2 Thessalonians 1:1-3 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:… I. THANKSGIVING IS A DEBT THAT WE OWE TO GOD FOR HIS BENEFITS. 1. Justice requires it, for our mercies were given on this condition (Psalm 50:15). We ourselves consent to this covenant. We seldom pray in distress without promising thankfulness (Hosea 14:2). Yet how backward are we to perform (Luke 17:18). It is a kind of theft if we crave help in our necessities, and then act as though it came from ourselves. 2. God expects it — not de facto actually; He expects no more than is given — but de jure, of right He might expect (Luke 13:7; Isaiah 5:4; 2 Chronicles 32:25). Therefore a good man should make conscience of his returns (Psalm 116:12). 3. It keeps up our intercourse with God. By the laws of Ezekiel's temple the worshippers were to go in at one door and out at another, that no back might be turned on the Mercy seat (Ezekiel 46:9). God cannot bear to have men turn their backs upon Him when their turn is served. Prayer and praise should be our continual work (Hebrews 13:15). 4. It provides for the succession of mercies. The more thankful we are the more we receive; as a husbandman trusts more of his precious seed to a fruitful soil. The ascent of vapours makes way for the descent of showers (Psalm 67:5, 6; Colossians 2:7). 5. It exercises and promotes all spiritual graces. (1) Faith, when we see the invisible Hand that reaches out our supplies (1 Chronicles 29:14; Hosea 2:8). (2) Love (Psalm 116:1, 2). Self-love puts us more on prayers, but the love of God on praises. (3) Hope, as Abraham built an altar in Canaan when he had not a foot of land in it (Genesis 13:18). (4) Humility. The humble are most delighted in the praises of God, the proud in their own (Hebrews 1:16; Genesis 32:10; 2 Samuel 7:18). 6. It prevents many sins, as — (1) Insensibility to God's blessings. (2) Murmuring (Job 2:10; Job 1:21). (3) Distrust and carking cares (Philippians 4:6; Psalm 77:10, 11). (4) Spiritual pride (1 Corinthians 4:7). II. IN THANKSGIVING SPIRITUAL BENEFITS ARE TO BE ESPECIALLY ACKNOWLEDGED, because — 1. They are discriminating, and come from God's special love. Corn, wine, and oil are bestowed on the world, but faith and love on the saints (Psalm 106:4). Protection is the benefit of every common subject, but intimate love and near admission the privilege of favourites. Christ gave His purse to Judas, but His Spirit to the others. 2. They concern the better part, the inward man (2 Corinthians 4:16). It is a greater favour to heal a wound than to mend a garment. The soul is more than the body; and a soul furnished with grace than one furnished with gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). 3. They are secured at greater cost than temporal blessings. The latter are bestowed by God as Creator and Upholder; saving grace He bestows only as the God and Father of Christ (Ephesians 1:3). 4. They are pledges and beginnings of eternal blessings (John 5:24; Romans 8:30; 2 Corinthians 3:18). 5. They incline and fit the heart for thankfulness. Outward benefits give us the occasion, these the disposition (Psalm 63:5). 6. They are never given in anger, as temporal benefits sometimes are (Matthew 13:11; Philippians 1:19). 7. They render us acceptable with God. A man is more accountable for worldly blessings, but not of greater account (Luke 12:48); but saving graces are acceptable (1 Peter 3:4). 8. They should be acknowledged, that God may have the sole glory of them (James 1:17; Revelation 4:10, 11; Isaiah 26:12; 1 Chronicles 29:14; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Luke 19:16). III. SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS VOUCHSAFED TO OTHERS MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED WITH THANKFULNESS. 1. It suits with our relation as members in the same mystical body of Christ, and so is part of the communion of saints (1 Corinthians 12:26; Philippians 1:7; Romans 12:15; Colossians 1:3, 4). 2. The glory of God is concerned in it. Wherever His goodness shines forth, especially with any eminency, it must be acknowledged (Romans 1:8; Galatians 1:24). 3. Our profit is concerned in it, inasmuch as it conduces to a common good. The good of some is the gain of the whole; we are benefited by their example, confirmed in their companionship (1 Thessalonians 1:7, 8; 1 Corinthians 1:4, 5; Romans 1:2). 4. If the salvation of our brethren be dear to us, whatever is given in order thereto we must reckon among our benefits, and we should rejoice in one another's gifts and graces as our own. 5. We increase their faith and comfort by such thanksgiving (Philippians 1:3-6). IV. IN THANKSGIVING FOR SPIRITUAL BENEFITS, WHETHER TO OURSELVES OR OTHERS, THE INCREASE OF GRACE MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS WELL AS THE BEGINNING OF IT. The degree is from God. He that begins perfects (Philippians 1:6). 1. Not our own free will (John 6:44). 2. Not the strength of our resolutions (Psalm 73:2). 3. Not the stability of gracious habits (Revelation 3:2). 4. But God only (1 Peter 5:10; Luke 17:5). (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: |
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