A Valley Of Thanks

Alex Hardt  November 27, 2022 
The Altitude of Gratitude, A Valley of Thanks

The portion of scripture Pastor Alex chose for this message was 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18.  This section is titled Final Instructions in my Bible.  The letter to the Thessalonian believers had been newsy and instructive from the Apostle Paul, but as he closed, he wanted to give them some fine points for living that would help with their continued walk with Christ.  His points will do the same for us today. 
So that they would clearly understand he lists the dos and don’ts that they need to be aware of, as do we.

• DO- pay attention to those who minister to you and work hard among you. (12)
• -hold those who serve you in the Lord’s work in highest regard in a loving way (13)
• live in peace with one another (13)
• give warnings to those who are not working among you or disruptive to the body (14)
• -help the weak (14)
• -encourage the disheartened (14)
• -make sure that no one seeks revenge for wrongs done to them (15)
• -always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else (15)
• -rejoice always (16)
• -pray continually (17)
• -give thanks in all circumstances as that is what Christ desires (18)
• -test all prophecies (21)
• -hold on to what is good (21)
• -reject every kind of evil. (22)

 

• DO NOT
• -quench the Holy Spirt. (19)
• -treat prophecies with contempt (but test them for veracity) (20-21)

Pastor Alex wanted us to see the actions that make for a life lived in the Valley of Gratitude. If you wonder, how do I become grateful, why am I grateful, what does gratitude look like today- this is a very specific passage that tells us exactly how.   A grateful heart pays attention to the needs of others, seeks to serve them and live in peace with those you live and work with.  Unity in the body of Christ in a sign that we love one another!  Helping someone who is not as well off- be it spiritually, mentally or physically creates love and thankfulness within yourself.  Encouraging a discouraged person with a smile, email, card or kind word is being about the Lord’s work right where you are.  Putting aside vengeful thoughts or actions and concentrating on doing what is good for everyone is the productive Christ like way of living.

In verses 16-18, Paul comes to the big three that are especially what Christ desires.  Rejoice always- live with a sense of Christ like joy in your life.  You can do this if you remember you are redeemed and loved by Christ.  Remember Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Without Christ you were dead in your sins and now you are destined for eternity with Him.  Pray Continually- live with a sense of connectedness to Christ.  He is ready and willing to hear your cries and help.  Remember Hebrews 4:16 “ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Give thanks in all circumstances- live with an attitude of gratitude about all things in your life- physically and spiritually.  If it is hard to be grateful for certain circumstances you do not understand, claim Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 

As a believer and child of God, you can claim this over your life.  We do not need to totally understand all things because God does! Our job is to trust Him to use them for good in our lives, for our good and His glory, just as He promises!

The end of verse 18 says, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.  All the things Paul had listed in verses 12-18 are good for us, good for the body of Christ, good for His work among us BECAUSE it is Christ’s will for us.  He desires that we live in this manner so that we will glorify Him in what we say and do.

May your day be filled with the Do’s of Christ.  May you see an increase in your heart’s gratitude towards Him who provides you each day with opportunities to love Him and serve other in His name.
Linda
 
SERMON LINK
The Altitude of Gratitude | A Valley of Thanks
Click Here to View the Sermon
Sermon series, "The Altitude of Gratitude" Today Alex teaches from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

​If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.