November 18, 2018
Multiplied Blessings
November 18, 2018
Scott Bullman
Open:
Holiday traditions are often passed down from one generation to the next, and remembered by the family for decades! Can you share something your family enjoys every year?
The week of Thanksgiving seems to kick off the season of family fun, parties, eating more than we should—and, of course, celebrating Christmas. In reality, Thanksgiving originally was a time set aside to thank God for the generous blessings received during the past year. Today Scott Bullman will encourage us to make this holiday not just a one day event, but a lifestyle of worship that is an everyday tradition.
Discuss:
A Lifestyle of Thanksgiving requires….
Awareness:
- Read Psalm 50:23. It is easy to become oblivious to and take for granted so many daily blessings—like breathing. What are some of God’s gifts that we seldom think of as “blessings”?
- Read Psa. 31:19 and 103:2. What can we do to help ourselves be more aware of God’s goodness to us?
ATTITUDE
Contentment:
- Read Phil. 4:6, 12-13. During different seasons in our lives, God blesses us in different ways. What did Paul learn in his years while serving Christ?
- Have you found a way to be contented during your seasons? Would you like to share, to encourage others?
3 Enemies of Contentment:
Complaining:
- Read 1 Thess. 5:16-18. What do you have control over?
- How can you teach yourself to CHOOSE to praise and give thanks, over choosing to complain?
Comparing:
- On Social Media, everyone posts pictures that show them or their family at their best. What do you find yourself thinking as you see these postings? Do you conclude they are living a “happily ever after” life, and yours is going downhill? Why?
- Why do we feel that God must be fair in dealing with His children?
Coveting:
- Read Eccl. 6:9 and Luke 12:15. What is coveting?
- Why should we be aware of it in our lives?
ACTION
Giving:
- Read 2 Cor. 9:6-8. Last week we talked about giving non-monetary gifts to others. Can you recall what some of those are?
- John Calvin wrote, “All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors.” Would someone paraphrase that significant sentence?
Serving:
- Read Gal. 5:13-14. Why is it important that we learn to serve others?
- What are some ways in which you can serve your neighbors?
Telling:
- Read Psa. 107:1-2 and 1 Chron. 16:8. We are thrilled to tell about a new baby, new restaurant, etc. Why is it so important to tell your story to a lost and dying world?
Worship:
- Read Psa. 100. We can sum up the importance of giving thanks by being grateful. Read Lam. 3:24. How can gratitude evolve into worship in your life?
Close:
Developing attitudes of gratitude, giving, and sharing should be qualities present in our lives every day of the year—not just at Thanksgiving. Scott told the story of a farmer who was discouraged with the work that went into his farm, and the unending care of his herds. He called a realtor to put it up for sale. When she called him to okay the sales description, he stopped cold. After having her read the ad one more time he remarked, “I’m changing my mind. I see now that what I’ve wanted for years is right here under my nose.” (Slight paraphrase). So often that is our focus: always looking for something better, rather than giving glory and praise to God for what He has given us already. May we be more aware of this daily, until our praise is a posture of worship.
KEY VERSE: “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”