Give Thanks to God

And whatsoever ye DO in WORD or DEED, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God and the Father by him. – Colossians 3:17

Paul tells the people if they are in Christ they should seek those things which are above, not the things on the earth. He says to put off the sins of the old sinful man and put on the image of the new man, which is created after the image of Christ. The Bible tells us when we get saved that we become new creatures in Christ. God helps us to do away with our old sinful nature and take up characteristics that are Christ-like. In this Scripture, Paul uses the male gender, but this applies to all those who accept Christ as their Savior, both male, and female.

Paul says as Christians we are all one in Christ; there are no differences between us because of our background or race. Paul goes on to tell what the new man should look like in Christ. These are the characteristics that Paul says should be indicative of the new man, he should be holy, merciful, and kind. He should show the traits of humbleness, meekness, and long-suffering. He should be forgiving, show love through charity, and let the peace of God rule in his heart. Paul says, “Be ye thankful.”

In verses 16 and 17 he tells us how to do that, by studying the word of God, teaching, admonishing one another, and singing psalms and hymns. He reminds us that whatever we do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God, the Father by Him.

As Christians, we should get in the habit of studying God’s Word and encouraging one another. God loves it when we sing songs of praise and worship to Him and give thanks to Him for who He is and all He has done for us.

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 3:1-17

1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Things to think about:

• In what ways can seek the things which are above?

• Have you put off the old sinful man?

• Are you in the habit of giving thanks to the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. Help us to set our sights on things above and not on things on the earth. Help us to be forgiving of one another. Help us to put on the fruits of the spirit. We love You and praise You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

– Colossians 3:17

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 daily Bible lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, coordinating Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day. Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.

Four of Deborah’s friends contributed to the book and one of her friends contributed pictures of nature to remind us to be thankful for God’s creation. May God bless you as you read this book and remember all the things you have to be grateful for and to “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart.