Choosing Gratitude: Embracing Freedom and Trust in God
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we reflected on the profound freedom we have in Jesus Christ. This freedom encompasses our worship, our trust in His salvation, and our repentance from sin. However, we often forget the magnitude of what Christ has brought us through, allowing the mountains ahead to overshadow the victories behind us. This shift from faith to fear, doubt, and anger is a common struggle, as seen in the lives of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.
We delved into Exodus 16, where the Israelites, having just experienced God's miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, quickly turned to grumbling and complaining when faced with new challenges. This passage serves as a mirror for us to examine our own hearts and attitudes. Instead of asking, "How could they?" we should ask, "How can we?" and seek God's forgiveness and grace to change our attitudes.
The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the wilderness is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. Despite their grumbling, God provided for their needs, turning bitter water sweet and raining bread from heaven. Yet, their constant complaints revealed a lack of faith and trust in God. This narrative challenges us to trust God in our own bitter circumstances and to avoid the destructive habit of grumbling.
We also explored the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, as our attitude significantly impacts our lives and our witness to others. Complaining and grumbling not only displease God but also hinder our spiritual growth and fellowship with Him and others. Instead, we are called to rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances, and trust that God is working all things for our good.
In conclusion, we are reminded that while we may not be able to choose our circumstances, we can choose our attitudes. A spirit of gratitude and trust in God's faithfulness will lead us to a life that honors Him and reflects His glory to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Freedom in Christ: The freedom we have in Jesus Christ is multifaceted, encompassing our worship, trust, and repentance. This freedom liberates us from the bondage of sin and allows us to live in the fullness of God's grace. Reflecting on this freedom helps us to appreciate the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and the victories He has brought us through. [29:38]
2. Trusting God in Bitter Circumstances: Just as God turned the bitter waters of Marah sweet, He can transform our bitter circumstances into blessings. Trusting God in difficult times requires faith and a shift in perspective, recognizing that He is always able and faithful. This trust is a testament to our belief in His goodness and sovereignty. [39:07]
3. The Destructive Nature of Grumbling: Grumbling and complaining reveal a lack of faith and trust in God. These attitudes are displeasing to God and can lead to a lifetime of spiritual wilderness. Instead, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, which honors God and strengthens our relationship with Him. [51:48]
4. Choosing Our Attitudes: While we may not control our circumstances, we can choose our attitudes. A positive attitude, rooted in faith and gratitude, can transform our lives and our witness to others. This choice impacts our spiritual growth and our ability to reflect God's glory in the world. [54:00]
5. Rejoicing in All Circumstances: Scripture instructs us to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. This attitude of gratitude is a powerful testimony of our faith in God's goodness and sovereignty. Even in difficult times, we can trust that God is working all things for our good and His glory. [56:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:38] - Freedom in Christ
[30:48] - Examining Our Hearts
[31:56] - God's Deliverance
[33:04] - Crossing the Red Sea
[34:36] - Moses' Song of Praise
[36:01] - Lord, Change My Attitude
[37:17] - Judgment Begins with the Household of God
[38:29] - Bitter Waters at Marah
[39:07] - Trusting God in Bitter Circumstances
[40:08] - The Repetitive Grumbling
[42:06] - Nostalgia and False Memories
[43:02] - God's Provision of Manna
[44:33] - Grumbling Against the Lord
[45:11] - Prayer for Changed Attitudes
[46:26] - The Testimony of Faith
[47:23] - The Impact of Attitude
[48:38] - Avoiding Empty Speech
[49:13] - Misery Loves Company
[50:13] - The Sound of Complaints
[51:17] - The Displeasure of Grumbling
[51:48] - Consequences of a Complaining Spirit
[52:21] - Choosing Our Attitudes
[54:00] - Attitude Determines Altitude
[55:21] - Reflecting Joy in Jesus
[56:01] - Walking by Faith
[57:06] - Complaints in Our Minds
[58:23] - God Hears Our Complaints
[59:30] - Do Not Grumble
[01:00:04] - God Works All Things for Good
[01:01:13] - Give Thanks in All Circumstances
[01:02:30] - God's Control in Adversity
[01:03:40] - The Story of Job
[01:05:18] - God Hates Complaining
[01:07:09] - Questions for Reflection
[01:08:45] - The Call to Repentance
[01:09:19] - God's Faithfulness in Forgiveness
[01:14:24] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Exodus 16:1-12: The Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
- Philippians 2:14-15: Do all things without grumbling or disputing.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances.
