Unto God
“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.” (Psalm 50:14)
Unto Christ, God the Son
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” (I Timothy 1:12)
Thanksgiving is Offered to God through Christ (or by Christ)
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” (Romans 1:8)
Paul points out something to be thankful for – a good testimony. When other people recognize that our faith is in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ, that is something to be thankful for.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”(Colossians 3:17) Anything that I do in word or deed should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. It should glorify God and bring honor to His name and His Son’s name. Can I thank God through Jesus Christ for what I am doing or going to do? If not, I probably should not be doing it.
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”(Hebrews 13:15)
I should have a thankful spirit, offering praise to God continually. That is the fruit that should come out of my lips. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Thanksgiving is Offered to God in the Name of Jesus Christ
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)
Turn Again to the Lord