Wk 14 - A Spirit of Thanks

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

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Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

TODAY: Thankfulness is a divine gift cultivated by the Holy Spirit

WHY?…

Thankfulness is not just a response to positive circumstances, but a spirit cultivated by the Holy Spirit, resulting in life transformation and deeper relationship with God.

By understanding the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can learn to develop a habitual practice of thankfulness, even in difficult circumstances, leading to more joy and peace in our faith journey.

Opening Scripture: Eph. 5:18

1. Spirit-Filled Thankfulness

Ephesians 5:18–20 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

Being filled with the Spirit leads to an overflowing heart.

Being filled with the Spirit allows us to be in a continuous state of thanksgiving.

Thankfulness finds its ultimate expression in Christ's selfless love.

Embrace this transformation in daily life, allowing the Spirit to guide our attitudes and words towards thankfulness, despite life's challenges.

Think of a time when you realized that worrying was useless while you were stuck in a traffic jam. Instead of fretting, you whipped out your favorite playlist and started singing along. Your mood shifted completely! That's the peace of Christ in action, taking the chaos of your mind and filling it with joy. We can cultivate thankfulness in similar ways, finding joy even amidst the mundane or frustrating moments of life.

2. Peace and Thankfulness

Colossians 3:15–17 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

The peace of Christ ruling in our hearts and the cultivation of thankfulness through the Holy Spirit.

Take the story of Paul and Silas in prison. Instead of despair, they sang hymns, filled with thankfulness. Their hearts were ruled by Christ’s peace, transforming a dark prison into a place of worship. Their faith not only brought them peace but also motivated a miraculous deliverance. When we express thankfulness even in tough times, we invite that same peace to inhabit our hearts and transform our circumstances. (Acts 16:19-24)

The collective aspect of worship and thanksgiving, as the word of Christ dwells richly among believers.

This shared experience not only strengthens individual faith but builds the community in love and unity.

See thankfulness as a corporate practice that enhances communal growth in Christ.

There’s a biblical account of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, but only one returned to thank Him. Jesus noted the difference in community growth between the thankful and the unthankful. When we express thankfulness, we are not just acknowledging the good; we are cultivating a community spirit that thrives in the generosity of God’s great grace. Let’s be the one who returns with thanks!

Luke 17:15–19 “Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.””

*The unlikely person is the thankful one. His return to thank brings about FAITH that “made you well”…showing more than physical curing, shows a restored relationship with God.

Conclusion/Reflection:

A spirit of thankfulness in our lives, transforming our hearts and minds to appreciate God's gifts / grace.

Christ, who exemplified the ultimate thankfulness towards the Father and empowered His followers to live out this same thankfulness in their lives.

Talk It Over

How did Paul and Silas demonstrate thankfulness in their circumstances, and what was the outcome?

In Colossians 3:15–17, what relationship is established between peace and thankfulness?

What transformation does thankfulness bring to daily life?