In Everything Give Thanks - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The speaker emphasizes that a major sin is complaining, citing Deuteronomy 28 to warn that a lack of joy in serving God leads to hardship. He contrasts this with the example of Jehoshaphat, who, instead of fighting a massive enemy force, had his people praise the Lord first, leading to victory. The core message is that true faith, characteristic of the New Covenant, means praising God *before* seeing the answer, trusting in Christ's victory over Satan.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of failing to serve God with joyGod warned the Israelites in Deuteronomy that failing to serve Him with joy and a glad heart for their abundant blessings leads to defeat and hardship.Deuteronomy 28:47
Eliminating the habit of complainingComplaining is one of the worst human habits, and believers should make a conscious effort to eliminate it from their lives, homes, and families.
Praising God before the victoryWhen King Jehoshaphat faced a massive army, the people praised the Lord with singing before the battle was fought, and God defeated their enemies.
New Covenant faith versus Old Covenant sightUnlike Old Covenant believers who praised God only after seeing the victory, New Covenant Christians exercise faith by praising God before the answer arrives.
Trials as a spiritual gymnasiumJust as weightlifters subject their muscles to tension to grow strong, God uses trials as a gymnasium to build our spiritual strength through thanksgiving.
What is the true mark of being filled with the Spirit?While not all believers have the gift of healing or speak in tongues, every person filled with the Holy Spirit will maintain a life of continual thanksgiving.1 Corinthians 12:30
The command to be filled with the SpiritBelievers are commanded to present themselves to God and be filled with the Holy Spirit, which naturally results in singing, making melody, and always giving thanks.Ephesians 5:18–20
Practicing 24/7 thankfulness in daily lifeDeveloping a 24/7 spirit of thankfulness transforms how we treat our spouses, children, and daily circumstances instead of constantly grumbling.
God works all things together for our goodGod uses every circumstance to conform us to the image of His Son, making thanksgiving possible even when we do not understand our trials.Romans 8:28–29
Following Jesus in forgiveness and thankfulnessJesus never complained, even while suffering on the cross, but instead prayed for His tormentors, modeling the ultimate attitude of grace and forgiveness.
Continual praise before PentecostThe early disciples spent the days leading up to Pentecost continually praising God in the temple before they were suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit.
In everything give thanks as God's explicit willGiving thanks in every situation is clearly revealed as God's will for believers in Christ Jesus, bringing deliverance and victory.1 Thessalonians 5:18
Stopping thankfulness as the first step of backslidingHumanity's moral descent into wickedness and depravity began with a refusal to honor God and a failure to give thanks.
Giving thanks for the church and one anotherBelievers are called into one body and should cultivate deep thankfulness for their local church family, spouses, and fellow members.Colossians 3:15
Living as one happy family with sympathy and humilityAs a community of believers, we are called to live like a happy family full of sympathy, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.1 Peter 3:8
