Preached by Mike Underhill, 4/22/2012
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Gratitude in the Mission of the Disciple – Outline
1 Thessalonians 5:16
-God wants us to have this kind of heart all the time
-Gratitude is important
-Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and a vision for tomorrow
-Gratitude fuels you to do things you would never think you could do
-Gratitude is key
-Are you grateful for your life?
-Life is a gift you have been given!
-Where is your gratitude for your life with God?
-God has rescued you out of the pit of despair
-Parents love when their kids are grateful; God loves when you are grateful
-Gratitude makes the sacrifice worth it
Point 1. Grateful for the Treasure
Matthew 13:44
-It would be incredible to discover treasure
-He bought the field so nobody could say it is theirs
-People probably thought he lost his mind but they did not know about the treasure
-For the Kingdom we have to give up, “sell”, everything
-People may think you’ve lost your mind
-God’s Kingdom is the ultimate “hidden” treasure
-What do you have to offer God’s Kingdom?
-Where can you go besides the Kingdom?
-Get out of the worldly mindset and know you need to give in to the Kingdom
-Are you grateful for the treasure God gave you?
-Without gratitude for the Kingdom, you are lost
-Where would you be if others did not give up everything?
-Others have invested and sacrificed and now it is your turn
-It is awesome to be able to sacrifice for God!
Point 2. A Superhero for God
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
-Light in our hearts
-Light comes from knowledge
-Knowledge comes from glory
-Glory comes from God
-God has given you light through your repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit
-We are jars of clay, hand pressed but not crushed
-We all feel pressure, but God keeps us from being crushed
-It is a miracle from God that you have not been crushed
-Freaking out is not an option!
-Panic, hysterical fear, and freaking out all bring sin
-Having faith in God and keeping close to him keeps you from being crushed
-When you are close to God, his power keeps you from being crushed
-You are a superhero because of what God has put in you
-Gratitude keeps Jesus in your heart
-When you lose gratitude, you lose conviction in your quiet time
1 Corinthians 4:20
-The Kingdom is not a matter of talk, but of power
-It takes action!
-Stop talking and start taking action!
-God’s Kingdom is not about talking the talk
-When was the last time you helped somebody become a disciple?
-Are you doing something powerful?
-Walk the walk
Revelation 21:1-5
-This symbolizes Christ and the church
-God dwells with us
-The church came from Heaven and now God is with us
-This is not an institution made by man
-We are not all here because of worldly connections, we are here because of God and his Word
Revelation 21:10-11
-This is a beautiful jewel, a treasure hidden in a field
-When was the last time you thanked the person who helped you become a disciple?
-When you are grateful, you point out the good in others, sin whole heartedly, and wake up early to be with God
-Gratitude leads you to do the things that will get you to Heaven
-God’s will is for us to be grateful
-You have a present from God, but are you grateful for it?
-Out gratitude can change the world
-Get your gratitude back!
-It is a wonderful life