11-15-2020
11-15-2020
Dr. E. Dale Locke (West & Online), Rev. Trevor Johnston (East), and Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Attitude of Gratitude
Week 2: A Few Thoughts About Thinking
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. The writers of Scripture remind us that gratitude isn’t just for when things are going well. In fact, gratitude is especially important when things aren’t going well. How has it impacted you when you were in a difficult season, but you chose to list things you were thankful for and express gratitude anyway?
2. What would you say is the main foundation for Christian gratitude?
3. Read the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-13:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Summarize what Paul is saying in this passage.
4. Author Gregg Lavoy writes, “Jesus promised those who would follow him three things… that they would be absurdly happy, entirely fearless, and always in trouble.” What popular cultural ideas does this statement go against?
5. Today we’re going to focus on our thoughts. Note that the portion of this passage about our thoughts begins with the word “Finally” in verse 8, which shows that it’s connected to what precedes it. What ideas are in the verses before that could impact your thought life?
Paul points to 3 things to remember regarding our thoughts:
· Let Your Thoughts Begin and End with God.
6. Read verse 8, noting the boundaries Paul gives for our thoughts. What do you notice about those boundaries? Why do you think God set up these particular boundaries for our thoughts?
7. Which aspect of these boundaries is most challenging for you personally to stay within?
8. Pastor Dale shared a story of a boy who felt a need during the night to know that his father’s face was turned toward him. You may feel that way about your heavenly Father, especially in dark times. Note David’s words in Psalm 139:7-12: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
What does this Psalm communicate to you? What do you notice?
· Aim at Higher and Better Thoughts.
9. Dr. Rick Hanson wrote a book called Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Lasting Inner Strength and Peace. He describes what scientists call “Negativity Bias” saying, “The brain has a ‘negativity bias,’ making it like Velcro for bad experiences but Teflon for good ones…. We usually learn faster from pain than from pleasure. Strong dislikes are acquired faster than strong likes. In relationships, trust is easy to lose and hard to regain. Something bad about a person is better remembered than something good, which is why negative ads dominate political campaigns. Whether between family members or nations, long remembered grievances fuel long-running conflicts.”
What do you think of what Dr. Hanson wrote?
10. In Philippians 4:9, Paul tells the Philippians that – with regard to their attitude and thoughts – they should do what they’ve seen in him. Would you be comfortable telling your kids to do what they’ve seen in you? Why, or why not?
· Your Thoughts Determine Who You Become!
11. If your thought life and attitudes aren’t what they should be, the great news is that you don’t have to stay the way you are. An attitude of gratitude can grow in you. One helpful practice is this: In the absence of information, choose to fill that space with trust, rather than with suspicion. Our world is currently drowning in mistrust and suspicion. How can we avoid that type of thinking?
12. Read Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV): “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” And read Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” What do these two passages communicate about the importance of your thought life?
13. Note in Philippians 4:9 that Paul says, “And the God of peace will be with you.” Paul isn’t saying that God would refuse to be with you if you don’t guard your thoughts. Paul is saying you may not be aware that God is with you if you don’t guard your thoughts and stay within these boundaries. If you’ve experienced this supernatural peace from God, describe what that was like.
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