Faithful Instructions: In Everything Give Thanks
Ice Breaker: What was the difference between what you were most thankful for as a child and now?
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.
Note: Pastor Dave begins this sermon with the story of Thanksgiving. The story of God bringing the New World Settlers through a tough winter and the gratitude they expressed for His provision and His blessing even though they experienced the death of almost half of their group. They were thankful, even when many of their group died.
- Have you experienced a similar supernatural gratitude in the middle of great loss? Please explain.
- What in your life made you able to thank God, even through loss?
TO DO ITS JOB, THANKSGIVING MUST BE COMMUNICATED.
- What ways can thanksgiving be expressed?
- How do you express thanks to God, other than verbally, in prayer?
- What keeps us from being able to express thanksgiving to God?
5 REASONS FOR GIVING THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
- GIVING THANKS HONORS GOD’S CONTROL AND GOODNESS.
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
- How can we see God as good in a bad situation?
- How does knowing God is good help us to give thanks?
Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”.
- How can we see the plans of God for our prosperity and hope in the middle of suffering?
- What do you think is the future that God has in mind for us, and how do difficult situations work into this future?
2. FAILING TO GIVE THANKS IS A SIN.
- What are some reasons why we do not give God thanks?
- How can we overcome these reasons?
3. GIVING THANKS MAKES YOU JOYFUL.
Psalm 107:21-22 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy.
- Whom is really helped by our giving thanks?
- What did the Psalmist focus on that caused him to remain thankful?
- What blessings do we have in our lives that we can focus on, and thank God for, while suffering?
4. GIVING THANKS ENERGIZES PRAYER.
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
- How does giving thanks in your prayers bring you joy?
- Have you chosen to be thankful in your prayers? If yes, what is your biggest challenge to being thankful?
- If not, what keeps you from being thankful?
5. GIVING THANKS CROWDS OUT SIN IN MY LIFE. RESENTMENT CANNOT GROW IN A GARDEN PLANTED WITH THANKFULNESS.
Ephesians 5:18-20 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Can you share a time in your life when gratitude kept you from sinning?
- Pastor Dave mentioned the role of singing/worship in our expression of thankfulness. Do you experience thankfulness in community singing/worship?
- Can you think of Hymns or Praise music that deal with our giving thanks to God?
- How does rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks help us to overcome hopelessness in difficult times?