating his instruction from 1 Cor. 16.1-2.
3. The Application: We should always be thankful when we are so blessed by God that we can assist others in their need!

Conclusion: Do we have abundant reasons for giving thanks to God?