A VERY SPECIAL THANKSGIVING VERSE.... 2 CORINTHIANS 4:15

THANKSGIVING

      (Definition: Thanksgiving is man’s vocal impetus in God’s cycle of care.)

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:15

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”  -KJV

“For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is  spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.”  - NASB

1.    THANKSGIVING’S INSTIGATION – (GOD’S GRACE, v 15a)

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace…”

(The riches of grace in Christ Jesus are abundantly ours. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. Shouldn't all this elicit many spontaneous 'thanksgivings'? They should but too often don't. Where are the nine? Dwell upon these riches and they can't help but move our mouths in praise.)

2.    THANKSGIVING’S VOCALIZATION - (GOD’S PEOPLE, 15b)

“…might through the thanksgiving of many…”

a.      The harmony of cooperation (Unlike a solo, "many", as in a choir, can make harmony. Hence, the church full of the beauty of thanksgiving.)

b.     The intensity of multiplication (With a choir, or many voices, the volume can be increased and thus be heard in a larger sphere.)

c. The constancy of Perpetuation (Many voices allow for a long sustaining of tone.)

3.    THANKSGIVING’S INTENTION – (GOD’S GLORY, 15c)

“…redound to the glory of God.”

(Of course, all we think, say or do should redound to His glory, because what have we that we have not received? "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalms 100:4-5)

- Dr. Dick Christen