Overcoming Ingratitude
Overcoming Ingratitude
Introduction:
1. Can you remember a time when someone did something for you?
2. They may have helped you when your car broke down.
3. They may have helped you by giving you an unexpected gift, maybe a few dollars to help you out.
4. They may have helped you by being nice when you were having a bad day.
5. It is great when people help us get through our lives.
6. But have we thanked them for the things they have helped us with?
7. An ingrate is someone who does not thank someone for their help.
8. Story of mother and father giving a sizeable gift in memory of their son who died.
9. Thankfulness or gratitude comes from being thoughtful
10. God requires us to be thoughtful about our blessings.
11. It is God's will that we are thankful.
12. 1 Thes. 5:18 - In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I) We are taught by example to be thankful.
A) Taught by Jesus' example
1. Matthew 11:25-27 - At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
2. 1 Peter 2:21-22 - For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
B) Taught by David's example.
2. Psalm 100
C) Taught by Daniel's example.
1. Daniel 6:10 - Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
2. A regular thanksgiving.
D) Taught by Anna's example.
1. Luke 2:38 - And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
E) Taught by Paul's example.
1. Acts 28:15 - And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
F) Taught by the angels in heaven.
1. Revelation 7:11-12 - And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
II) Thankfulness implies we never forget.
A) We are to forget sin but remember our blessings.
1. Psalm 103:2 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
2. Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
3. How often do we remember based upon the tragedies that happen?
B) We must remember that thanksgiving is thanks-living.
1. Live to express our gratitude
a. Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
b. Psalm 116:12 - What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
c. Psalm 107:1-3 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
2. Live by counting our blessings
a. Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
b. What has God given to us in our lives?
III) Avoid ingratitude by:
A) Not taking things for granted.
B) Not overemphasizing the luxuries of life.
1. Luke 12:15 - And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
2. Ephesians 1:3 -Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
C) Not murmuring or complaining.
1. Numbers 14:2 - And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
2. Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Conclusion:
1. Our Father that has given us so much. Do please grant us one more thing... a grateful heart.
2. How much should we be thankful for the unmerited gift of grace.
Posted in: Sermon Outlines, Thankfulness