Big Perspective
Gratitude
It’s not so much what happens to us that makes the difference – it’s how we choose to look at it. If we really believe God is working in our lives and that we’re living for eternity, it changes how we see all things. In this series, we’ll look at how to frame our past, present, and future up in light of God’s big plan.
Links
Series
Speakers
Joël Malm
Teaching Pastor
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."
-1 Timothy 6:6-9
Selective Abstraction:
focusing on a detail out of context while ignoring other important aspects of a situation
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
- G.K. Chesterton
TITLE:
Gratitude
Week of 11-24-24
TEXT:
1 Timothy 6:6-9
CHECKING IN
If this is your first-time meeting as a group, or a new group member, introduce yourselves. Share with the group what you hope to get out of this GROW Group series.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
MAIN POINT
Rejoice ALWAYS.
INTRODUCTION
As your group time begins, use this section to introduce the topic of discussion. Last week we discussed the past, and how we deal with the shame and everything that can come from our past. This week, we will discuss gratitude. Sometimes we have to rewire our perspective from the past and even in the present to allow us to be thankful and content with the future.
QUESTION:
What are you thankful for that God has blessed you with?
UNDERSTANDING/DIGGING DEEPER
God blesses us ALWAYS, even when we think it’s not a blessing… IT IS.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Unpack 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Has there been something in your past that you originally thought was the worst time of your life, but are now realizing that it was a blessing in disguise?
Being content can and will be hard, we may be having the worst day of our lives, we may be stuck in ridiculous traffic etc.. But God is always moving in our lives and whether we see it or not we must realize that God has perfect timing and things will fall into place on HIS TIME.
APPLICATION
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 Timothy 6:6-9 What do you take from this verse?
THINK ABOUT IT:
Keeping a perspective on the challenges we face because we need to learn to have a sense of contentment and gratitude for where we are at right now. It is really hard because we live in a world full of “more”. If we are not careful, we can get caught up in certain things that we lose track of the big picture of what God is doing in our lives.
COMMENTARY
The answer is GRATITUDE. We have to choose to be grateful for what we have right now in this moment. Sure not everything is perfect, but the reality is that we are able to face those things in an easier way when we keep our perspective on GOD.
FOLLOW UP
Throughout this week, consider sending a follow-up email to your group.
Some suggestions:
❏ Questions to consider as you continue to reflect on what you learned this week:
How can our group pray for you this week about the challenges you are facing, so that you can have victory?
When are you most prone to Satan’s attacks? List a couple of them, then prepare ahead of time for the potential attacks.
❏ A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering.
❏ Remember to memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and seek ways to apply it this week