Reasons to be Thankful

As Paul concludes his prayer, he takes a moment to thank the Lord. This again shows us where his heart is and his understanding of what's important. He doesn't thank the Lord for material possessions, for health, for the fellowship that he enjoys, but for the gift of salvation. Yet he doesn't say salvation. He looks at it from the big picture. The neat thing about that picture is how it brings our life here on earth into focus. Most people have a Christian-lite view of salvation. They would think of it like a diet soda, flavorful, but without the calories. That means they want all the benefits, without any of the work. Yet Paul's view starts with our life here on earth. This is because our salvation is not just about eternity, but a real change that has happened in the here and now. It is a new relationship and a new walk with the Lord. It has benefits and responsibilities that start at the moment of salvation. Let's look at this closing as it sets up the next section where Paul will talk about Christ.