Gratitude

Introduction

Gratitude (thankfulness) is a critical disciple for the believer.

To be “ALL IN” in your relationship with God you need to have a thankful heart.

Ingratitude leads you toward a critical spirit and you can become resentful toward God, His people, and His plan for your life.

Illustration: Harlan Hale - facing death but demonstrating a heart filled with thankfulness toward God.

Biblical Instruction:

Text

Ephesians 5:18–20 ESV

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Transition

Four steps to develop the discipline of gratitude in your life.

Point 1

Embrace the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to engage in authentic thankfulness.

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Last week, we discovered that genuine worship is fulled by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (be filled with the Spirit).

Next week, we will learn that the discipline of church unity and respect (submitting to one another) can happen through the infilling of the Spirit.

Today, we will look at the fact that Holy Spirit empowerment helps us develop a thankful heart.

When we gain more understanding of the Holy Spirit, we begin to appreciate more His work in every aspect of our life.

How?

Point 2

Focus on who God is, what He has done, and how He has graced us.

Trust and maintain awareness that you are walking with and know God.

Colossians 4:2 ESV

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

How?

His Word

Our experience of the activity of God in our life.

Point 3

Live confidently under the sovereignty of God who through all that He does works EVERYTHING together for good for those who live him.

Romans 8:28 ESV

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Point 4

Demonstrate gratitude for being a part of God’s Family.

It is with gratitude that I function in that family which involves the plan of God, the sacrifice of the Son, and the provision for enablement by the Spirit.

Colossians 1:12 ESV

12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 3:17 ESV

17 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.

Conclusion