The Gift of GRATITUDE

Experiencing the Therapy of Giving Thanks

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18

I. The Privilege of the TRIUMPH (2 Cor. 2:14)

The Context of this entire letter is Paul’s severe distress and ___________________ in ministry at Corinth. cf. 2 Cor. 1:3, 8-9; 2:4; 4:8-11; 6:4-5, 8-10; 7:5-6 Verse 13 says Paul had “no _______” for his spirit & even turned away from an “open door.” cf. 1 Cor. 16:8-9 NOTE – There is a radical change in _______ & attitude in verse 14. i.e. “But thanks be to God…” Paul’s attention was turned to our ___________ victory in Jesus Christ. i.e. “always leads us in triumph…” The word “triumph” referred to a very specific and _______________ event in Roman culture. Jesus Christ is our ____________ Commander in Chief who has defeated our enemy, Satan, along with sin and death! cf. 1 Jn. 3:8; Col. 2:15; 1 Cor. 15:55-58

“We do not fight for victory; we fight from victory.” Warren Wiersbe

II. The Privilege of a FRAGRANCE (2 Cor. 2:15)

A Roman “Triumph” processional was full of _________. i.e. “sweet aroma… fragrance… aroma… aroma” The Key Words in verse 14 are “____________ us” and “in every place.” i.e. “manifests… the sweet aroma” The most important “aroma” that people need to smell is “the sweet aroma of the _____________ of Christ.” Our testifying of God’s grace in salvation will lead some to eternal life and others to eternal __________.

“God is as much glorified in the damnation of the Lost as He is in the redemption of the Saved.” John MacArthur

FYI – As followers of Christ, we have the privilege of influencing people for ____________!

Practical Application:

“we are… to God” – v. 15
“among those… life to life” – vv. 15-16
“who is adequate?” – v. 16; 3:4-6

Appointments with God

“The Gift of Gratitude”

1 Thess. 5:18

Monday, December 13^th

Meditate upon a Psalm of Thanksgiving:

Psalm 118:1-4