Lesson 79 November 2, 2003

 

This verse (20) answers a number of questions:

1. For what are we to be constantly giving thanks! Always for all things!!

2. The How of thanksgiving! In the name of the Lord!

3. Paul makes the point of who is addressed here by the phrase "to God even the Father."

 

Why in the name of the Lord? Why is that important?

It is though Him that we have access! 2:18; 3:12

 

Documentation Passages:

* Col 3:15-17 note the emphasis on thanksgiving in each of these verses.

* Phil 4:6-7 gives us some valuable instruction related to thanksgiving, and its impact or benefits in our lives; Mental and emotional stability.

 

For some worry becomes a way of life. This should not be the case for the believer.

- "Stop the habit of worrying!" if you examine what your worried about most often its either extremely trivial; or its something that is out of your control completely; so why worry!

 

 

The mechanic (how) for realizing this "peace" and guarding of the hearts/minds begins with "right praying" which is the expression of our trust and confidence in God.

 

 

- The nouns: prayer; supplication; and thanksgiving express different aspects of prayer.

 

 

 

- Rem: worry is being self-centered and we need to get our whole perspective reoriented to being God-centered.

 

 

 

 

Having done things His way; having followed the exhortations vs:4-6; the result is peace and contentment because you will experience the guarding of your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. vs:7

 

 

Importance of trust, confidence and its relationship to sound thinking; Having convictions based on right thinking; Isa 26:3-4

 

 

If we have wrong thinking, wrong basis for our vpt it will quickly lead to wrong feelings/emotions and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry. With the result that there is no thankfulness expressed in life at that point.