Celebrating Progress and Thanking God for Faithfulness
The New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God, particularly for spiritual growth and faithfulness. Paul, in his letters, often expresses gratitude for the progress of believers and for God's steadfastness [2, 8].
One key aspect of this thankfulness is recognizing God's enabling power. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:12, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry" [1, 3]. This verse highlights that any ability or faithfulness demonstrated by a believer is a gift from Christ, prompting gratitude. Similarly, the apostle acknowledges God as the source of victory, stating in 1 Corinthians 15:57, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" [4].
Thanksgiving is not merely a passive emotion but an active command in Scripture. It is to be offered to God and through Christ, in the name of Christ, and in all circumstances [5]. Christ himself set an example of thanksgiving [5]. The heavenly host also engages in thanksgiving, as depicted in Revelation [5].
The progress of faith and love among believers is a specific reason for thanksgiving. Paul tells the Thessalonians, "We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing" [2]. This "work of faith" is not an idle assent but a dynamic reality that manifests itself through actions [8]. John Calvin, in his commentary, notes the importance of reminding believers of their progress while also encouraging them to continue striving toward the ultimate goal [9]. This continuous self-examination and advancement are considered essential for the pious [9].
The concept of perseverance is closely linked to faithfulness and progress. Perseverance is seen as evidence of reconciliation with God and belonging to Christ [6]. It is maintained through the power of God, the power of Christ, and Christ's intercession [6]. Steadfastness, a related concept, is commanded and secured by God's power and presence, and by trust in Him [7]. Believers are called to be steadfast in cleaving to God, in the work of the Lord, and in holding fast to doctrine [7].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 1:12 — And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”
- II Thessalonians “II Thessalonians 1:3 (BSB) — We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:12 (KJV) — And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 15:57 — But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Thanksgiving — Christ set an example of -- Mt 11:25; 26:27; Joh 6:11; 11:41. The heavenly host engaged in -- Re 4:9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17. Commanded -- Ps 50:14; Php 4:6. Is a good thing -- Ps 92:1. Should be offered To God. -- Ps 50:14. To Christ. -- 1Ti 1:12. Through Christ. -- Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15. In the name of Christ. -- Eph 5:20. In behalf of ministers. -- 2Co 1:11. In private worship. -- Da 6:10. In public worship. -- Ps 35:18. In everything. -- 1Th 5:18. Upon the completion of great undertakings. -- Ne 12:31,40. Before taking food. -- Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Perseverance — An evidence of reconciliation with God -- Col 1:21-23. An evidence of belonging to Christ -- Joh 8:31; Heb 3:6,14. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 4:18. To be manifested in Seeking God. -- 1Ch 16:11. Waiting upon god. -- Ho 12:6. Prayer. -- Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; 2Th 3:13. Continuing in the faith. -- Ac 14:22; Col 1:23; 2Ti 4:7. Holding fast hope. -- Heb 3:6. Maintained through The power of God. -- Ps 37:24; Php 1:6. The power of Christ. -- Joh 10:28. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32; Joh 17:11. The fear of God. -- Jer 32”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Steadfastness — Exhibited by God in all his purposes and ways -- Nu 23:19; Da 6:26; Jas 1:17. Commanded -- Php 4:1; 2Th 2:15; Jas 1:6-8. Godliness necessary to -- Job 11:13-15. Secured by The power of God. -- Ps 55:22; 62:2; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. The presence of God. -- Ps 16:8. Trust in God. -- Ps 26:1. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32. A characteristic of saints -- Job 17:9; Joh 8:31. Should be manifested In cleaving to God. -- De 10:20; Ac 11:23. In the work of the Lord. -- 1Co 15:58. In continuing in the Apostles' doctrine. -- Ac 2:42. In holding fast our”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 1:3: work of faith--the working reality of your faith; its alacrity in receiving the truth, and in evincing itself by its fruits. Not an otiose assent; but a realizing, working faith; not "in word only," but in one continuous chain of "work" (singular, not plural, works), Th1 1:5-10; Jam 2:22. So "the work of faith" in Th2 1:11 implies its perfect development (compare Jam 1:4). The other governing substantives similarly mark respectively the characteristic manifestation of the grace which follows each in the genitive. Faith, love, and hope, are the ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 71.2: for in this way we have more success among those who have already entered upon the course, when without passing over in silence their former progress, we remind them how far distant they are as yet from the goal, and stir them up to make progress. As, however, he had in the former Epistle commended their faith and love, he now declares the increase of both. And, unquestionably, this course ought to be pursued by all the pious — to examine themselves daily, and see how far they have advanced. This, therefore, is the”