The Testimony of Giving Thanks

Day One set the stage for week five, “Thanksgiving in Prayer” We’ve learned that Thanksgiving is the expression of joy Godward. Our God is the Supplier of the joy that results in our thanksgiving.

1. Turn to 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and refresh your memory of the grace given to us by God through Jesus. There are five benefits of grace that we find there. We will be studying these five benefits this week. Refresh your memory by looking back at the beginning of Day One and list the benefits listed there:

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Our lesson for today will focus on 1 Corinthians 1:6 ~ our testimony for Christ. We give thanks to God for the testimony of our faith confirmed in our lives and the lives of other believers. For example, when my daughter sings, I thank God for the testimony of her faith in Christ that she exhibits to those who hear her.

The dictionary defines “testimony” as “a declaration or confirmation of action or truth, as it is given before a court. It is evidence in support of a fact or assertion; proof.”

When a Christian gives testimony about God or Christ, people will hear Truth. They may or may not believe it, but vital testimony is given each time a believers testifies for Jesus. Each time testimony is given about the Holy One, it is confirmed by previous testimony given. The testimony about the Lord is infinite. He never runs out of witnesses to His Truth. You and I, if we are believers, are included on this witness and evidence list.

There are 3 areas of testimony that we will study today:

1. God’s testimony confirmed.
2. Christ’s testimony confirmed.
3. The Holy Spirit’s testimony confirmed.

These 3 areas of testimony are reasons for our thanksgiving. Each one gives us joy because Christ’s name and purpose is glorified. It brings God’s grace into clear view for all to see.

God’s Testimony Confirmed
2. Read John 5:31-32. Who do you think testifies in Christ’s favor?

According to the legal system, of the Jews of that day, a person’s testimony of themselves was not sufficient nor accepted in court. There had to be another witness to validate the person’s testimony. Christ claimed the valid testimony of God. There is no better testimony than God the Father. God the Son relied on this rock solid testimony of Himself. His testimony is written throughout the Old Testament. This means that Jesus is who He says He is and we can depend on it. There is validity in the words and actions of our Lord Jesus through God the Father.

3. Read 1 John 5:6-12. Who are the three who testify? 
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What do the water and blood symbolize?

How does the Holy Spirit testify?

When God testifies, He testifies by the power of the Triune God. The Spirit of the Living God testifies through the power of Himself, through water (baptism) and through blood (Christ’s death). We see His testimony exhibited in Christ, in His baptism and in His death. The results of His testimony are the resurrected life in Christ Jesus over the power of sin leading to death. It is because of this testimony that we give our thanks. We express our joy of Godward because of the truth in God’s own testimony. It is rock solid and we can stand firmly on it.

We give thanks for the testimony of God.

Christ’s Testimony Confirmed
Although Christ is God and their testimony is eternally linked, we need to learn about the testimony Christ gives.

4. Read Revelation 1:4-5. What 3 things does John call Jesus?
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John calls Jesus “the faithful witness.” I love it! What a name! It describes Jesus’ testimony as one in which we can fully rely on. It is faithful, wholly true. Jesus, who is God and has been before time began, testifies that there is a way to a right relationship with God and an escape from the punishment of sin that is death.

Did you see that John also called Him “the firstborn from the dead”? This title of Jesus relates to His victory over death, making a way, the only way, to eternal life. John calls Him, “the ruler over the kings of this earth.” He is the King of Kings. There is no authority higher than His. Even though He is the highest authority, He still gave His testimony to us. He conquered death for us.

Christ’s testimony is simple. He testifies that He is the Way to the Father. Not only does He tell us the way, He shows us the way by His death and resurrection. Jesus is telling us to come and listen to Him because He has taken care of the separation between us and God. He’s made a way and He’s asking us to see what He has done, believe His words and seek Him. Call out to Him because He loves you so much. Turn away from the destruction and certain death this world offers. Turn around and run to His arms. He is the only way! There is joy and peace and all the things you will ever need.

We give thanks for the testimony of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit’s Testimony Confirmed
5. Read Roman’s 8:16. What is the testimony of the Holy Spirit? 

The Holy Spirit testifies to the world and to God that we are children of the King. We share in His wealth. In verse 17 we read, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs ~ heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Our inheritance is based on our relationship with God the Father made right by our belief in Jesus. It cannot be taken from us. The Holy Spirit testifies to this.

The Holy Spirit testifies to our inheritance in Christ.  He resides in us as a reminder to this truth. Softly He whispers His testimony of God in our ears. He shows us the wonders of God’s creation that bears witness to His glory. The Spirit moves us to praise and thanksgiving. This thanksgiving is further testimony of the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord for the testimony of His Holy Spirit.

We give thanks for the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Time
What is your testimony? Can you testify to the Truth of Christ? Go to your Prayer Journal and take this opportunity to testify to God about what you believe about Him. Tell Him all that He has done for you. Express your joy Godward!

Discussion Questions
1. When God testifies, He testifies by the power of the Triune God. Describe the testimony of God.

2. John calls Jesus “the faithful witness.” I love it! What a name! It describes Jesus’ testimony as one in which we can rely on. Describe the testimony of Jesus.

3. The Holy Spirit testifies to the world and to God that we are children of the King. Describe the testimony of the Holy Spirit.