JFBC teaching pastor
Growing in Gratitude
Colossians 3:15-17
The church is called to be thankful.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 rejoice always pray without ceasing in everything give thanks
Two things happen: (1) we get a better picture of who Jesus is, and (2) who we are apart from Christ.
If we are growing in Christ, we should be growing in gratitude.
Four enemies of gratitude
1. Comparison. It used to be hard to see someone else's pictures, something we really didn't want to do. Now they're pretty much forced down our throat. They're hard to avoid. Hurts when you're struggling with infertility, etc. Robs us of joy.
2. Having a critical spirit. Commenting on bad service, food, etc. Having unrealistic expectations.
3. Unmet expectations. Not being able to do the things you had hoped to do.
4. Dissatisfaction with the world. Trying to fill our heart with things other than Jesus. Matthew Perry prayed that he wanted to be famous. He became famous, but was still empty.
The church can be a light, by counterculturally being thankful in all things.What does "in all things" mean? Not "for all things". Uplifting to see families share thankfulness in the midst of sickness and trials.
Col 3:15-17
V 15 let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts - thankfulness is rooted in Christ. Stephen watched Jurassic Park, and had nightmares. Every 15 minutes he went to the restroom. He needed peace. In Jesus we have permanent peace. Helps keep us in bounds like an umpire / instructor.Leads to thanksgiving.
Rom 8:38-39
V 16 gratitude is cultivated in the Word, and in worship. A direct correlation. We need the reminder to gather for corporate worship. We sing and speak truths over each other, and take a moment to forget about our own troubles. JL Packer's book: Knowing God.
V 17: Do everything in the name of Jesus, both the big things and the small. Luke 17 the story of Jesus and the ten lepers. Jesus heals them. Nine rushed to the temple to resume their lives. Only one stayed to thank Jesus.
Basics to add to your routine to cultivate thankfulness…
1. Have a gratitude journal. Share with others what you've thankful for.
2. Serve others regularly
3. Take a break from social media
4. Write a weekly note of thankfulness, or word of encouragement to those around you.
5. Re-order your prayers, to ACTS
In a world that says more more more, we have all we need in God and Jesus.
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