Ephesians 5:20

“giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father”

“Giving thanks”: This is. common appeal in Paul's letters (Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). This is another result of being influenced by the Holy Spirit. “Grumbling was one of the besetting sins of the people of Israel; they were always ‘murmuring' against the Lord and against Moses. But the Spirit-filled believer is full not of complaining, but of thanksgiving” (Stott p. 207). Remember Paul is in prison, and has been in custody for. couple of years when this letter is written. “Always” “Continue giving thanks” (Wms). “Give thanks every day” (NEB). This infers there is something to be thankful about, all the time. “God has given so much and we have deserved so little. We too often concentrate on our wants and difficulties rather than on our blessings. Too many think they deserve more than they have” (Caldwell p. 259). The "material" for the above songs are never lacking, because there is so much for which we can praise God. In addition, it is easier to sing when your heart is filled with gratitude. “For all things”: Even hardship can be profitable and useful for the faithful Christian (Psalms 119:71; Romans 5:3; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:12; Romans 8:28). “God's children learn not to argue with Him when suffering, but to trust Him, and indeed to thank Him for His loving providence by which He can turn even evil to good purposes” (Stott p. 207).

We should note that we do not thank God when people sin nor when bad things happen to people, because we are taught to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15), and to rebuke evil (Ephesians 5:11). So this thanksgiving is not. superficial "praise God" type of gratitude, rather it is. deep and intelligent gratitude. We thank God that He has made provision for the forgiveness of the above sin and that He provides comfort and help to the suffering.

“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”: This is the recognition that Jesus Christ is the only means of access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). That all spiritual blessings come via that access (Ephesians 1:3), and that without the sacrifice of Jesus, we would have very little for which to be thankful. “Therefore, the privilege to speak with the Father in prayer comes by the authority granted by His Son. To pray ‘in Jesus' name' is not. ritualistic formula, but the basis by which we have access and the reason for which we can be thankful” (Boles p. 309). “To God, even the Father”: Notice how all three members of the Godhead are in this context. Being influenced by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) moves one to praise the Father for allowing His Son to die for our sins.