Give Thanks to the Lord Give Thanks to

Give Thanks to the Lord

Give Thanks to the Lord � 2 Chronicles 20: 1 -30 �Key Verse: 20: 21 �“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever. '"

Introduction �Thanksgiving should not be just an annual event but a daily lifestyle of a Christian. �We can thank God endlessly--not only for what he has done, but also for what he will do in the future. �How can we give thanks to the Lord endlessly from our hearts?

I. Jehoshaphat Inquires of the Lord (1 -13) �What was the very challenging problem facing Judah? (1 -2) �In their desperate situation, how did Jehoshaphat respond? (3) �What does it mean that he resolved to inquire of the Lord? (3) �How did the people of Judah respond? (4)

I. Jehoshaphat Inquires of the Lord (1 -13) �In his prayer, what did King Jehoshaphat say about God? (6 -7) �What was the unique function of the Jerusalem temple? (8 -9) �“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ” (2 Ch 7: 14)

I. Jehoshaphat Inquires of the Lord (1 -13) �How did he pray about the injustice of Israel's enemies? (10 -12 a) �How did he depend on God? (12 b) �How were the people united in prayer? (13)

II. The Battle Is God's (14 -19) How did God answer this earnest and sincere prayer? (14)

II. The Battle Is God's (14 -19) �What encouraging message from God did Jahaziel give to King Jehoshaphat and the nation? (15 -17) �"For the battle is not yours, but God's. “ �What did he want his people to do?

II. The Battle Is God's (14 -19) How did the people respond to Jahaziel's message? (18 -19)

III. Jehoshaphat Defeated Enemies with a Praise Band (20 -30) �What did Jehoshaphat say to his people? (20) �Why did Jehoshaphat appoint singers? (21) �"After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever. ’” (21)

Two Main Reasons for Their Praise and Thanks �One: The splendor of God's holiness. One secret of thanksgiving is to think about God; not just about the good things God has done, but about God himself. �Two: “His love endures forever. " "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Ro 8: 37).

How Can We Praise God and Give Thanks to God Always? �Romans 8: 28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "

III. Jehoshaphat Defeated Enemies with a Praise Band (20 -30) �What did God do for his people, and how did they enjoy God's blessing? (22 -28) �What influence did this have on the surrounding nations? (29 -30)

III. Jehoshaphat Defeated Enemies with a Praise Band (20 -30) How can you apply this faith to your practical life and ministry?

Conclusion �God’s love endures forever and in all things and God works for the good of those who love him. �We must focus, not on the problems, but on God in the time of hardships. �Then we can praise and give thanks to God, and God gives us victory.