Introduction: The first reference to thanksgiving in the Bible is in the description of the thanksgiving offering. This offering is not just an ancient ceremony. It shows us the true value and of a thankful heart. Through it, we learn how God's expects us to practice thankfulness.

1. Thanksgiving is a Key Ingredient of Peace
1. It is part of "the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings" (Leviticus 7:11And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.
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2. It is necessary for the peace of God to rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
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2. Thanksgiving Must be Made For All Things
1. The thanksgiving offering was a multiple offering with many different items offered together (Leviticus 7:12-13 [12] If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried. [13] Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.
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2. We are to "give thanks always for all things unto God" (Ephesians 5:20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
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3. Thanksgiving Must be Made for the Worst Things
1. The thanksgiving offering included an offering of "leavened bread" (Leviticus 7:13Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.
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1. Leaven (yeast) is used in the Bible for negative things like sin, false doctrine, evil events
2. To include leavened bread in the thanksgiving offering means we are to be thankful for even the bad things in our life
2. We are to be thankful for even the worst things that happen to us
1. We are to "glory in tribulations" (Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
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2. We are to "take pleasure in infirmities" (2 Corinthians 12:10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
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3. This kind of thankfulness separates the believer from the lost
1. Even the lost are thankful for those things they perceive to be good
2. It takes true faith to be thankful for things in which we see no good
4. Thanksgiving Must be an Offering unto the Lord
1. Part of the offering was to be "an heave offering unto the Lord" (Leviticus 7:14And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation for an heave offering unto the LORD, and it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.
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2. True thanksgiving is that which we direct unto God
3. God will accept the sacrifice of thanksgiving as a special offering; it pleases Him (Hebrews 13:15-16 [15] 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. [16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
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5. Thanksgiving Must be Offered on the Basis of the Blood
1. The thanksgiving offering was offered with the sprinkling of the blood (Leviticus 7:14And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation for an heave offering unto the LORD, and it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.
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2. The sprinkling of the blood was a type of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross (1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
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3. The shed blood of Christ is the foundation of all the thanksgiving of a Christian (2 Corinthians 9:15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
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6. Thanksgiving is the Basis of Christian Fellowship
1. The sacrifice of the Peace Offering was enjoyed as a fellowship meal with priest and people joining in together (Leviticus 7:15And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.
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2. Thanksgiving draws us closer to God and to other saints (Psalm 35:18I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
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7. Thanksgiving Must be Offered Fresh Every Day
1. The sacrifice of the thanksgiving offering must be eaten the day it is offered; none may be left for another day.
2. The act of thanksgiving must be a present practice. Yesterday's thanksgiving will not suffice for today and today's cannot be held over for tomorrow. We must be thankful each day. (Psalm 118:24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
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Conclusion: Do you practice thanksgiving in your daily life? Is it an integral part of your relationship with God? Do you need to confess your unthankful spirit? Will you do so today?