“Reasons to Give Thanks” (Part 1)

This week we want to look at reasons to give thanks for our congregations—imperfect as they may be. To do that, I would like to share some thoughts I heard a fellow pastor share with his congregation a number of years ago.

The apostle Paul loved the church, but he also loved churches—even churches he had never visited. That is why he was always thrilled to get reports from churches, and to learn what was happening in those local ministries. In keeping with that, Epaphras, a protégé of Paul’s has come to visit him and update him on the work in Colosse. Of note…

• Paul is in prison in Rome for preaching the Gospel;
• Epaphras brings word from Colosse with an update on the ministry there;
• Paul has never visited Colosse.

This creates a very interesting situation, yet one that stirs within the great apostle a desire to encourage them in their faith. What has Epaphras told him?

Problems with heresies:

• Denials of the deity of Christ
• Early gnosticism
• Other problems (worship of angels, perhaps?)

How Paul responds:

The letter to the Colossians.

The theme of Colossians is a response to some of those heresies, as Paul emphasizes the deity and sufficiency of Christ—the Head of the Church. We want to just look at the beginning of this great letter in Colossians 1:3-8 and see his heart, for, even with the heresies present there, Paul’s first instinct is to commend them! Notice (v.3), he begins by…

Giving thanks to God, and,
Offering prayers for them.

We want to focus on these verses to see WHY Paul gave thanks for the church at Colosse, and hopefully find cause to give thanks for our own churches as well. Notice, we can be thankful for…

Their Faith In Christ Jesus (v.4)
This is not referring to “intellectual assent” but rather to obedient faith. Notice the words of our Lord…

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

Here, faith is critical because it expresses dependence upon Christ, not only for salvation (Eph.2:8-9) but for all of life. We live by faith, walk by faith, endure by faith—and obey by faith.

On Wednesday, we will explore two more reasons for giving thanks.