Youth Sermon: Give Thanks

Introduction

Today, we're gonna talk about gratitude. You know, being thankful for what we have. It's not just a nice thing to do, it actually puts us right in the center of God's will for our lives. So, let's dive in!

Before we get into the Bible stuff, let's do a quick object lesson. I want you all to take out your phones. Yeah, I know, usually we say put them away, but not today. Now, I want you to think of one thing you're grateful for and text it to the person sitting next to you. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Done? Great! Now, imagine if we did that every day, not just with our friends, but with God too. How different would our lives be if we focused on being grateful instead of complaining about what we don't have?

How different would our lives be if we focused on being grateful instead of complaining about what we don't have?

Scripture Reading

Alright, let's look at some Scripture. Our main verses today are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, John 11:1-44, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

[Read passage(s)]

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul tells us to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." So, being grateful in every situation is actually God's will for us!

Story of Lazarus

Now, let's check out the story of Lazarus in John 11. This is a story about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, He doesn't rush to his side. Instead, He waits a couple of days before going to see him. When He finally arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, both say, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." They're upset because they think Jesus didn't show up when they needed Him.

But Jesus had a plan. He knew that raising Lazarus from the dead would bring glory to God. Even in this tough situation, Jesus was grateful to God, saying, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me." Jesus knew that God was always listening and had a plan, even when things didn't make sense.

Application

So, how can we apply this to our lives? Well, we can start by being grateful in every situation, even when things don't go our way. Instead of complaining about what we don't have, let's focus on what we do have and thank God for it.

Here's a practical idea: every night before you go to bed, write down three things you're grateful for. It can be big or small, but the point is to focus on the good things in your life. And don't forget to thank God for them!

Prayer

"Lord, thank you for everything in our lives, the good and the bad. Help us to be grateful in every situation and to trust that you have a plan for us. Teach us to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful in all circumstances. We are rich beyond measure because we are yours. Amen."

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. What are some situations where it's difficult to be grateful, and how can you practice gratitude in those moments?

2. How does focusing on gratitude change your perspective on your circumstances?

3. How can you encourage others to practice gratitude in their lives?

4. Share a time when you experienced God's presence or provision in a difficult situation.

5. How can we remind ourselves to be grateful even when things don't go as planned?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
• Group Activity: Gratitude Inventory
• Youth Challenge: Gratitude Challenge