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The Thankful Church  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
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In this series, our primary aim is to examine the importance of gratitude in the life of the church, our local communities, and our lives as Christians. Verses 5 and 7 will absorb much of our focus this week. Paul describes people who appear to have a godly nature but inwardly have failed to arrive at the proper conclusions. “Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” How painful it is to be lumped in with those to whom this description applies (and we’ve all been there at one time or another). We see that those who fall in this category are likely to show some, if not most, of the characteristics listed in the earlier portions of the passage. These are the fruits of those who reject biblical instruction. How does this relate to our topic, gratitude? 3. What do the members of an ungrateful church look like? They focus on the “minors” in place of the “majors,” focusing on that which should be overlooked

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Transcript

Gratitude That Grows: From Roots to Fruits

Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 3:1–9

Summary: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 provides a sobering view of the moral decay expected in the last days. Paul outlines various vices that characterize people, but he concurrently urges Timothy to remain anchored in the true faith that equips him to face such challenges. The sustained emphasis on faith promises that despite the tribulations described, a genuine relationship with Christ remains a source of hope and heartfelt thankfulness.
Application: This sermon can help believers recognize that their expressions of gratitude are often indicators of their spiritual health. By cultivating a deeper relationship with Christ, especially through trials, they can transform their perspective towards a more thankful attitude, which influences their interaction with God and others.
Teaching: This sermon teaches that gratitude is not merely a reaction to our circumstances but a discipline that stems from deepening our relationship with God. It highlights how encountering and overcoming spiritual challenges can foster a profound sense of thankfulness as we learn to trust God more fully.
How this passage could point to Christ: The passage points to Christ as the ultimate source of strength and gratitude amid perilous times. The transformational relationship believers can have with Jesus allows them to rise above worldly challenges, remaining grateful as they lean on His wisdom and strength.
Big Idea: The journey of spiritual growth is reflected in our ability to express gratitude; genuine faith nurtures a thankful heart even amid challenges and adversity.
Recommended Study: In your preparation, delve into the context of 2 Timothy and its implications for understanding gratitude in adversity. Utilize your Logos library to explore commentaries that discuss the interplay between challenge and spiritual growth. Investigating how Paul’s experiences can be contrasted with present-day challenges could illuminate your application in addressing gratitude amid difficulties.

1. Perilous People Perceive

2 Timothy 3:1-3
Perhaps, you could introduce the nature of the challenges and vices that Paul predicts will come in the last days. Highlight how ingratitude is mentioned among these negative traits, suggesting that a lack of gratitude signifies a deeper spiritual issue. The Christ-centered call here is towards cultivating gratitude as a mark of genuine faith that helps us overcome the moral decay around us.

2. Pursuit of Pretend Piety

2 Timothy 3:4-5
You could focus on the allure of outward godliness without genuine inner transformation. Note how these verses contrast true spirituality with a mere appearance of it. Encourage believers to strive for authenticity in their faith, emphasizing that true godliness leads to a thankful heart grounded in a real relationship with Christ.

3. Perpetual Puzzle Without Peace

2 Timothy 3:6-7
Maybe, delve into how false teachings can perpetuate spiritual shallowness and ingratitude. These verses warn against those who are ever learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Emphasize that true understanding and acceptance of Christ bring about gratitude, as believers grow deeply rooted in faith and truth.

4. Persistent Rebellion Refuted

2 Timothy 3:8-9
You could discuss the example of Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses, representing ongoing rebellion against divine truth. Stress that as such opposition will be evident, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith to stand out as people of gratitude amidst adversity, showing the power of Christ within them.
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