The Path To A Thankful Attitude

INTRODUCTION

„X SLIDE #1

„X It is the time of the year that we are called to focus in on things we are to be thankful about.

„X I know at times is can seem hard for us to have a thankful attitude because of things that seem to happen around us.

„X Things get tough and we seem to lose sight of the ability to be thankful or have an attitude of thanksgiving for what we DO have and for what God HAS done for us.

„X The Pilgrim who landed at Plymouth Rock knew nothing of the affluent times which you and I enjoy today in this great country of ours.

„X They had a custom of putting 5 kernels of corn upon each empty plate before a dinner of ¡§thanksgiving¡¨ was served. Each member of the family would pick up a kernel and tell what they were thankful for. It was to remind them that the first Pilgrims were in such dire straits that their allowance was only 5 kernels of corn per person each day. (Bruce Howell www.sermoncentral.com)

„X These people did not seem to have a lot to be thankful for, but they found it within themselves to have a thankful attitude for what they did have.

„X During that first long winter at Plymouth Colony, seven times as many graves were made for the dead as home for the living.

„X The ship which was to bring food and relief brought 35 more mouths to feed, but not an ounce of provisions.

„X If we are going to be able to have a true attitude of thankfulness toward God for who He is and what He has done, we will need to walk down a few paths to take us to the path to a thankful attitude.

„X I want us to look at 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 this morning as we look at the paths we need to walk in order to find the path to a thankful attitude!

„X As we look at this passage you will note that these statements are found at the end of the letter. These thoughts seem to be small thoughts that are given in passing, but as we examine these 3 short verses, we will see some great truths for us to grasp.

„X The first path we are called to walk down is the path of rejoicing!

„X SLIDE #2

SERMON

I. WALK THE PATH OF REJOICING. (16)

„X How many times have we let circumstances whether great or small ruin our attitude?

„X It seems like we allow our circumstances control our attitudes.

„X Let us look at the two short words in verse 16 for some advice.

„X SLIDE #3

„X 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NASB) 16Rejoice always;

„X That whole side for those two short words.

„X Two short words of advice for our lives. Rejoice ALWAYS.

„X I do not know if I can do that; do you?

„X SLIDE #4

1. What does it mean to rejoice?

„X The word means comes from the consequence of having received God¡¦s salvation and therefore an attitude unaffected by outward circumstances.

„X Rejoicing is knowing that no matter what happens, God is in control, He is in control of your situation and He is faithful to His promises to you.

„X The Bible tells us in MANY places that we are to rejoice even in the midst of our circumstances whether they are good or bad.

„X Even when the circumstances are bad, we can still rejoice. Rejoicing does not mean we will never feel sorrow or pain; however, believers must transcend their sorrows with a continual focus on true joy.

„X SLIDE #5

„X 2 Corinthians 6:10 (NASB) 10as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.

„X This leads to the next question concerning rejoicing.

„X SLIDE #6

2. What does it take to be able to rejoice?

„X What will it take for you to be able to allow you attitude to be able to transcend your circumstances?

„X It will take a real strength of character along with a great faith in Jesus.

„X The ability to look beyond what is hurting you is not an easy thing to do, but if you can keep your focus on the big picture and if you can keep your focus on God, you will be able to experience joy beyond belief.

„X Who is to say there is not some great blessing waiting for you at the end of the circumstance you are dealing with? Maybe the trial will help you to better minister to other people?

„X There is a familiar formula you can make with the word JOY.

„X SLIDE #7

„X J-esus, O-thers, then Y-ou.