William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Observe here, 1. The duty required, and that is, thanksgiving.

2. The extent of the duty, In every thing give thanks, that is be thankful in every condition, and for every providential dispensation, both prosperous and adverse.

Quest. "Should Christians be thankful for afflictions?"

Yes, because they are fruits of fatherly love, because they conform us unto Christ, because they prevent sin, and purge out sin, because they fit us for glory, and will add to our crown of glory at the great day.

Quest. "But should Christians be thankful for sin, or when they fall into sin?"

By no means. Rule, What we must not pray for, we may not give thanks for: we must pray to be kept from sin, therefore may not give thanks when we fall into sin; sin dishonours God, disrobes ourselves, exposes to God's wrath and curse, is the ground of our just detestation, therefore cannot be the ground of thanksgiving; yet when we obtain pardon of sin, or get any good by sin we may and ought to rejoice at it.

Observe, 3. The grounds and reasons of the duty.

1. It is the will of God, his revealed will; this the law of nature directs to, and the light of scripture calls for; and he that performs it spiritually, glorifies God abundantly.

2. It is the will of God in Christ Jesus, that is, this part of Gods's will is especially revealed to you by the doctrine of Christ Jesus, and by the example of Christ Jesus: Christ was both. great pattern and precedent of thankfulness all his life long: he thanked God frequently and fervently, and has made thankfulness. considerable part of our gospel service, Hebrews 13:15.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Old Testament

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