4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, to the one who lives forever and ever,
Whenever the LIVING CREATURES give GLORY,
This is a switch -- we come short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23; certainly present suffering pales compared to future glory, Romans 8:18-22; we are being transformed, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; and Christ will be glorified in us in that day, a glory of His power, 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
HONOR,
Part of the awesomeness of God demands HONOR, 1 Timothy 6:13-16. We must HONOR both the Son and the Father, John 5:22-23.
and THANKS
Consider that these living creatures have never "fallen from grace", so what are they THANKing Him for. Since it is not for redemption, it must be for the privilege to serve Him.
Christ is able to sit on the THRONE not only as Redeemer but also as God of judgment. Recall he sits as both jasper stone and a sardius (white and red) in verse 2. To Daniel, in Daniel 10:5-9, this vision was overwhelming!
These words are like at the beginning, Revelation 1:17-18, and He will be exalted forever on high, Hebrews 7:23-27. This verse contains the first of three THANKSGIVINGs in Revelation. They all apply to this THRONE room in heaven. This one focuses on God's work of creation, the four living creatures. The second, the multitude clothed in white robes, Revelation 7:12, are thanking for salvation. The third, Revelation 11:17, anticipates the great work of consummation (final reigns). Interestingly, only the "elders" participate in all three THANKSGIVING sessions; but then if they represent the redeemed ones, they have great Reason for THANKS!