Let’s leave behind the elementary teaching about Christ and go forward to adult understanding… Hebrews 6:1a (Philips)
So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ..
Hebrews 6:1a (MP)
..Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then…you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
An attitude of gratitude is a mark of maturity.
The consistency of that attitude shows the degree of maturity.
Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the LORD promised… Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble you … … then feeding you with manna…. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years….
Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands…. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble...you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth….
Deuteronomy 8:1-18 (NIV)
God’s Gifts - Gratitude = Pride
God’s Gifts + Gratitude = Praise
A LOOK AT THREE LEVELS / DEGREES OF GRATITUDE
1. PRIMARY LEVEL: I am thankful “for the.”
Teacher: Moses – Text: Deuteronomy 8
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
Deuteronomy 8:10 (NIV)
Erupt with thanks to the Eternal, for He is good and His loyal love lasts forever. Let all those redeemed by the Eternal those rescued from times of deep trouble—join in giving thanks.
Psalm 107:1-2 (VOICE)
2. SECONDARY LEVEL: I am thankful “even though.”
Instructor: David – Text: Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths… Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:1-5 (NIV)
Even though he kills me, I'll continue to hope in him.
Job 13;15 (ISV)
3. POST GRADUATE LEVEL: I am thankful “because of.”
Professor: Paul – Text: Philippians 1:12-18
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Philippians 1:12-18 (NIV)
At one time all these things were important to me. But now I think those things are worth nothing because of Christ. Not only those things, but I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Christ, I have lost all those things. And now I know that all those things are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ.
Philippians 3:7-8 (ICV)
So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.
Romans 8:28 (TP)