Food and Water (Thanksgiving)

TEXT: 1 Kings 17:1-16; Matthew 14:15-21

Thanksgiving Day is a day appointed for the giving of thanks to the One who gives “life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25). Christians recognize that God is the provider of spiritual as well as physical nourishment. This realization results in every day being a day of thankfulness to God.

QUESTIONS

1. During the first part of the famine, ravens brought Elijah food and he drank from the brook Cherith. What did he have to do before receiving this provision and what can we learn from his actions?
2. When circumstances change in our Christian life, we should realize that God won’t lead us down a deadend street. Analyze and write what Elijah did after the brook dried up. Then write what could have happened had he not followed God’s leading.
3. In considering the first two questions, we can conclude that it is vital to obey the directions of the Lord. In so doing, we can then have genuine praise and thanksgiving for what He has done and know that He will supply our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). A good illustration of needs being supplied is in the Matthew portion of our text. When Jesus saw that the multitude was hungry, He commanded His disciples, “Give ye them to eat.” But the disciples were in a dilemma. They did not have enough food to feed 5,000 men plus women and children. There was a lad who had five loaves and two fishes, and this was taken to the Lord. What did Jesus do before giving the food to the disciples to distribute among the people? What lesson can we derive from this?
4. Referring to our physical needs, Jesus said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow . . .” (Matthew 6:34). What can we do to keep from being overly concerned about our physical needs? Support your answer with Scripture.
5. Man cannot survive long without eating, yet many are trying to live spiritually without a proper spiritual diet. List some items that you consider an important part of a healthy spiritual diet.
6. Read 1 Timothy 4:4-5. Why is it important to pray over our food before eating?
7. Referring to our key verse, and looking beyond the obvious blessings of food, clothing and shelter, what are some of the things that might be included in the “all things” for which we are to give thanks?