Embracing Gratitude: A Transformative Lifestyle
Summary
Today, we concluded our two-part series, "Getting Over, Overwhelmed," by exploring the concept of being overwhelmed by something positive, life-giving, and beautiful. While last week we focused on overcoming negative emotions like fear and anxiety, today we delved into the power of gratitude and how it can transform our lives. We all have those little things that irrationally annoy us, but what if we shifted our focus to being overwhelmed by gratitude instead?
Gratitude is not just a feeling; it is an expression that bridges the gap between the giver and the receiver. When we fail to express gratitude, it is often perceived as ingratitude, creating a void in relationships. This is true not only in our interactions with others but also in our relationship with God. The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrates this beautifully. Ten were healed, but only one returned to express gratitude to Jesus. This one act of returning to thank Jesus was an act of worship, demonstrating that gratitude is a form of worship.
In our lives, miracles often produce gratitude, but it is obedience that leads to miracles. The lepers were healed as they obeyed Jesus' command to show themselves to the priest. This teaches us that our faith and obedience can lead to miraculous transformations in our lives. As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, let's commit to living a lifestyle of gratitude. Let us be overwhelmed by the goodness of God and express our gratitude through worship, obedience, and generosity.
Gratitude should be a daily practice, not just a seasonal one. Every day is a gift from God, and every moment of joy is a testament to His love for us. Let us not be like the nine lepers who felt gratitude but failed to express it. Instead, let us be like the one who returned, overwhelmed with gratitude, and let our lives be a continuous expression of thanks to God.
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude is not just a feeling but an expression that bridges the gap between the giver and the receiver. Unexpressed gratitude is often perceived as ingratitude, creating a void in relationships. This is true in our interactions with others and in our relationship with God. [08:00]
- The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 teaches us that gratitude is a form of worship. Only one of the ten returned to thank Jesus, demonstrating that expressing gratitude is an act of worship that honors God. [21:16]
- Miracles often produce gratitude, but it is obedience that leads to miracles. The lepers were healed as they obeyed Jesus' command, showing that faith and obedience can lead to miraculous transformations in our lives. [31:32]
- As we approach Thanksgiving, let's commit to living a lifestyle of gratitude. Let us be overwhelmed by the goodness of God and express our gratitude through worship, obedience, and generosity. [33:43]
- Every day is a gift from God, and every moment of joy is a testament to His love for us. Let us not be like the nine lepers who felt gratitude but failed to express it. Instead, let us be like the one who returned, overwhelmed with gratitude. [34:41]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:29] - The Irrational Annoyances
[06:37] - The Generosity Gap
[08:00] - Expressing Gratitude
[10:13] - Ingratitude in Relationships
[13:54] - The Story of the Ten Lepers
[17:16] - Walking by Faith
[19:11] - The One Who Returned
[21:16] - Gratitude as Worship
[24:39] - The Power of Gratitude
[27:02] - Words of Praise
[28:21] - Living a Lifestyle of Gratitude
[31:32] - Obedience and Miracles
[33:43] - Practical Gratitude
[34:41] - Challenge to Express Gratitude
[35:32] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Getting Over, Overwhelmed"
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 17:11-19: The story of the ten lepers and the one who returned to express gratitude.
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#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the ten lepers, what was the initial reaction of the lepers when they saw Jesus? How did they address Him? [13:54]
2. What command did Jesus give to the lepers, and what was the result of their obedience? [17:16]
3. How many lepers returned to thank Jesus, and what was significant about the one who returned? [19:11]
4. What does the story of the ten lepers illustrate about the relationship between gratitude and worship? [21:16]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might the nine lepers have failed to return to express gratitude to Jesus, even though they were healed? [21:16]
2. How does the act of the one leper returning to thank Jesus serve as a model for expressing gratitude in our own lives? [19:11]
3. In what ways does the story of the ten lepers challenge our understanding of obedience and its connection to experiencing miracles? [31:32]
4. How does the sermon suggest that gratitude can transform our relationships with others and with God? [08:00]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt grateful but did not express it. How did that affect your relationship with the person involved? What can you do differently next time? [08:00]
2. The sermon emphasizes that gratitude is a form of worship. How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily worship practices? [21:16]
3. Consider the concept that obedience leads to miracles. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to obey God more fully? What steps can you take to act on this? [31:32]
4. As we approach Thanksgiving, how can you make gratitude a daily practice rather than a seasonal one? Identify one specific way to express gratitude each day this week. [33:43]
5. Think about a relationship in your life where there might be a "gratitude gap." How can you bridge that gap this week through a specific act of appreciation or thanks? [10:13]
6. The sermon challenges us to be overwhelmed by the goodness of God. What is one way you can remind yourself of God's goodness daily? [34:41]
7. How can you encourage others in your community or family to live a lifestyle of gratitude? Share one idea you plan to implement. [33:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as a Bridge in Relationships
Gratitude is more than a feeling; it is an essential expression that connects the giver and the receiver. When gratitude is not expressed, it can be perceived as ingratitude, creating a void in relationships. This principle applies not only to our interactions with others but also to our relationship with God. By expressing gratitude, we acknowledge the value of what we have received and honor the giver. In doing so, we strengthen our connections and foster a spirit of appreciation and love. [08:00]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent blessing or kindness you received. How can you express your gratitude to the person or to God today in a meaningful way?
