GRATITUDE, Part 2: Enemies of Gratitude | 11/09/2025 | Grace Church Fremont

Gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling, but a way of life that God calls us to embrace. True gratitude flows from humility, recognizing that all we have—especially the grace of Jesus—is undeserved. The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15 remind us that even the greatest among us are recipients of God’s mercy, not its earners. When we reflect on where we would be without God’s grace, our hearts are moved to thankfulness.

We are invited to make gratitude a daily practice, not just an occasional response to good circumstances. Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances—shows that gratitude is a choice, not a reaction. It is a discipline that shapes our character and reflects the heart of God to the world.

Yet, gratitude faces real enemies. Complaining and arguing are deeply ingrained habits, often more about venting than seeking solutions. Paul’s command in Philippians 2:14 to “do everything without grumbling or arguing” is not about suppressing our emotions or ignoring real hurts. There is a biblical place for lament—honest, faith-filled expression of pain to God and others. The difference lies in our posture: lament seeks resolution and healing, while grumbling fixates on grievances and breeds resentment.

God calls us to be a distinct people, shining like stars in a world that normalizes negativity. Our refusal to complain and argue is not about pretending life is perfect, but about living out the transformation that the gospel brings. Gratitude is the fruit of spiritual maturity; it grows as we allow God to heal our wounds and reshape our hearts. This transformation is not instant or easy—it requires awareness, honesty about our emotions, and a willingness to partner with God in the ongoing work of becoming more like Jesus.

As we grow in gratitude, we bring glory to God and make the gospel visible. Our thankfulness, especially in difficult circumstances, becomes a testimony to the world of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Let us be a community marked by gratitude, quick to seek healing for our hurts, and eager to reflect the love and grace of Christ in all we do.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Gratitude is a result of spiritual transformation Gratitude does not come naturally; it is cultivated as we allow God to change us from the inside out. Spiritual maturity involves growing beyond negativity and complaint, learning to see life through the lens of God’s grace. As we are transformed, gratitude becomes a defining mark of our character, not just an occasional feeling. [41:22]
• 2. Healthy lament is different from grumbling God welcomes our honest emotions and pain, but there is a difference between bringing our hurts to God and fixating on grievances. Healthy lament seeks resolution and healing, while grumbling is rooted in entitlement and resentment. True spiritual growth involves facing our wounds and allowing God to bring restoration, rather than nurturing bitterness. [31:59]
• 3. Gratitude highlights the gospel to the world When we live with thankfulness, especially in challenging circumstances, we stand out in a culture of complaint. Our gratitude points others to the reality of God’s grace and the hope found in Jesus. This is not about perfection, but about letting the gospel shape our responses and relationships, making us lights in a dark world. [45:10]
• 4. Awareness is the first step to change We often complain and argue out of habit, without realizing it. Becoming aware of our patterns is essential for growth. As we notice our negativity, we can invite others to help us and intentionally choose gratitude, creating a culture of thankfulness in our homes and communities. [48:58]
• 5. Healing from past wounds is necessary for gratitude Unresolved pain and trauma can fuel ongoing negativity and complaint. God invites us to seek healing for our hurts, not to ignore or suppress them. As we address our wounds with honesty and faith, we open ourselves to deeper gratitude and freedom in Christ. [52:07]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [16:27] - The Humility of Gratitude
• [17:25] - Reflecting on God’s Amazing Grace
• [18:54] - God’s Promises and Our Hope
• [21:07] - Living in Freedom, Not Bondage
• [23:03] - Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
• [24:56] - Enemies of Gratitude: Complaining
• [26:51] - What Does Grumbling and Arguing Mean?
• [28:45] - Lament vs. Grumbling: A Biblical Distinction
• [31:59] - Healthy Approaches to Hurt and Emotion
• [35:41] - Why Gratitude Matters for God’s People
• [37:37] - Israel’s Example and Our Calling
• [41:22] - Gratitude as Spiritual Transformation
• [45:10] - Gratitude Brings Glory to God
• [47:44] - Practical Steps: Awareness, Emotions, Transformation
• [55:51] - Love, Gratitude, and Christian Witness
• [58:19] - Making Gratitude a Community Practice
• [59:34] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Bible Reading

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 (ESV) — > For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Observation Questions

1. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what three actions does Paul command believers to practice, and how are they connected?
2. According to Philippians 2:14-15, what is the result of doing everything without grumbling or arguing?
3. How does Paul describe himself in 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, and what does he say is the reason for his transformation?
4. The sermon mentioned that gratitude is not natural but must be cultivated. What examples did the pastor give to show that gratitude is something we grow into, not something we’re born with? [[40:06]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul links gratitude with humility and the recognition of God’s grace, as seen in his own story in 1 Corinthians 15? [[16:27]]
2. The sermon draws a distinction between lament and grumbling. What is the difference, and why does it matter for spiritual growth? [[31:59]]
3. According to Philippians 2, how does living without grumbling or arguing make believers “shine like stars” in the world? What does this look like in real life? [[42:40]]
4. The pastor said that unresolved pain can fuel ongoing negativity and complaint. How does seeking healing for past wounds relate to growing in gratitude? [[52:07]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to make gratitude a daily practice, not just an occasional response. What is one specific way you could intentionally practice gratitude this week, even if your circumstances are difficult? [[23:03]]
2. Think about your own patterns of speech at home, work, or online. Are there situations where you tend to grumble or argue? What would it look like to “catch yourself” and choose a different response? [[48:58]]
3. The pastor encouraged honest lament rather than stuffing emotions. Is there a hurt or disappointment in your life that you’ve been ignoring or venting about, rather than bringing to God or seeking resolution? What step could you take toward healthy lament or healing? [[31:59]] [[52:07]]
4. The sermon said that gratitude is a result of spiritual transformation, not just trying harder. What does it mean for you to “partner with God” in becoming a more grateful person? [[54:34]]
5. The pastor suggested making gratitude a community practice—like sharing what you’re thankful for as a family or small group. How could you help create a culture of thankfulness in your home, group, or workplace? [[58:19]]
6. Are there past wounds or disappointments that keep surfacing as negativity or complaint in your life? What would it look like to seek healing for those areas, and who could support you in that process? [[52:07]]
7. When you think about being “lights in the world” by living with gratitude, who in your life might notice the difference? How could your thankfulness point them to Jesus? [[45:10]]