Gratitude
August 7, 2022
Ralph Waldo Emerson said that we should “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Of course, this idea was not original to Ralph. The Bible is filled with admonitions to be grateful. Why is gratitude an essential virtue for citizens of God's Kingdom? Join us for part 2 of Kingdom Virtues, where we will see how gratitude regulates expectations, fosters humility, and fuels worship.
Passage
Luke 17:7-19
Principles
Three Benefits of Gratitude:
- Gratitude regulates __________________________. (Luke 17:7-8)
- Gratitude fosters ________________. (Luke 17:9-10)
- Gratitude fuels ______________. (Luke 17:11-19)
Practice
__________________ to be grateful in ______ ____________. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 & Ephesians 5:20)
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Should Jesus’ followers have different sets of expectations for believers and non-believers?
How might having different expectations be helpful? How might it be dangerous?
HEAR
Read Ephesians 5:1-5
- Paul calls Jesus’ followers to imitate God by walking in love. What does he say is incompatible with this walking in Jesus’ love?
- Has culture merged the idea of love with sexual immorality? If so, how? What do the words “among you” tell you about this warning?
- Is Jesus putting foolish talk and crude joking on the same level as sexual immorality? Why or why not?
- If everyone who is sexually immoral and covetous has no inheritance in the Kingdom, how does anyone qualify to inherit the kingdom of God?
Read Ephesians 5:6-14
- Who is Paul warning the Ephesians to avoid and why?
- What empty words might disciples be vulnerable to today?
- Does Paul’s warning not to “become partners with them” preclude believers from engaging with non-believers? Why or why not?
- What is Paul’s definition of being “awake”?
Read Ephesians 5:15-21
- What does it mean to walk wisely and make the most of the time?
- What does it mean to give thanks always for everything? What portion of your thought life is occupied by gratitude?
- Do gratitude and mutual submission have anything to do with walking in love and avoiding sin? If so, what?
- List everything for which you and your group or family are thankful.
HUDDLE
Is your walk with Jesus being affected by sinful attitudes and behaviors? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Readings
This week’s daily Bible readings come from the book of Ecclesiastes, which is attributed to King Solomon and is considered wisdom literature. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to grant you discernment and wisdom.
- Day 1: Ecclesiastes 5
- Day 2: Ecclesiastes 6
- Day 3: Ecclesiastes 7
- Day 4: Ecclesiastes 8
- Day 5: Ecclesiastes 9
- Day 6: Ecclesiastes 10
- Day 7: Ecclesiastes 11
Think Deeper
- Is there any danger in unwarranted or excessive praise? If so, what?
- Can you ever be truly thankful for something you expected? Why or why not?
- What would the next 24 hours look like if you eliminated all expectations and found ways to be thankful in every situation?
Suggested Resources
Unoffendable, by Brant Hanson
Mere Christianity by, C.S. Lewis
Don’t Waste Your Life, by John Piper
The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB