Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
To inspire a deep sense of gratitude for God's character, the gift of life He has given us, and His ceaseless provision and protection, and to encourage us to express this gratitude through constant rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving in all circumstances.
Good morning, family. Today, we are gathered here to reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of our God and His immeasurable kindness to us. We want to delve into an attitude of sincere appreciation for who God is, gratitude for the gift of life He has given us, and thankfulness for His ceaseless provision and protection.
In the words of the esteemed Christian author, John Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." Our ultimate satisfaction, joy, and fulfillment are found in recognizing and appreciating the true character of God.
Appreciating God for who He is is about acknowledging His divine nature, His attributes, and His role in our lives. It's about recognizing His sovereignty, His omnipotence, His omniscience, and His omnipresence. It's about understanding that He is the Creator of all things, the Sustainer of life, and the ultimate Judge.
A. When we truly appreciate God for who He is, we are acknowledging His holiness. God is holy, meaning He is set apart, distinct from anything else we know or experience. He is pure, without sin or evil. This holiness is not just a characteristic of God; it is the essence of His very being. It is this holiness that demands our reverence, our respect, and our awe.
B. In the Bible, God is also described as love. This is not a sentimental or emotional love, but a steadfast, unfailing love that is at the core of His character. His love is sacrificial, demonstrated most profoundly in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. This love is not based on our worthiness, but on His nature. It is unconditional, unchanging, and unending.
C. God is also a God of justice. He is fair and righteous in all His ways. He does not show favoritism, nor does He pervert justice. He sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately bring all things into account. His justice is balanced perfectly with His mercy, His readiness to forgive, and His desire to redeem.
D. Moreover, God is faithful. He keeps His promises. He does not change, nor does He lie. His faithfulness is a source of comfort and assurance for us. It is the foundation of our trust in Him.
E. Appreciating God for who He is also means acknowledging His wisdom. God's wisdom is beyond human comprehension. He knows the end from the beginning. He works out all things according to His perfect plan and purpose. His wisdom is displayed in the intricacies of creation, the unfolding of history, and the personal details of our lives.
F. As we appreciate God for who He is, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him. We are moved to worship Him, not just for what He does for us, but for who He is. We are inspired to trust Him, not just because of His power, but because of His character. We are compelled to obey Him, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence for who He is.
Pastor – Share a personal story that illustrates how understanding and appreciating God for who He is has impacted your life.
The second point of our sermon today focuses on thanking God for the gift of life ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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