22nd Oct 2023 - CFC Bangalore - Be Thankful in all situations - Zac Poonen
22nd Oct 2023 - CFC Bangalore - Be Thankful in all situations - Zac Poonen For more sermons please visit https://www.cfcindia.com/
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that human nature is inherently ungrateful, often expecting much from God and others rather than practicing thankfulness. He draws from Romans 1:21, noting that people who knew God failed to honor Him with thanks. The core message is that the descent into sin begins when thankfulness is lost, urging the audience to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in all areas of life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Praise to the CreatorA call for all of creation, including the heavens, sun, moon, and stars, to praise the powerful and glorious King.
Adoration of our RedeemerA song of worship focusing on Jesus as the precious Redeemer, Counselor, and Comforter who saves us from being lost.
A prayer for God's presence and wordThe speaker leads a prayer asking God to speak to hearts through the message to encourage, challenge, and comfort the congregation.
God giving people up to sinThe speaker notes that in Romans, God repeatedly gave people over to their own desires as a consequence of abandoning Him for idols.
The list of consequences following unthankfulnessA lack of gratitude leads to a depraved mind filled with various sins like greed, envy, hatred, and disobedience.
The reward for even the smallest act of gratitudeUsing Jesus' words in Matthew, the speaker shows that God notices and rewards even a simple cup of cold water given out of thankfulness.
The connection between gratitude and the Holy SpiritThe speaker explains that 1 Thessalonians 5:18-19 links giving thanks to not quenching the fire of the Holy Spirit.1 Thessalonians 5:18–19
How the fire of the Spirit goes outPeople often lose their spiritual fervor because they stop being thankful and begin to grumble or complain.
The transformative power of a thankful heartA spirit of thankfulness changes your entire personality and allows the Holy Spirit to transform you into a different person.1 Thessalonians 5:18
Finding strength in God's sovereignty during trialsThe speaker shares how God's provision and sovereignty allowed him to continue serving Him even after facing rejection and financial hardship.
How to learn to give thanks in every situationUsing Ephesians 5, the speaker explains that we must avoid being consumed by worldly pleasures and instead seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit.Ephesians 5:18–20
Answering the call to come up higherThe speaker concludes by encouraging believers to move away from a low level of complaining and toward a higher spiritual plane of thankfulness and forgiveness.Revelation 4:1
The difference between Old Testament judgment and New Covenant forgivenessWhile figures like Miriam and the young men in Elisha's time faced severe physical punishment for their criticisms, Jesus offers a way to forgive even those who speak against Him.
Living with the practice of future forgivenessBy applying Jesus' teaching from Matthew 12:32, we can choose to forgive people for things they haven't even said or done yet, leading to a restful and happy life.
Reciting the weekly memory verseThe service concludes with a review of the week's scripture focus on Christ as the precious cornerstone.1 Peter 2:6
