Message: Thankful for Everything
Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7
Introduction
This week we are celebrating Thanksgiving. Each year, it seems that we are less grateful than the year before. As our culture declines, so does our gratitude. The Corinthian culture was very similar to ours. There was rampant sexual immorality, divorce, gender confusion, and division. The Corinthian church was plagued by these things as well. Paul wrote to the Corinthians to address these issues. In our text today, Paul asks three questions that not only help to promote the unity of the church, they also create within us an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
What makes you different from others?
It is easy to find differences between ourselves and others. We naturally think very highly of ourselves and look down on others. However, what is the true difference? What are the different beliefs and convictions that you hold? What are your physical differences? Is your family situation different from others? What about money and possessions?
What of those things did you receive?
As we formulate this list of differences, we must now go back and examine each one. How many of these things were the product of your own making and not a gift you received? Did you truly come up with all your beliefs and convictions on your own? Did someone teach you, instruct you, help you, etc.? Did God convict you, open your eyes, teach you the truth, etc.? Which of your physical traits and abilities did you choose? Are they not all gifts you received? Is there truly anything in your family that was not given to you? Wasn’t your family given to you by God’s choice? Didn’t your spouse freely give themselves to you? Isn’t every child you have a precious gift from God? Even your finances and possessions are all gifts you received. Someone gave you a work ethic and character. You received an education from someone. You were given a job, given a raise, given an opportunity, etc. In short, you were given everything good in your life.
If you received it, why are you acting like you did not receive it?
Why do we boast in things we are given as if we created them by our own power? Why are we proud of “our” accomplishments, when they are truly gifts given to us? Why do we look down on others who simply were not given what we have been given? Many people would have surpassed us if they had been given all that we have been given. Instead of pride, these gifts should inspire humility.
Application:
– Are you humble enough to acknowledge that nothing good in your life comes from you?
– Are you humble enough to attribute all good in your life to God’s grace?
– What has God given you?
– Will you be thankful for everything?
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