Gratitude - Gratitude as a Lifestyle

Next Steps

Message Summary

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18). With a lifestyle of gratitude, believers experience joy and the peace that passes understanding regardless of circumstances. This daily attitude of gratitude is possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit and an eternal perspective. That is, believers are forgiven through faith. They are inseparably connected to Jesus. Over time, through circumstances and the power of the Holy Spirit, God sovereignly makes believers more like Jesus. And God promises Christians eternal reward for all suffering, faith and every good deed. Believers can express an attitude of Gratitude daily through prayer, when receiving a blessing, when perceiving a blessing and when suffering.

1) How do you show gratitude? How does it affect you? Others?

2) What is the opposite of gratitude? How does it affect you? Others around you?

3) What are some things that help you maintain an attitude of gratitude daily?

Consider This

Selfishness, self sufficiency and pride (the Bible calls it sin) separates us from God. Only by understanding our condemnation will we seek forgiveness from God. And once we obtain forgiveness, gratitude naturally follows. By renewing our minds on these truths, and asking for forgiveness daily, believers can live a lifestyle of gratitude. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Romans 3:23).

1) Read Colossians 1:21-22 and discuss what you are thankful for.

2) To what end is God working every circumstance, both good and bad according to Romans 8:28-29?

3) Can anything separate you from God? (Romans 8:31-39

4) What type of rewards will believers obtain in Heaven?

a. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
b. 2 Corinthians 5:10
c. Luke 19:17-19
d. 2 Timothy 4:8

5) Complaining is the opposite of gratitude. Do you think it is a sin? What can you do about it? (1 Corinthians 10:10-11, Philippians 2:14-15)

6) Prayer always has the component of thanksgiving, either explicit or implied. Discuss opportunities and ways you can pray daily.

7) When you receive a blessing from someone, what might prevent you from expressing gratitude to that person?

8) How do you look for things to be grateful for?

Suffering takes many forms. Yet Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). This has been a difficult year for most, and we have no guarantee on the future. Franklin Graham recently said that Christians should expect increased persecution in the years ahead. Connection with Jesus and the eternal perspective is an antidote to despair (Philip 3:20). Thanksgiving expresses and reinforces that faith and hope.

9) Read Acts 5:27-47
a. What was the apostles’ response to pressure on their faith (V29)?
b. What did they suffer (V40)?
c. How did they respond to this kind of suffering (V41-42)

Moving Forward

Cultivate an attitude of Gratitude and a plan to actually express that thankfulness this week.

1) Pray in the morning, pray before meals, and pray at night each day this week, giving thanks to God for what he has done or will do (provide) that day.

2) From Ephesians 1:3-8,11, list one thing each day that you are thankful for. Try to share that item with a friend or loved one.

3) Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 and try to think of someone that you can help each day this week so they have an opportunity to practice gratitude as well.