Psalm 68:19, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits.”

Introduction:     Our God is not a Brylcreem God—just a dab will do. He is a God that loads us down with blessing each day of our life. All of us have much for which to be thankful. In Paul’s introductory statements he expresses his thanks for the Corinthian believers. There were many things about the Church that disturbed Paul, but there were many things that delighted him. In our text we see certain things for which Paul was thankful concerning the Corinthians believers. The items that were on his “Thankful List” are items that can be added to every believers “Thankful List.

I.           THE GRACE BY WHICH WE ARE ENRICHED (VV.4-5)
Paul gives thanks for the grace of God that has been given to each believer. In Ephesians1: 7, Paul spoke of the “riches of His grace.” It is not just that we have been given grace, but the riches of His grace

A.        We Are Recipients Of God’s Grace (v.4)

B.         We Are Revealers Of God’s Grace (v.6)

II.         THE GIFTS IN WHICH WE ARE EQUIPPED (V.7)
As believers, we have not only been given grace but gifts. There is no subject in which there is more confusion than in the matter of spiritual gifts. In the Church at Corinth there was all kind of confusion about gifts, and as well, there was a lot of heresy being taught about gifts. Because there was so much confusion, Paul set aside a large portion of I Corinthians to discuss the matter.

A.        These Gifts Are Not Positionally Deserved.

B.         These Gifts Are Not Proportionally Distributed

C.        These Gifts Are Not Personally Designed

III.       THE GLORY FOR WHICH WE ARE EAGER (VV7b-8)
What a blessing to know that this life is not all there is. The word “coming” speaks of “the removal of a covering.” It describes that which is concealed being revealed. The glory of the life to come will one day be uncovered and revealed to all believers.

A.        It Is A Return For Which We Look. (7b)

B.         It Is A Return For Which We Live. (v.8)

Conclusion:       The return of Richard the Lionhearted is one of the great stories in English history. While he was away, his brother John sought to capture the throne. The people suffered greatly and longed for the return of Richard. One day Richard the Lionhearted landed on the shores of England and marched straight toward the throne. None dared stand in his way. As he neared London , the bells rang his arrival and the people shouted “THE LION IS BACK! LONG LIVE THE KING!”)
One of these days the Lion of the tribe of Judah will return. Oh what a glorious day that will be! Who would ever think of not adding this to our thankful list?