The Language of Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving Mini-Series (Part 2 of 3)

In part one of our thanksgiving miniseries we discussed how thanksgiving is to be the lifestyle of a Christian.

But Scripture makes it clear that thanksgiving is to be the language and communication of the Christian.

We are to “continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

What if thanksgiving became the outflow and communication of our lives?

In this episode, we talk about what the Bible says about the tongue, the importance of offering thanksgiving, and four key truths about thanksgiving that should change how we talk and live.

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Show Notes / Additional Resources

The Importance of the Tongue

• James 3:3-6 – See how we put bits in the mouths of horses that they may obey us, and we control their whole bodies. And observe ships. Though they are so great and are driven by fierce winds, yet they are directed with a very small rudder wherever the captain pleases. Even so, the tongue is a little part of the body and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.
• James 1:26 – If anyone among you seems to be religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
• Matthew 12:34-25 – For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things. And an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
  the heart reveals whats “inside”
• 1 Peter 3:10 – He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. (quoting Psalm 34.12-16)
  

The Conversation Contrast

Ephesians 5:3-4 – And do not let sexual immorality, or any impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks.

• Filthiness: obscenity, speaking that which is shameful
• Foolish Talking: foolish talk, to be dazed, stupid conversation like that of a drunk person (the root word is used of salt loosing its flavor, see Matthew 5:13)
• Coarse Jesting: wit or humor that evokes laughter and degrades that which is pure, right, honorable, true – in context the idea is taking what God created as pure and good (sexuality) and being crass and joking about it

The Tongue of Thanksgiving

• 2 Corinthians 4:15 – … that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
• Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God …
• Colossians 4:2 – Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving …
• 1 Timothy 2:1 – Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
• Revelation 4:9 – Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, [24 elders fall down and worship] …
• Revelation 7:12 – “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
• Ephesians 5:20 – … giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ …
  

4 Key Truths about Thanksgiving

1. Thanksgiving reveals the internal reality
2. Thanksgiving at times is a choice … but should be the natural outflow of our lives
   • When troubles come I often need to choose a response of thanksgiving
   • But I shouldn’t have to “force” thanksgiving – when I see the reality of all Jesus has done it should naturally flow out of me
3. Thanksgiving results in a life of leaping
   • Root word of “thanksgiving” is charis (rejoice) – the idea is: leap for joy
     • The picture is jumping higher on a trampoline the more pressure you are pressed down by circumstance and situation.
     • The picture is being a cheerio in milk, utterly unsinkable!
   • Philippians 3:1 – Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.
   • Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
   • Colossians 1:24 – I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,
   • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, praying without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
   • 1 Peter 4:13 – … but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings …
4. Thanksgiving is a great deterrent for sin
   • Use thanksgiving for defeating sin
   • Thank God for the victory He have already provided in your life

Join the Conversation

Question: How has thankfulness in your speech changed the way you live and see/understand circumstances?

Leave a response or ask a question and we will try to address it in a future episode.

The difficulty with podcasts is that they are one-sided—so each week I ask one question for you to participate in the conversation. Head over to the deeperChristian Facebook page to leave a comment and join in the conversation.

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About NRJohnson

NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is a Christian who has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps other believers understand and apply the Bible as they grow and mature in their faith—desiring that they gain greater intimacy with Christ, experience the victorious Christian life, and transform the world through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Read more about him here.

About the Deeper Christian Podcast

Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. The Deeper Christian Podcast helps equip Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.

Whether you want to learn how to study God’s Word, grow in your faith, cultivate a powerful and effective prayer life, share the Gospel boldly, deepen your intimacy with Jesus, live victoriously, or transform the world through the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit, the Deeper Christian Podcast with NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) will encourage and equip you to grow spiritually and live a Christ-centered life.