In the name of Christ Jesus, dear Christian friends,

Tomorrow is a very important holiday. Some people call it, “Turkey Day.” But this holiday is not really about turkey at all. It’s about giving thanks to God. I would expect many people in the media to completely overlook that. And, I would expect many unbelievers to forget all about it. But, not believers. You know what this holiday is for. You know who deserves our thanks.

1. IN DAILY PRAYERS

{6} Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. We should not be anxious or worried about anything. God is in control! When we worry, we fall into sin. Worry is failing to trust God. Instead of worrying, pray to God. Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares for you. Turn your worries and cares over to God in prayer. And as you pray, be sure to give thanks too.

It says to pray “with thanksgiving” here. That’s the name of this holiday we are about to celebrate. It is not really about turkeys. It’s Thanksgiving Day. This holiday is all about giving thanks to God. It is a sin to fail to thank God. We’ve already uncovered three of our sins. We worry. We don’t pray enough. And we do not always give God the thanks that he deserves!

We have many reasons to thank God. He created us, or we would not even exist! He continually preserves us and provides for us, or we would not continue to live. He redeemed us, or we would perish forever in hell. That’s the most important reason of all to thank God! Jesus lived a perfect life and died on the cross to take all of our sins away. He rose from death, and we are forgiven! Believe in Jesus, and you have eternal life. Jesus did it all! So, let us thank him. Thank God for saving us! And, thank God for giving us faith. Thank God for giving us his Word, and Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. And we could go on and on!

And we should! We should thank God for all the blessings he has given us, not just here at church, but in our homes. When you go home tonight, look around and think of all the things that you are thankful for. Don’t overlook your loved ones! We thank God for family and friends, for food and drink, clothing and shelter, and on and on it goes. But, somehow, it just doesn’t seem enough to say, “Thanks.” We believers want to show God how thankful we are...

2. IN THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

{8} Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. This Thanksgiving, let’s think positive thoughts. Let’s not dwell on what we don’t have. Let’s not whine about what we should have. Let’s thank God for what we do have. Let’s think about all of the good gifts God has given to us, and thank God in our thoughts. Let’s focus our thoughts on all that is good and right. There is much that is wrong with our world. We can easily fall into non-stop complaining. There is always another reason to complain. But let us do what it says here: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” And thank God.

Then, we read: {9} Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. Don’t just listen to this and say, “Yeah, I know, I probably should.” Do what it says. “Put it into practice.” Don’t just come to church, sit still through the sermon, and go home unchanged. Take what you learn here and apply it to your life. Put it into practice. Today’s message is about thanking God, and about living a thankful life. So, this means live a thankful life! Let’s consider a few applications.

Be content. Paul had learned how to be content. Have you? Are you satisfied with what God has given you? ...Really? Not many people are. It is good to be content with what God has given.

Be humble. Maybe you have an important position. Maybe you own a lot of things. Don’t take the credit. Thank God! Give him all the glory. Give thanks to God who gives us every good gift.

Love one another. This is God’s will for our lives. Some households are afflicted by arguments. Even on Thanksgiving Day, there are arguments. Don’t let it happen this year. Thank God instead.

Think about someone else. Too often, we think about ourselves, our interests, our needs. Think about somebody else. The Philippians did. They were pretty much the only ones who supported Paul’s ministry with their offerings. Paul was grateful, but he was more concerned about them. They were concerned about him, and he was concerned about them. This shows love for one another. Believers, thank God!...

3. IN GOD-PLEASING WORSHIP

Usually, when we think of worship, we think of singing hymns, praying prayers, hearing God’s Word and receiving the Lord’s Supper. But, what the Philippians had done for Paul was a part of their worship. It was an offering to God. It was an acceptable sacrifice. God was pleased with it. They wanted to support the preaching and teaching of his Word. It was a thank offering, really.

Remember what Noah did after he came out of the ark? He had been in that ark for a year and ten days while the earth was flooded. God had sent the Flood because the people had become so wicked. He only spared Noah and his wife, his three sons and their wives. After the Lord had protected Noah in the ark, and brought him safely through, Noah was thankful. He didn’t just say, “Thanks, God” and walk away. He expressed his gratitude in an act of worship. Noah built an altar and burned sacrifices to God. This was a sacrifice of thanksgiving! God had saved him. He was thankful.

I know that many of you have done similar things. We have given thank offerings to God because he has saved us, and provided for us. Paul told the Philippians that God would not overlook what they had done out of faith. Dear friends, God sees how we thank him in worship too. In almost every service, we pass the plate. Every time the plate comes our way, it is yet one more opportunity to thank God. God is pleased when his believers thank him cheerfully.

It says, {19} And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. The Philippians did not go broke and starve because they had helped Paul with financial aid. God would take care of them. He will take care of us as well. He will provide for us, as we serve him and put him first.

Believers, let us thank God in prayers, thoughts, and actions. In every thought, word and action may our message be: {20} To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.