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June 18,2007; Paul, Peerless Apostle and Prophet (14 of 15)

Focus Text: Philemon 1.1-9

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3.17). This text as much as any other reveals the heart of Paul! It seems that he not only was able to give thanks in all circumstances, he also could encourage others to do the same. Today’s devotional will take a look at Paul and the giving of thanks.

Paul gave thanks that others obeyed the gospel of Christ and reacted positively to his message. “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” (Romans 6.17-18). “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2.13). “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2.13).

Paul gave thanks for faithful brethren. “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.” (1 Thessalonians 1.2-4). “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” (Philemon 1.4-6).

Paul gave thanks to God for His kindness, mercy, love and grace. “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus…” (1 Corinthians 1.4). “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1.12-14).

Finally, Paul gave thanks to God for the indescribable gift and for victory in Jesus Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9.15). “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15.57). “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2.14).

Why could Paul, persecuted and hounded as he was give thanks in all situations? Simply because only Christ mattered in his life; earthly things were as refuse (see Philippians 3.7-11).

Questions:

1. Why ought we to be thankful when someone obeys the gospel? Why ought we to weep when they refuse Christ?

2. Did Paul have excuse to be bitter and blame others for his plight? Why didn’t he react that way?

3. What is the victory that Jesus gives us, the one of which Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 1.57?

4. If earthly things are counted as rubbish, how will that affect our every day lives? How did it affect Paul’s?

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Comfort in Isaiah II (12-14-10)