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two blessed states of mind: —

I. EXEMPLARY GRATITUDE. "I thank my God always on your behalf." The gratitude here was —

1. Unselfish. "On your behalf." It is right and well to praise God for what He has done for us, but it is a nobler thing to praise Him for what He has done for others. No man rightly appreciates a blessing who does not desire others to participate in it. The sublimity of a landscape is more than doubly enjoyed when one or more stand by your side to share your admiration.

2. For spiritual good. "For the grace of God."(1) That grace which "enriched in all utterance and in all knowledge" — two splendid gifts where they are inspired by the "grace of God" and properly related. "Utterance" apart from "knowledge" is worthless and pernicious, volubilities of vice, garrulousness of social evils. "Knowledge" is of no value to others, unless it has effective "utterance." Knowledge with a powerful oratory will move the world; it has shivered dynasties, converted millions, and created churches.

(2) That grace which confirmed in their experience the testimony of Christ. What higher gift than this — a personal realisation of Christianity?

(3) That grace which inspired them with a practical hope of the appearance of Christ.

3. An habitual state of mind. "I thank God always." It was not an occasional sentiment. It was a settled attitude of heart.

II. PRECIOUS CONFIDENCE.

1. In Christ perfecting character. "Who shall also confirm you unto the end." So perfecting it that it shall be "blameless." All moral imperfections removed.

2. In His appearing again. The day when He will appear is the day of days for humanity.

3. In His granting them companionship. "Unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ the Lord." "Where I am there ye shall be also."

(D. Thomas D. D.)

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KJV: I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

WEB: I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;