Untitled Sermon (5)

TRP Bible Study 11/25

INTRO:

It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Lutheran Pastor)

Gratitude is one of the most difficult things in the hardest times.

Central Passage: Numbers 11:4–6 “Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.””

When is there a lack of gratitude? When we our bellies are full

1. Persistent Gratitude: A Commanded Joy

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Perhaps, you could encourage the congregation to see that gratitude is a command and posture that aligns our hearts with God's will. This passage calls believers to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances. Suggest that gratitude isn't contingent on our situation but is a lifestyle that steers us toward God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in suffering. Teach that living with thanksgiving can transform despair into hope and foster a deeper trust in God.

2. Peace Through Thankful Prayer

Philippians 4:6–7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

You could illustrate how gratitude replaces anxiety with peace, as Paul exhorts the Philippians to present their requests to God with thanksgiving. Explain that an anxious mind can shift into a peaceful heart when we choose gratitude, as it reframes our concerns within the context of God's sufficiency. Encourage the audience to practice gratitude as a remedy to anxiety and as a means to experience God's surpassing peace guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

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3. Recognizing Restoration Through Thanks

Luke 17:11–19 “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 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.””

Perhaps share the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, emphasizing the one who returned to express gratitude. Highlight how Jesus commended the thankful Samaritan, noting it was his faith made him well. Suggest that gratitude acknowledges God's work and can lead to deeper healing and spiritual insight. In doing so, this passage frames gratitude as an act of faith that draws us nearer to Christ.

What should we really be thankful for?

Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”

I’M THANK THE LORD FOR YOUR LIFE

LET’S DECLARE THIS TOGETHER:

Psalm 138 ESV

Of David. I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth, and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.