Bible Class: Thanksgiving -- In all Circumstances? 2.0

Thanksgiving: In All Circumstances? 2.0 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.  (16)  Rejoice always,  (17)  pray continually,  (18)  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. What, according to this text is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus? 1. nobody pays back wrong for wrong 2. always strive to do what is good for each other 3. Rejoice always 4. give thanks in all circumstances; How do we get there? I. Realize the blessing of your salvation II. Realize the God who made you is in control III. Focus on the promise of Heaven IV. Refocus in your trials HEAVEN Hebrews 13:14 (NLT) For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. John 14:1-4  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  (2)  My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  (4)  You know the way to the place where I am going." Why is this important? ______________________________________________________________________ REFOCUS IN TRIALS Read the following verses and determine what we could/should focus on in our times of trials. 1Pe 5:10  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  Focus? ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  (18)  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Focus? ___________________________________________________________________________________ John 16:33  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Focus? ____________________________________________________________________________________ Romans 8:18  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Focus? ____________________________________________________________________________________ Will Change your life. 1. Changes your perspective • Reminds us of our origin • Reminds us of His promises • Reminds us of His provision • Reminds us of His LOVE • Results in humility over arrogance 2. Improves our relationships • We focus on their sufficiency, not their deficiency • We focus on hope, not despair • Because of this we produce better in our relationships 3. Moves you closer to God • We see God for who He is • We approach his throne with confidence • We surrender to his will • We praise him with adoration