Day 2: Gratitude as Worship
The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrates that gratitude is a form of worship. Out of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, only one returned to express his gratitude, demonstrating that expressing thanks is an act of worship that honors God. This act of returning to give thanks is a powerful reminder that gratitude is not just a response to blessings but a way to worship and glorify God. By acknowledging His goodness and grace, we align our hearts with His will and deepen our relationship with Him. [21:16]
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you experienced God's grace or provision. How can you turn your gratitude into an act of worship today?
Day 3: Obedience Leads to Miracles
Miracles often produce gratitude, but it is obedience that leads to miracles. The lepers were healed as they obeyed Jesus' command to show themselves to the priest. This teaches us that faith and obedience can lead to miraculous transformations in our lives. By trusting in God's instructions and following His guidance, we open ourselves to His miraculous work and experience His power in our lives. Obedience is a pathway to experiencing God's blessings and seeing His hand at work. [31:32]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obedience? What step can you take today to follow His guidance and open yourself to His miraculous work?
Day 4: Living a Lifestyle of Gratitude
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we are encouraged to commit to living a lifestyle of gratitude. Being overwhelmed by the goodness of God should lead us to express our gratitude through worship, obedience, and generosity. Gratitude should not be limited to a season but should be a daily practice that shapes our lives and relationships. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we become more aware of God's presence and blessings, and we reflect His love to those around us. [33:43]
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine? What specific practice can you start today to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude?
Day 5: Expressing Gratitude Daily
Every day is a gift from God, and every moment of joy is a testament to His love for us. The story of the nine lepers who felt gratitude but failed to express it serves as a reminder to not only feel grateful but to express it. By being like the one leper who returned, overwhelmed with gratitude, we can let our lives be a continuous expression of thanks to God. This daily practice of expressing gratitude helps us to remain focused on God's goodness and to live in a state of joy and contentment. [34:41]
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy." (Psalm 103:2-4, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thing you are grateful for today? How can you express this gratitude to God or someone else in a tangible way?
Quotes
Well today, today I'm excited, we're wrapping up our little mini-series, little two-part series that we have affectionately entitled, Getting Over, Overwhelmed. And if you missed last weekend, one of the things we talked about was how so many of us deal with crippling things like anxiety, depression, fear, and worry. And we looked at God's Word and we said, what does God's Word say about how we can get over the stuff that has the tendency of overwhelming us? [00:00:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Thankfulness and gratitude was never meant to be a feeling. It was meant to be something that is expressed. Okay, I want you to think back. If you have a kid, think about birthdays that they've had. If you haven't had a kid, I want you to think back to when you were a child. [00:08:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Gratitude is not just a feeling you get when someone blesses you. It is an action required of you to express what's happening in your heart. Here's the reason. Unexpressed gratitude is experienced as ingratitude. [00:09:57] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
With all of God's goodness, with all of his grace, with the way he lavishes us with love and generosity and blessing, it is easy for us to turn our gratitude into a feeling instead of expressing it to the one that deserves it most. [00:11:23] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Gratitude towards God is worship. So what I want to do is I want to challenge all of us to never let ourselves get into a negative cycle where we feel gratitude. We feel gratitude, but we don't express it. [00:24:59] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If God was never kind to you, never did anything else to show you his love and his favor, he's already done the unimaginable for you by sending his son Jesus to die for you. But he continues to lavish his love on you. [00:31:44] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Every moment you have, every time you feel joy, every moment you experience in this life is a gift from God. And as he gives, our response should be gratitude and obedience. [00:34:28] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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