Embracing Thankfulness: A Command for the New Year

 

Summary

As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's a time to reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year and to embrace a spirit of thankfulness. Living a life of gratitude is not just a suggestion; it is a commandment from God. The Bible teaches us that godliness with contentment is great gain, and this contentment is rooted in thankfulness. To live thankful means to live contented, grateful, pleased, peaceful, and relieved, recognizing that things could always be worse. We are reminded of the many who are suffering, and yet we have so much to be thankful for, including our salvation and the gift of life itself.

Thankfulness is a powerful antidote to worry and anxiety. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us not to worry but to pray and thank God for all He has done. This practice leads to experiencing God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. Living in Christ Jesus and His word transforms our perspective, allowing us to live in His peace, joy, and faithfulness. We are encouraged to lift our hands in praise and thank God for His love, faithfulness, and the many blessings He has bestowed upon us.

Moreover, we are called to be thankful for the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and empowers us to live righteously. The Holy Spirit is our guardian and guide, providing us with the strength and wisdom to navigate life's challenges. We are also reminded of the importance of godly relationships, as we are not meant to live in isolation. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength and support found in community, emphasizing that we are better together.

Opportunities abound for those who seek them, and we are encouraged to be thankful for the opportunities God provides for growth, investment, and service. Matthew 7:7-8 assures us that those who ask, seek, and knock will find doors opened to them. Finally, we are reminded of God's provision and faithfulness. He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, and we are called to be good stewards of His blessings.

Key Takeaways:

- Living Thankful is Commanded: Embracing a life of thankfulness is not optional for believers; it is a commandment. By choosing gratitude over worry, we align ourselves with God's peace, which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. [04:08]

- The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is essential for living a life of truth and righteousness. He guides us, empowers us, and provides the strength to overcome challenges. We are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's presence daily. [15:18]

- Value of Godly Relationships: We are not meant to live in isolation. Godly relationships provide support, strength, and encouragement. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that two are better than one, and a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. [20:58]

- Opportunities for Growth: God provides opportunities for growth and service every day. By asking, seeking, and knocking, we open ourselves to the possibilities God has in store for us, trusting that He will guide us to the right paths. [25:41]

- God's Faithful Provision: God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. By recognizing that everything belongs to Him and being faithful stewards, we can trust in His provision and live without lack. [31:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Reflecting on the Year
- [01:05] - Living Thankful
- [02:28] - Gratitude for Life
- [03:19] - Commanded Thankfulness
- [04:08] - Peace Through Prayer
- [06:38] - Thankfulness in Praise
- [08:08] - Alive in Christ
- [10:14] - Thankful for Salvation
- [14:36] - The Holy Spirit's Role
- [19:26] - Importance of Relationships
- [24:32] - Embracing Opportunities
- [26:37] - God's Provision
- [33:57] - Faithfulness of God
- [38:06] - The Anointing's Power

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
3. Matthew 7:7-8 - "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Philippians 4:6-7, what are the steps we should take instead of worrying? How does this relate to experiencing God's peace? [04:08]

2. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are the benefits of having godly relationships? How does this passage emphasize the importance of community? [20:58]

3. What does Matthew 7:7-8 suggest about the nature of opportunities and how we should approach them? [25:41]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers? [15:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does living a life of thankfulness align with the commandment in Philippians 4:6-7? What might be the impact on a believer's mental and spiritual well-being? [04:08]

2. Reflecting on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, why might godly relationships be considered essential for spiritual growth and support? How can these relationships help in times of personal struggle? [20:58]

3. Considering Matthew 7:7-8, what does it mean to actively seek and knock in the context of spiritual growth and service? How can this be applied in daily life? [25:41]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of recognizing and being thankful for God's provision and faithfulness? What are some practical ways to acknowledge this in everyday life? [31:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt anxious. How can you apply Philippians 4:6-7 to transform your worry into prayer and thanksgiving? [04:08]

2. Identify a godly relationship in your life that has been a source of strength and support. How can you nurture and invest in this relationship further? [20:58]

3. Think of an opportunity you have been hesitant to pursue. How can you actively seek and knock, trusting that God will open the right doors for you? [25:41]

4. In what ways can you be more intentional about recognizing and thanking God for His provision in your life? Consider specific areas where you have seen His faithfulness. [31:06]

