Message Notes

(I) AN APPRAISAL OF THE PEOPLE CONCERNING THANKSGIVING

1. The people did not give thanks

a) No appreciation for things such as God’s Word.

“But to the wicked God says: ‘What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth, Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you?’ ” Psalm 50:16-17

b) No words of thanksgiving

“You give your mouth to evil, And your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother’s son.” Psalm 50:19-20

c) No gratitude as they did not remember God

“Now consider this, you who forget God…” Psalm 50:22

2. The Lord appraised the people’s worship which lacked thanksgiving

a) The Lord will come with great awe to gather and judge the worship of the people

“He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people: ‘Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.’ ” Psalm 50:4-5

“Let the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is Judge. Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God!” Psalm 50:6-7

b) Their worship was found to be wanting

“I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices Or your burnt offerings, Which are continually before Me. I will not take a bull from your house, Nor goats out of your folds.” Psalm 50:8-9

(II) THE ACT OF OFFERRING SACRIFICES OF THAMKSGIVING

1. A conscious act of thanksgiving

“Offer to God thanksgiving…” Psalm 50:14

2. The offer of the sacrifice of thanksgiving

a) The word “offer” is often used with regards to sacrifice

b) Understanding the sacrifice of thanksgiving

i) There were sacrifices that were meant especially for thanksgiving

“If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil. Besides the cakes, as his offering he shall offer leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offering.” Leviticus 7:12-14

ii) These sacrifices were freewill offerings

“Whether it is a cow or ewe, do not kill both her and her young on the same day. And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it of your own free will. On the same day it shall be eaten; you shall leave none of it until morning: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 22:28-30

iii) These sacrifices were given in appreciation of what God has done

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:21, 22

(III) APPRECIATING GOD FOR ALL THAT HE IS WITH THANKSGIVING

1. The majesty of God

“The Mighty One, God the LORD, Has spoken and called the earth From the rising of the sun to its going down. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth.” Psalm 50:1-2

2. The mercies of God

“I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices Or your burnt offerings, Which are continually before Me. I will not take a bull from your house, Nor goats out of your folds.” Psalm 50:8-9

3. The manifold things that belong to God in this world

“For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?” Psalm 50:10-13

(IV) ACTUAL THANKSGIVING

1. Through payment of our vows

“…And pay your vows to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14

2. Through prayer

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble…” Psalm 50:15

3. Through praise

“Whoever offers praise glorifies Me…” Psalm 50:23

4. Through proper conduct

“…And to him who orders his conduct aright…” Psalm 50:23