Most people like genuine things over fake ones. There are fake diamonds, money, and autographs, for example, but most people would prefer the real ones. Thanksgiving can also be faked. How do you tell the difference between fake thanksgiving and the real thing?

• TEXT: Psalm 92:1-5
• SERIES: Single message
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: November 20, 2011

Subscribe to RMLBC Sermon Podcast

Psalm 92:1-5 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!

INTRODUCTION: People love the real thing. Fake things are sometimes enticing (because they can be shortcut) but people usually like the real thing. For example: Coca-cola (New Coke 1985), Money, Diamonds, and Autographs.
 

What is the difference between true thanksgiving and pseudo-thanksgiving?

True thanksgiving is good (for the soul)

• People are designed to be much like pipes. We have physical blood vessels for example. Spiritually, we are meant to take in the goodness, mercy, and love of God – which flows through us – and thanksgiving should be one of the things that flow from us in the process.
• Pseudo-thanksgiving is like a clogged pipe. Not good for the soul. It’s result is greed (since it collects only) and hypocrisy (since it fakes thanksgiving).

True thanksgiving requires a worthy recipient

• A forced “Thank you” is not the real thing. Just ask a child who is forced to say it to a sibling.
• Real thanksgiving will only be real if the one receiving thanksgiving is WORTHY of it.
• When we say “Thank you” to God we can know that He is ALWAYS maximally worthy of our gratitude. He is “Most High” He is “faithful.” His very being is what makes thanksgiving a real thing.

True thanksgiving only proceeds from a heart that has been made glad

• People can fake thanksgiving with a miserable heart, but nobody can be truly thankful without that gratitude overflowing from a heart that has been made glad.

What are some of His works that ought to fill you with joy?

• He created the world, Adam, and Eve
• He saved Noah and his family from the flood and made a covenant with all creation
• He called Abram out of Ur and made a covenant with him
• He saved Isaac by offering the ram as a substitute
• He allowed Joseph to ascend Egyptian politics and save the Hebrews
• He brought Israel out of slavery, through the Red Sea, and into the Promised Land
• He preserved the nation of Israel through sin, war, and exile
• At the perfect time He brought Jesus Christ into the world through the Virgin Mary
• Jesus taught the truth of God’s Kingdom while healing the sick to authenticate His claims
• Jesus (in God’s timing) suffered and died under Pontius Pilate
• Jesus rose from dead and ascended into Heaven were we await His coming
• God established His church on the authority of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ
• If you are a believer He revealed to you your sin, caused you to be born again, granted you faith to repent and believe, and gave you assurance of eternal life

Millions of other works could be listed…

APPLICATION: Gaze at Jesus until you are TRULY thankful

2 Corinthians 3:18  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.