Epistle 310
The sermon emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to the Lord in everything, as it is the will of God in Jesus Christ.
George Fox emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to the Lord in all circumstances, citing 1 Thessalonians 5:18 as a directive from God. He explains that gratitude is essential to fulfilling God's will and that everything created by God is good when received with thanksgiving, as stated in 1 Timothy 4:4. Fox also references David's commitment to thankfulness, highlighting that God's mercy is everlasting and deserving of our praise. Ultimately, he calls for a heart of gratitude towards God for His creation and righteousness through Jesus Christ.
Text
Friends,--In every thing give thanks to the Lord; for from him every good thing you do receive; for the apostle saith, 1 Thess. v. 18. 'In <63> every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you [1 Th 5:18];' and they that do not obey this doctrine, do not do the will of God in Christ Jesus. And the apostle saith, 'Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving [1 Tim 4:4],' &c. 1 Tim. iv. 4. And David saith, 'At midnight I will rise to give thee thanks, because of thy righteous judgments [Psa 119:62].' Psalm cxix. 62. And David saith, 'O give thanks unto the Lord, for it is good, because his mercy endureth for ever [Psa 118:1].' Psalm cxviii. 1.
So the Lord is worthy of all the thanks and praises, through Jesus Christ, who created all by Jesus Christ, to his glory and honour for evermore.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- Give thanks to the Lord in everything
- Every creature of God is good
- The importance of thanksgiving
- Midnight praise and thanksgiving
- The Lord's mercy endures forever
Key Quotes
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you.” — George Fox
“Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving,” — George Fox
Application Points
- Make it a habit to give thanks in everything, no matter the circumstances.
- Approach food and drink with thanksgiving, recognizing that every creature of God is good.
- Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving by obeying the doctrine of giving thanks and praising the Lord at all times.