### Observation Questions
1. What were the Israelites' complaints in Exodus 16, and how did God respond to them? ([40:52])
2. According to Philippians 2:14-15, what are believers instructed to do without grumbling or disputing? ([54:33])
3. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, what are we instructed to do in all circumstances? ([01:01:13])
4. How did the Israelites' attitude change from Exodus 15 to Exodus 16? ([34:36])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Israelites quickly shifted from praising God to grumbling against Him? ([34:36])
2. How does grumbling and complaining reflect a lack of faith and trust in God? ([51:17])
3. What does it mean to "rejoice always" and "give thanks in all circumstances" in practical terms? ([01:01:13])
4. How can maintaining a positive attitude impact our witness to others? ([54:00])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself grumbling or complaining. How could you have responded differently with faith and gratitude? ([39:07])
2. What are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your daily life? ([54:33])
3. Think of a challenging circumstance you are currently facing. How can you trust God to turn this "bitter water" into sweetness? ([39:07])
4. How can you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness to help you trust Him in present difficulties? ([31:56])
5. Identify one area in your life where you need an "attitude adjustment." What specific actions will you take to change your attitude in this area? ([36:01])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to maintain a positive attitude and avoid grumbling? ([47:23])
7. What specific prayer can you say before interacting with someone who tests your patience, to help you maintain a spirit of gratitude and trust? ([56:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Freedom in Christ
The freedom we have in Jesus Christ is profound and multifaceted. It liberates us from the bondage of sin and allows us to live in the fullness of God's grace. This freedom encompasses our worship, our trust in His salvation, and our repentance from sin. Reflecting on this freedom helps us to appreciate the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and the victories He has brought us through. Often, we forget the magnitude of what Christ has brought us through, allowing the mountains ahead to overshadow the victories behind us. This shift from faith to fear, doubt, and anger is a common struggle, as seen in the lives of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.
In Exodus 16, the Israelites, having just experienced God's miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, quickly turned to grumbling and complaining when faced with new challenges. This passage serves as a mirror for us to examine our own hearts and attitudes. Instead of asking, "How could they?" we should ask, "How can we?" and seek God's forgiveness and grace to change our attitudes. [29:38]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel bound or restricted. How can you embrace the freedom that Christ offers in this area today?
Day 2: Trusting God in Bitter Circumstances
Just as God turned the bitter waters of Marah sweet, He can transform our bitter circumstances into blessings. Trusting God in difficult times requires faith and a shift in perspective, recognizing that He is always able and faithful. This trust is a testament to our belief in His goodness and sovereignty. The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the wilderness is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. Despite their grumbling, God provided for their needs, turning bitter water sweet and raining bread from heaven.
Yet, their constant complaints revealed a lack of faith and trust in God. This narrative challenges us to trust God in our own bitter circumstances and to avoid the destructive habit of grumbling. When we face challenges, it is easy to let fear and doubt take over, but we are called to trust in God's ability to transform our situations. [39:07]
Exodus 15:25 (ESV): "And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge or "bitter circumstance" in your life. How can you shift your perspective to trust in God's ability to transform it?
Day 3: The Destructive Nature of Grumbling
Grumbling and complaining reveal a lack of faith and trust in God. These attitudes are displeasing to God and can lead to a lifetime of spiritual wilderness. Instead, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, which honors God and strengthens our relationship with Him. The Israelites' constant complaints in the wilderness serve as a warning to us. Despite God's continuous provision, their grumbling showed a lack of faith and trust in His goodness.
Complaining and grumbling not only displease God but also hinder our spiritual growth and fellowship with Him and others. We are encouraged to maintain a positive attitude, as our attitude significantly impacts our lives and our witness to others. By choosing gratitude and trust, we can avoid the destructive habit of grumbling and instead live a life that honors God. [51:48]
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV): "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself grumbling or complaining. How can you choose gratitude and trust in similar situations moving forward?
Day 4: Choosing Our Attitudes
While we may not control our circumstances, we can choose our attitudes. A positive attitude, rooted in faith and gratitude, can transform our lives and our witness to others. This choice impacts our spiritual growth and our ability to reflect God's glory in the world. The Israelites' journey in the wilderness highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. Despite their challenging circumstances, they had the choice to trust in God's provision and remain grateful.
Our attitude significantly impacts our lives and our witness to others. By choosing a positive attitude, we can honor God and strengthen our relationship with Him. This choice is a testament to our faith and trust in His goodness and sovereignty. [54:00]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your attitude impact the situation? What can you do to choose a more positive attitude in future challenges?
Day 5: Rejoicing in All Circumstances
Scripture instructs us to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. This attitude of gratitude is a powerful testimony of our faith in God's goodness and sovereignty. Even in difficult times, we can trust that God is working all things for our good and His glory. The Israelites' journey in the wilderness serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a spirit of gratitude and trust in God.
