Covetousness Verse Gratitude
Benefits of Gratitude
Overcomes covetousness – covetousness at the core of all impurity
Ephesians 5:3-6
But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving
2 Cor 9:5-15
the principle problems at Corinth (and elsewhere) which adversely impacts grace is: covetousness
Paul says he has sent the brethren so they can assist the Corinthians in arranging beforehand their previously promised gift, which is not affected by covetousness.
Covetousness is the illicit desire to have what belongs to another. Generosity is the godly desire for others in need to have what I possess. generosity counters covetousness in the closing verses of chapter 9.
Gratitude or Thanksgiving opens the door for Faith
Luke 17:12
So when He saw them, He said to them, Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”
I imagine this man was grateful for what Jesus had done, praying for him.
thankfulness puts us in a positive frame of mind and a positive relationship with the great God.
Example: child approaching an adult, outstretched arms invitation
Gratitude is a precursor to Faith which is the opposite of fear
Enables us to enjoy God’s goodness without fear
James 1:17 – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation…God doesn't differ, God doesn't change, we realize the source, it comes from God and we're very appreciative of them…no variation or shadow of turning.
Jesus came with incredible POWER ;
Acts, 10:38
--"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed with the devil for God was with Him."
Psa. 100:1 –
Make a joyful shout to the Eternal all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness.
V. 2 – Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing!
V. 3 – Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He that made us.
V. 4 - …and into His courts…before the throne of God, before the throne in the third heaven, amongst all the holy angels…with praise.V. 4-5 – Be thankful to Him and bless His name. …….. For the Lord is good;
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (seat of Power)
What is our approach to Jesus (the good Jesus) demonstrating the awesome victory over death – do we fear him – logical to but because of His goodness—we can come boldly to him in repentance
ACTS 2:14, 36,37,41