Freely Given - Part 1 [Notes]

November 19th, 2023

It can be easy to take what we have for granted and to hold on to it tightly. However, if we can begin to see that everything we are and have has been freely given to us by God, the more we'll be able to share our blessings and give freely to those around us. As we cultivate gratitude and generosity in our lives, we will also strengthen our relationship with God and others.

In this two-part series, "Freely Given," we'll unpack and apply the Biblical values of gratitude and generosity.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
– James 1:17 (CSB)

Gratitude

God, thank you for the gift of life

Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are His,—His people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good, and His faithful love endures forever; His faithfulness, through all generations.
– Psalm 100:1-5 (CSB)

Gratitude

God, thank you for the gift of life
God, thank you for meeting my needs

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish—but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place; so they sat down. The men numbered about five thousand. Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were seated—so also with the fish, as much as they wanted.
– John 6:8-11 (CSB)

If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
– 1 Timothy 6:8 (CSB)

Gratitude

God, thank you for the gift of life
God, thank you for meeting my needs
God, thank you for family and friends

I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
– Ephesians 1:16 (CSB)

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
– 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (CSB)

Gratitude has the ability to strengthen and improve relationships as well as promote new connections. Research shows those who practice gratitude are more likely to offer emotional support and assistance, share their possessions with others and forgive more willingly. Consequently, grateful people are rated as more helpful and more generous by their social networks than those who are relatively less grateful.
– Luna Greenstein, When Looking For Happiness, Find Gratitude

Gratitude

God, thank you for the gift of life
God, thank you for meeting my needs
God, thank you for family and friends
God, thank you for highs and lows

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CSB)

Christians are to give thanks to God in every circumstance of life. The fact that God works everything together for good for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28) is the basis for this entreaty.
– Dr. Thomas Constable

A large study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University showed that thankfulness predicted a significantly lower risk of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobia, nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence and drug abuse.
– Luna Greenstein, When Looking For Happiness, Find Gratitude

Gratitude

God, thank you for the gift of life
God, thank you for meeting my needs
God, thank you for family and friends
God, thank you for highs and lows
God, thank you for Jesus

So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, being rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.
– Colossians 2:6-7 (CSB)

Gratitude

God, thank you for the gift of life
God, thank you for meeting my needs
God, thank you for family and friends
God, thank you for highs and lows
God, thank you for Jesus

Discussion Questions //

Looking back to your childhood or teen years, what is something that you remember being extra grateful for? i.e. a particular birthday present, a specific family vacation, an award at school, etc.
In today’s message about gratitude, Pastor Josh shared five wonderful blessings to thank God for. Take time to discuss each of them and what they mean to you in this season of life.
- God, thank you for the gift of life
  - Psalm 100, Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16
- God, thank you for meeting my needs
  - John 6:8-11
- God, thank you for family and friends
  - Ephesians 1:16, 2 Timothy 2:3-4
- God, thank you for highs and lows
  - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- God, thank you for Jesus
  - Colossians 2:6-7
What is one step that you can take this week to be more grateful to God?
Close in prayer

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This is Our God // Back to Life // Where I'm Standing Now // Gratitude

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