Group Notes | December 6

From Gratitude and Grace
December 6, 2015
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Nearly everyone’s true character can be determined by the way they treat other people. Can you give some examples?

This week we continue to look at God’s standards for our interaction with others. We can love others as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:39) only after we first have a genuine love relationship with Christ, built on a foundation of faith and gratefulness.

Discuss:

A Life of Gratitude Requires Work

  1. Read Psalm 136:1-6. The Psalmist declares that we are to express our thanks to God. Why is gratefulness in our lives so important?
  2. One of the generations of recent years was the “Me Generation.” How does this differ with the command to love others more than we love ourselves?

A Life of Gratitude Requires Humility

  1. Read verses 6-9. What immediately impacts you about these verses?
  2. Read Luke 18:10-14. How does this passage illustrate the humility we must possess as we understand the significance of the Creator God?

A Life of Gratitude Requires Dependence

  1. Read John 15:4, 5. What is Christ telling us in this passage?
  2. What are some things a child reasonably expects from a parent?
  3. What are some of the daily provisions that we should be thanking God for?

A Life of Gratitude Must Be Based In Grace

  1. Without the free gift of God’s grace, we would be lost for eternity (Rom. 6:23 and 3:23-25 NASB). What is your reaction to what Christ has offered? Do you understand His grace?

Close:

As you break into small groups, take a moment to think “What did I thank God for today?” If you can list many things, you are probably in a love relationship with Him. If you struggled to list any, be open with your need to ask for prayer as you develop an attitude of gratitude for all He does for you daily. Close in prayer by thanking Him for His wondrous works, His grace, and for giving you an opportunity to serve Him. Be especially alert during the Christmas season to ways you can minister to those who need a special touch!

Memory Verse: Psalm 136:1: “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

 

           

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