1349: The Always Thankful Life (Eph. 5:20) // Gospel Shaped 08 (Nathan Johnson)

·33 min·3 clips

The Greek word for giving thanks, Eucharistio, means leaping with joy—revealing thanksgiving as an overflow of internal delight.

Nathan Johnson hosts this episode of Daily Thunder, focusing on Ephesians 5:20 as part of the 'Gospel Shaped' series. He begins by contextualizing the verse within Ephesians 5:15-18, where Paul contrasts being foolish and drunk with being filled with the Spirit. Johnson notes that 'filled' (plero) is in the present tense, indicating continual filling. He then outlines the four participles that describe this filling: speaking in psalms, singing, giving thanks, and submitting. The episode zeroes in on the third participle, 'always giving thanks for all things.' Johnson delves into the Greek word Eucharistio, explaining its root meaning of rejoicing and leaping, and connects it to the Eucharist or communion. He contrasts the kingdom of God, marked by thanksgiving, with the kingdom of the world, marked by filthiness and foolish talk. Citing James 3 and Matthew 12, Johnson emphasizes the tongue's power to reveal the heart's contents. He lists several scripture passages that associate thanksgiving with prayer and suffering, including 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Johnson admits the difficulty of always giving thanks, especially in modern times with social media's tendency toward frustration. He examines Paul's use of 'always' and 'for all things,' referencing Colossians 3:17 to show no loopholes exist. Johnson proposes three ideas for cultivating thanksgiving: focusing on the person of Jesus, gaining Christ's perspective, and understanding God's purpose. He shares a personal struggle with whether to be thankful 'in' or 'for' all things, using the example of a mentor with cancer who found increased intimacy with Jesus. Johnson resolves that Ephesians commands thankfulness 'for' all things, supported by Romans 8:28-29, where God works all things for good to conform believers to Christ's image. He concludes with a prayer for greater thankfulness as a sign of the Spirit's filling.

As heard by us

A candid Bible teaching on gratitude when thankfulness does not come easily.

Daily Thunder treats Ephesians 5:20 as a hard-edged call to gratitude, pressing into Paul’s claim that thanksgiving is offered for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Why you'd press play

Press play when "always thankful" feels impossible and you want Scripture to stay in the room with the struggle.

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