11-08-2020
11-08-2020
Rev. Trevor Johnston (West & Online, Dr. E. Dale Locke (East), and Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Attitude of Gratitude
Week 1: Give Thanks?
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.
Our memory verse for this series is Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
1. If there are some things troubling you today, you don’t have to pretend everything is fine. It’s OK to be honest and share about your concerns with your group and also bring them to God authentically expressing how you really feel. Talk briefly about your concerns, and then pray for one another as a group.
2. Read Colossians 3:12-17:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
What do you notice in this passage? What questions do you have?
Despite all the hardship, persecution, beatings and imprisonment Paul faced, he was one of the most grateful people in all of Scripture. Here are some factors that enabled Paul to be grateful in the midst of very difficult experiences:
For Paul, Gratitude Is Not Situational:
3. Many of us Christians base our gratitude on our external circumstances. When things go well, we call it a “God thing” and say we’re blessed. But when things are hard, we’re not so sure. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-12: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
What do you learn from Paul here?
4. What’s the difference between Christian gratitude and our culture’s idea of “the power of positive thinking”?
For Paul, Gratitude Is A Command:
5. In our modern western individualistic culture, we don’t do well with commands. And it may seem odd that God would command people to thank Him. Why did God make gratitude a command for His people?
6. What benefits come to us when we express our thanks to God?
For Paul, Gratitude is a Practice:
7. Pete Greig, co-founder of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, said, “Whenever I catch a glimpse of the greatness of God – whether it’s under the stars or singing a song in worship – I find myself simultaneously diminished to a place of greater humility and exalted to a place of greater authority. Without worship I would be doomed to choose between insignificance or arrogance. When I kneel I learn to rule.”
What do you think of what Pete says? Can you relate?
8. Why is it so important to keep a practice of regularly worshiping God – both together with your church community and also on your own throughout the week – regardless of what’s going on in your life?
For Paul, Gratitude is a Disposition:
9. In light of the fact that humans are made up of the components of: heart, mind, body, social, and soul; why do you think our New Year’s resolutions so often fail?
10. The key to life change and genuine spiritual growth is changing our habits. Note that Paul says in Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do.” Most of our life is made up of habits – things we do without even thinking about it. Habits are unconscious, but they deeply shape our disposition and the direction of our lives. Have you ever caught yourself getting into a habit of negativity? If so, how did that impact your life?
11. Our disposition is a choice. It requires self-discipline. What helps you choose a grateful disposition and avoid negativity?
Choose Gratitude Before the Day Begins:
12. Every morning for the next 7 days, before the day begins, list 5 things you are grateful for. Write them down, and make this your morning prayer. Practice doing this with your group now.
Ready for your next step?
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