"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."
Ephesians 5:19-21
Part 2
Yesterday we spoke of “speaking—singing” God’s praises to each other. What encouragement that would be if we all did this!
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”
Today let’s remember that “being filled with the Spirit” is impossible without…
SPEAKING, GIVING THANKS, and SUBMITTING.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Paul is very specific about the timing of our thanks, it is “always.” Our thanks are ongoing, continually thanking the Lord, never ceasing in our gratefulness.
“Giving thanks always – God is continually loading you with his benefits; you deserve nothing of his kindness; therefore give him thanks for his unmerited bounties.”1 (Clarke)
And then Paul is also specific about what we thank the Lord for, “all things.” For all the good things He brings into our lives—that’s easy. And for all the bad things He brings or allows in our lives—that’s not as easy. In fact, some would balk at the thought of this. Do you remember Job’s testimony to his wife after losing everything he had?
“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips,” (Job 2:9-10).
“Giving thanks – At all times and places. And for all things – Prosperous or adverse….”2 (John Wesley)
Why? Why give thanks for everything? Because of God’s promise to His children.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28).
Our God is the only One who is able to make all things, good or bad, work out for our good and for His glory. We can always trust Him to do what is best for us in our lives.
Remember, it is “God our Father,” “the Father of mercies,” that we are thanking. Our Creator, sustainer, and the loving Father who gives good gifts to His child.
We thank our Father through His Son, Jesus. Our Redeemer, Savior, and He is our only mediator, our only approach to the Father, and because of Jesus our prayers and praises are heard by the Father.
Thank the Lord for His working in our lives each day!
Today we’ve learned about “giving thanks” to God continually. Being “filled with the Spirit” is impossible without this!
Come back tomorrow when we talk through:
SPEAKING, GIVING THANKS, and SUBMITTING.
1. Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
2. John Wesley. John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.