Practice: Gratitude
Notes
Transcript
Gratitude, thankfulness, rejoicing
gratitude is the focusing on what you have been given instead of what you do not have.
Gratitude does not come natural to us.
Theological Themes:
Thanksgiving is a divine command
It transcends circumstances
It’s connected to spiritual peace
It acknowledges God’s sovereignty
It’s a form of worship
it aligns us with Gods perspective
Gratitude is very important. In Paul’s letters alone it is mentioned 63 times. it almost always is in passing and not the main point but it shows us how Paul lived. it was not something he remembered on a holiday but a way of life. He was always thankful and he did not live an easy life.
It has a great benefit in our lives
our attitude will define our experience and memory
lack of gratitude is bad
Romans 1:21 “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Romans 1:21 “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Interesting Counterpoint: Romans 1:21 warns of spiritual decay when people “neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him”
It is a natural outcome of the Gospel
It is a natural outcome of the Gospel
2 Corinthians 4:14–15 “because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:14–15 “because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 9:13–14 “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.”
2 Corinthians 9:13–14 “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Gratitude is intentional
Gratitude is intentional
Ephesians 1:16 “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
Ephesians 1:16 “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
We do not just become thankful or grateful but have intentionally do so. Our main go to is looking at what we do not have. that is what the world wants. Companies hate to see you grateful, because grateful people do not want more.
practicing thankfulness is a gateway into all kinds of spiritual growth.
its the christian gateway drug to a good life.
It benefits you and others
It benefits you and others
Ephesians 5:4 “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
Ephesians 5:4 “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
it has all kinds of benefits
Improves sleep
lowers high blood pressure
helps prevent overeating
motivates you to exercise more
strengthens immune system
improves pain tolerance
extends lifespan
reduces envy and jealousy
makes you more optimistic
more forgiving
battles depression
recovery from addiction
improves mood
manages grief
improves relationships
Not to mention the spiritual benefits of it.
as we are thankful we will have more humility, joy, peace, love, hope, self-control, kindness
through gratitude we gain all these and more
How do we show Gratitude
How do we show Gratitude
keep a journal
get in the practice of saying thank you
remember you woke of this morning
remember the cross
write someone a thank you text or letter.
