1 Chronicles 16 - Cameron Jungles - 11-24-2013

“A Thankful People” - 1 Chronicles 16 –

(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Nov. 24, 2013)

 

1. Thankfulness springs from reflecting on our own unworthiness.

 

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. (1 Chr. 16:19-20, NIV)

 

The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (Deut. 7:7–8, NIV)

 

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (Eph. 2:1–3, NIV)

 

2. Thankfulness comes by exulting in God’s grace and goodness.

 

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. (1 Chr. 16:8-9, NIV)

 

*   Delighting in God’s Sovereign Rule.

 

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. (1 Chr. 16:25-26, NIV)

 

Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" (1 Chr. 16:30-31, NIV)

 

*   Delighting in God’s Gracious Covenant.

 

He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. (1 Chr. 16:15-16, NIV)

 

*   Delighting in God’s Mighty Acts of Redemption.

 

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, (1 Chr. 16:12, NIV)

 

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (1 Chr. 16:19-24, NIV)

 

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. (Eph. 2:4-5, NIV)

 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet. 1:3–5, NIV)

 

Main Idea: Thankfulness is the natural response of unworthy sinners who have been blessed by God’s grace and goodness.

 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise." Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said "Amen" and "Praise the LORD." (1 Chr. 16:34–36, NIV)