As we continue to look at Bible passages dealing with giving thanks, we come to a New Testament passage where Paul is instructing Timothy on dealing with some false teachers. In this passage, he tells Timothy of things that are to be received with thanksgiving.
1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:1-5
- The false teachers that Paul warns Timothy of are in part telling people what they shouldn't eat. But Paul tells Timothy those things should be received with thanksgiving.
- The Greek word used here - eucharistia - means to freely give thanks.
- The English word Eucharist - which refers to Communion is derived from this Greek word. So, when we have Communion, we should remember to give thanks to God for what Jesus did for us.
- Paul goes on to tell Timothy that "everything from God is good." The Greek word here is kalos which means beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable.
- Because the things we receive from God are good, we are to receive them with thanksgiving.
- Furthermore, the things we receive from God are also consecrated - hagiazō - set apart and dedicated to God.
- What are some things that you have received from God?
- Have you thanked Him for them?
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