Questions for Give Thanks to the Lord

True Worship is Thanksgiving to God (Questions based on pp. 4-7 of Bible Witness, Volume 13, Issue 4 – GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD)

1. What is an alternative expression in the Bible for the worship of God? (1 Chronicles 16:8; Psalm 99:6)? According to Psalm 100:4, what should be the overriding disposition when God’s people gather together to worship Him?

2. Point out the attribute of God highlighted in 1 Chronicles 16:34 and Psalm 30:4 respectively that God’s saints should readily encourage one another to give thanks for.

3. According to the article, how might Christians fall into the danger of being merely “spectators in the Lord’s house”? What should be our mindset when we come into a congregation of God’s people (Psalm 50:14)?

4. Just feeling thankful is not enough to constitute worship. What specific action does the Bible lay emphasis on when it comes to worshipping God (Psalm 75:1; Psalm 105:1)?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 1 5. In your own words, what constitute a true, genuine worship service in view of the great salvation bestowed upon us through Christ Jesus?

6. Scripture exhorts us to “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving” (Psalm 147:7). Yet, according to the article, what improper attitude and/or misconception might mar this means of thanksgiving in corporate worship?

7. Thanksgiving can also be shown through the practical means of giving of our tithes and offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2). In the light of 2 Corinthians 9:7, state what is disconcerting about the statement: “Lord, we give you a little out of the much you have blessed us with.”

8. How can we “give thanks to the Lord” even in our normal conversations with one another during times of fellowship (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 2 15 Ways to Give Thanks to God (Questions based on pp. 8-13 of Bible Witness, Volume 13, Issue 4 – GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD)

1. From its title and contents, it is clear that Psalm 92 is an exhortation to Sabbath-day worship. What is the Scriptural expectation of God’s people regarding the Sabbath day (Isaiah 58:13-14)?

2. Should we offer our thanksgiving unto God only on the Sabbath day during public worship (Psalms 145:2; 119:62; cf. Daniel 6:10)?

3. Pick out the adverbs that the biblical writer used in Hebrews 13:15 and Ephesians 5:20 to point out the frequency of thanksgiving. What moves us to do all things with thanksgiving (Colossians 3:17)?

4. According to Psalm 35:18, in what manner should we express our thanksgiving? What are some occasions which present such opportunity to share our thanksgiving to God?

5. In what way/s can we give thanks to God before the heathen (Psalm 18:49)? What important matter should be the subject of our thanksgiving before people who have yet to know the Lord (Psalm 96:3)?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 3 6. In the light of Psalm 34:3, explain the saying, “God’s praises sound best in concert.”

7. Singing praises to God is a divinely-appointed means of thanksgiving. How are believers exhorted to do so (Psalm 95:1-2; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalm 42:8)?

8. In the midst of troubles and perplexities in life, how can we still pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 46:1)?

9. How do “the saints in light” manifest their thanksgiving unto God for their redemption (Colossians 1:12-13)? What is gravely wrong with offering our thanksgiving to God with unclean hands and impure hearts? (Proverbs 15:8)?

10. Our speech should reflect our gratefulness to God, as befits “saints of God”. What should not be heard coming out of the mouth of Christians (Ephesians 5:4)?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 4 11. According to Psalm 50:14, what is another way of offering thanksgiving unto God? What is the solemn responsibility involved in this means of thanksgiving (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; cf. Jonah 2:9)?

12. Why should Christians partake of every meal with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4; cf. Acts 27:35)?

13. What particular things should we be thankful for as we come to the “Lord’s Table” to partake in the Holy Communion (Luke 22:17-19)?

14. Colossians 2:7 exhorts us to be “abounding … with thanksgiving” for being taught in God’s Word. Enumerate the reasons why we should be thankful for the faithful and sound teaching of God’s Word.

15. What overriding thought should move Christians to give thanks for other believers? (Ephesians 1:16; cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:3). Are you thankful that you are called to be part of the body of Christ (Colossians 3:15)?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 5 The Philosophy of Thanksgiving (Questions based on pp. 14-15 of Bible Witness, Volume 13, Issue 4 – GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD)

1. What typical things for daily thanksgiving are mentioned as being characteristic of a Christian? Can you mention some more? (Ephesians 5:20)

2. According to Psalm 103, what should arrest our forgetfulness? Why do we call the forgetfulness of God’s mercies a “sin of omission”?

3. How does the author call those people who take the blessings of God for granted? How is that attitude highlighted in the account in Luke 17:11-19?

4. What imagery does the Chinese saying, “Let those who drink the water think of its source”, invoke in your mind? What does the saying mean to you?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 6 5. According to the author, who are the “downright insolent, nominal members of the church”? Why are such arrogant people likened to Esau, Isaac’s favourite son? (cf. Genesis 25:28a, 34b)

6. In the illustration story of the poor country pastor who approached a big town elder for a donation to his church, what made the elder’s “$50 donation” terribly wrong? (Luke 10:16)

7. Read and reflect upon Jeremiah 9:23-24. How should this passage give us the right perspective with regard to our thanksgiving to God?

8. The article concludes with a list of things that the humble delights to do in thanksgiving to God. Does each item on the list also describe us? In what area do we need to repent from henceforth?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 7 No Giving of Thanks in the Grave! (Questions based on pp. 22-23 of Bible Witness, Volume 13, Issue 4 – GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD)

1. Some men of God in biblical times had been known to desire and pray that they might live longer on earth. What particular reason did the writer mention here? (Psalm 6:5)

2. David looked forward with great hope to the heavenly joy and worship beyond death (Psalms 16:9-11; 17:15; 23:6). So, why did he say, “…in death there is no remembrance of thee…”?

3. What constitutes a legitimate prayer for longevity on earth? (cf. Psalm 30:9)

4. What admonition, as well as grave (pardon the pun) challenge, does Psalm 88:10-12 present to the believer while he has breath in his nostrils?

Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Page 8 5. There is no justification at all for Christians not to praise and give thanks to God or to refuse to lead in a prayer of thanksgiving. Cite the reasons that can be gleaned from Psalm 71:8, 15-19.

6. For what ultimate purpose was the Christian given (abundant) life on earth and the gift of eternal life? (2 Corinthians 4:6, 15)

7. Some believers think it is enough to be thankful to God in their hearts and never express it verbally in public. How do the following verses refute this misguided notion – Psalms 22:25; 35:18; 66:16; 107:32; 109:30; 111:1; 119:46?

8. Can you share (in brief) some of your items for thanksgiving to God among His people?

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