CONNECT
Thanksgiving, the great American holiday. It is the favorite of many people. We all know we should be thankful. Last year at this time I spoke about all the reasons and ways we can be thankful. What happens when you are not thankful?
TENSION
I have to admit that there are some things I am not thankful for. I am not thankful when children get sick with some hideous disease and die. I am not thankful when people do not have the necessities of life, are homeless and kids go hungry. I am not thankful when hurt and pain cause families to explode and children become broken pieces. I am not happy over my own times of disobedience and rebellion and selfishness. What are we to do? How can we fulfill the Scripture…
I Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
SOLUTION
I believe I have discovered a key to living with “an attitude of gratitude”. It is contentment.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
INSTRUCTION
Contentment has been defined as “knowing God has provided everything I need for my present happiness”. I hate that definition; and I have used it! What I don't like about it is it sounds so spiritual; it is not reality! Sometimes I know God is in control and I'm still not happy. Let's see what the Scripture says about contentment.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
The Greek word that is translated “contentment” is always translated by another word…
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
Paul had talked about sufficiency earlier in this book. The Greek word is different but the emphasis is the same.
2 Corinthians 3:5 (NKJV) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
And he uses it again later in the book…
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
INSPIRATION
Are we beginning to get the message? Let's look at those passages again and emphasize different words…
Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 3:5 (NKJV) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
“Satisfied” by Clara Williams
1 All my life long I had panted
For a draught from some cool spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.
CHORUS
Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings;
Through His life I now am saved.
2 Feeding on the husks around me,
Till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better,
Only still to hunger on.
3 Poor I was, and sought for riches,
Something that would satisfy,
But the dust I gathered round me
Only mocked my soul’s sad cry.
4 Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of life, so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.
ACTION STEPS
Four “You cans”…
1. You can do what you need to do through Christ.
2. You can live without fear.
3. You can confess your weakness.
4. You can receive His grace.
Grace is not the freedom to do what you want but the power to do what you ought!
Our response, then, is to thank God for His grace!
HASHTAG #youcan
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