Complaining and grumbling not only displease God but also hinder our spiritual growth and fellowship with Him and others. Instead, we are called to rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances, and trust that God is working all things for our good. This attitude of gratitude is a powerful testimony of our faith in God's goodness and sovereignty. [56:01]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent difficult situation. How can you practice rejoicing and giving thanks in similar circumstances in the future?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The verse that came to my mind this morning just is where the Spirit of the Lord is. There's freedom. There's freedom to worship Him. There's freedom to trust His salvation. There's freedom to repent of our sins and be freed from our bondage. There is freedom. In Jesus Christ. Amen. And we so often forget what Christ has brought us through. And it's so challenging because so often in our walks with God, the mountains in front of us look bigger than the ones that are behind us." [29:38]
2. "God, we weren't able to escape Egypt, but you provided a way when there was no way. And on the other side. What Moses is declaring is that God, no matter what we face, we can trust you. He says in these final two verses of the song, sing to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider, that meaning Egypt, he threw into the sea. Where there was no way, God made a way. Where we were not able, God proved that he is able." [34:36]
3. "Sometimes we come upon circumstances that are bitter. Sometimes we come upon circumstances that are hard. Anybody got an amen for that? You're right, Avery. Sometimes we come upon circumstances we don't like very much. And yet in the midst of it, we can trust the Lord with it. But that is not our typical go-to." [39:07]
4. "Do you want to look different than the world that is around you? Follower of Jesus, do you want to shine brightly for Jesus Christ in the places that you live, work, and play? What Scripture actually instructs us to do is to stop all the whining and the bickering and the grumbling and the murmuring and the complaining because you don't have to scroll along on Facebook or Instagram or certainly Twitter to find there's a world full of that. But my life and your life ought to reflect the joy we have in Jesus Christ." [55:21]
5. "Even in despair, we are people of great hope. Even in hard circumstances, we get to walk by faith and not by sight. Even when I can't, I know that my God can. So what am I fussing about? We get to choose our attitudes. And that's so important. Choice becomes lifestyle, becomes our lot in life. Attitudes become patterns if we're not careful." [56:01]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And the challenge when we're reading God's Word, particularly in these tough passages, like we're going to read this morning. And if you have it, it's going to be a challenge. If you have your Bibles, and I hope you do, you can turn with me to Exodus chapter 16 this morning. It's not to look at them and ask, how could they? But to examine our hearts. To pray and ask God, is there any way within me that does not please you? And then to repent of it. To be washed anew with His goodness. And His grace. To experience that freedom and forgiveness. And then to walk in light of the truth. Of which we know that God is good. That God is faithful. That God can be trusted. That God deserves all of our worship. All honor. All praise. All glory." [30:48]
2. "I guess the thing. That stands out to me. When I read the passage. Is the lack of faith that. Is on display. And it's a reminder that. We're all prone to wonder. That's what the hymn says. And I agree it's true. That the Israelites move through the plagues. And they move through the waters. And the water collapses in. And they experience. God's goodness. And God turns bitter water. To sweet water. And they grumble. And they grumble. And they grumble. And they complain. And they complain. And they complain. And their attitude. Is not one of faith. But is one of doubt." [46:26]
3. "Could you imagine. The testimony. That could have been on display. Among God's people. If they. Came out into the wilderness. And said. Moses I don't know what we're going to do. I don't have all the answer. But I know God does. Let's have a prayer meeting. Wouldn't that have worked differently? Can you imagine. The difference in the testimony. If the people rallied around Moses. And said Moses. I don't know what your plan is. But I want you to know I have your back. And I'm going to help however you need. We've seen God do great things. And in the midst of this. We are committed Moses. To trusting God. Because we understand that God. Is faithful." [47:23]
4. "The reality is. Is that some people talk. Just to hear themselves talk. And some people complain. Just to hear themselves. Complain. And God's word instructs us. That that is not to be us. We are to rejoice always. Again I say rejoice. It's no trouble for me to say it again. Church. Rejoice. In second Timothy. Paul instructs Timothy. To avoid irreverent. And empty speech. Since those who engage in it. Will produce more godlessness. And their teaching will spread like gangrene. Do you understand church. That misery loves company. Only the company of misery. Is just more miserable company. And those who have a desire. To rejoice. In the Lord. Don't desire. To be a part of that." [48:38]
5. "Do we understand the emphasis. That the word of God. Is instructing us. As a matter of fact. The words murmur or grumble. Are actually. I know that you just finished class. Those of you who are students. The words murmur and grumble. Are actually onomatopoeias. Do you all remember what that is? That's a word. When you say it. Makes the sound. Produced. It's like the word buzz. The bee buzzes. Is the sound that the bee makes. So I want you just to practice this. With me for just a second. You get to pick your word. You want to pick murmur. Pick murmur. You want to pick grumble. You pick grumble. You don't have to say it all together. As a matter of fact. It's better that you don't say it all together. What I want you to do. Is say the word seven times. Murmur. Grumble. You got your word? Can you count to seven? I want you to practice it. Because I believe Israel was a little bit louder. Than what you were actually trying to do. So you can try it again with me. Seven times. Pick your word that you're going to say. Say it with me. In your actual big boy or big girl voice. Do you understand that that is what our complaints and poor attitudes sound like to the Lord? That sound displeases God. There's this murmuring and grumbling coming from Israel's camp. And the sound reflected their lack of faith in their hearts. And the sound was greatly displeasing to God." [50:13]
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