Giving Thanks to God and Sola Gratia

Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 29, 2023 – 2 Thess. – Alan Conner
2 Thess. 1:3-4
Giving Thanks to God and Sola Gratia

Intro

A. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GIVING THANKS TO GOD.

1. “We ought always to give thanks to God” -

2. Our thanksgiving to God is “fitting.”

B. THE REASONS FOR GIVING THANKS TO GOD.

1. For an increasing faith.

a. Saving faith is a gift from God.

(1) Our depravity makes it necessary. Eph. 2:1; Rom. 3:10-11; 8:7-8; 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4; Jn. 6:44; Rom. 9:15-16

(2) Biblical support: 1 Thess. 1:4-5; Acts 13:48; Jn. 6:37; Jas. 2:5;
Jn. 6:44; Acts 16:14Acts 13:48; Rom. 12:3; Phil. 1:29; Eph. 2:8.

b. Sanctifying faith is a gift from God. Heb. 12:2; Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13

2. For growing love. 1 Thess. 3:12; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 6:23.

3. For enduring perseverance. Rom. 15:5; Phil. 1:6; Lk. 22:31-32.

C. THE REFORMATION “SOLA GRATIA” AND GIVING THANKS TO GOD.

1. This does not eliminate the importance of the means of grace.

2. Biblical boasting.

Conclusion

Things to ponder: How can Sola Gratia help us in giving thanks to God? What encouragement can we glean from knowing that our salvation is rooted in God’s grace alone? In what ways are we dependent on God’s grace in our sanctification?