Sermon Notes

Grateful

Reflecting on 21 years of God’s Favor

interrupt: (v.) to interfere in someone else’s activity

“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly[a] mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

I. I AM GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR YOU

“remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”—John 14:15

“Thus Paul gave thanks for a faith that was shown to be real by the evidence visible in the lives of the believers.”—D. Michael Martin (New American Commentary, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos)

II. I AM GRATEFUL FOR GOD’S PRESENCE AMONG YOU

“For we know, brothers[a] loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

When we seek God in prayer, we experience God in power. When we don’t, we don’t.

“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”—Mark 11:17b

III. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE EXAMPLE YOU ARE TO OTHERS

“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8

IV. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE WAY YOU RECEIVE THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD

“but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle[b] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:4-8

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[b] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5

V. I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PASSION FOR GOD’S KINGDOM

“For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

The Kingdom of God: God’s sovereign activity in the world resulting in people being in right relationship with Himself

VI. I AM GRATEFUL THAT I WILL GET TO SPEND ETERNITY WITH YOU

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13