5. How can you cultivate a daily practice of thankfulness, especially in challenging times? What are some practical steps you can take to maintain a grateful heart? [06:38]

6. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you seek His guidance and empowerment more intentionally in your daily walk? [15:18]

7. Consider the community around you. How can you contribute to building a supportive and godly community that reflects the principles in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12? [20:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Thankfulness as a Divine Command
Living a life of thankfulness is not merely a suggestion for believers; it is a divine commandment. This commandment invites us to shift our focus from worry and anxiety to gratitude and peace. By choosing to be thankful, we align ourselves with God's peace, which surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances but is a gift from God that transforms our perspective and allows us to live in joy and faithfulness. As we stand on the brink of a new year, reflecting on the blessings and challenges of the past, we are encouraged to embrace a spirit of thankfulness, recognizing that things could always be worse and that we have much to be grateful for, including our salvation and the gift of life itself. [04:08]

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific worry or anxiety you can replace with thankfulness today, trusting in God's peace to guard your heart?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Empowering Presence
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers into all truth and empowering them to live righteously. He is our guardian and guide, providing the strength and wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges. By seeking the Holy Spirit's presence daily, we open ourselves to His transformative power, which enables us to overcome obstacles and live in alignment with God's will. The Holy Spirit's presence is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey of faith. As we cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live a life of truth and righteousness, reflecting God's love and faithfulness in all that we do. [15:18]

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment in a specific area of your life today?


Day 3: The Strength of Godly Relationships
Godly relationships are essential for providing support, strength, and encouragement in our lives. We are not meant to live in isolation, but rather in community with others who share our faith and values. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength and support found in community, emphasizing that two are better than one, and a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. These relationships are a source of encouragement and accountability, helping us to grow in our faith and navigate the challenges of life. By investing in godly relationships, we create a support network that strengthens us and helps us to live out our faith more fully. [20:58]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can reach out to today to offer encouragement and support, strengthening your godly relationship with them?


Day 4: Seizing Opportunities for Growth
God provides opportunities for growth, investment, and service every day. By asking, seeking, and knocking, we open ourselves to the possibilities God has in store for us, trusting that He will guide us to the right paths. These opportunities are not always obvious, but they are present for those who are willing to seek them out and embrace them. As we step into a new year, we are encouraged to be thankful for the opportunities God provides and to be proactive in seeking them out. By doing so, we position ourselves for growth and transformation, allowing God to work in and through us in powerful ways. [25:41]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one opportunity for growth or service that you can pursue today, trusting that God will guide you in the process?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Faithful Provision
God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. By recognizing that everything belongs to Him and being faithful stewards of His blessings, we can trust in His provision and live without lack. This trust is not based on our circumstances but on God's faithfulness and His promise to provide for us. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year, we are reminded of God's provision and faithfulness, which have sustained us through every season. By trusting in His provision, we can live with confidence and peace, knowing that He will supply all our needs. [31:06]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's provision, and how can you take a step of faith in that area today?

Quotes



And if you can do that, if you'll stop worrying and instead pray and tell God what you need and then thank him for all that he has done, the Bible says, then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and your minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [00:04:24] (26 seconds)


Live thankful for the Holy Ghost, John 16, 13. When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own, but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. Yeah, he'll give you insight. [00:15:47] (20 seconds)


Because when you have the Holy Ghost, he is your guardian. He is your guide. He is your direction. He is your compass. He will lead you and guide you into all truth, the Bible says. You have trouble telling the truth, get the Holy Ghost. [00:15:18] (17 seconds)


A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated. But two, two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better. For a triple braided cord is not easily broken. So we need to live thankful for relationships. We need each other. We need each other. [00:20:00] (35 seconds)


There are opportunities that we received in Matthew 7, 7 and 8. He said, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. [00:25:13] (20 seconds)


My God shall supply all your need according to his riches. If his streets are paved with gold, if his walls are made of jasper, if his gates are made of pearl, he ain't broke. You're exactly right. He is not broke. God is not broke. [00:30:40] (21 seconds)


The Bible says the earth is the Lord's and the fullness, everything that's in it belongs to God. If that's true, he shall supply all your need according to his riches in heaven, in glory by Christ Jesus. You really shouldn't have any needs. [00:31:06] (20 seconds)


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Transcript
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