Series Big Idea: "Exploring the heart and purpose for the Church”

Series Big Idea: “The cure for ungratefulness is found only in Christ Jesus”

Key Scripture (Colossians 2:6-7)

As we travel through this life, what fills us will spill out when we are “bumped.” Think about it this way, a glass overflowing with clean water will splash refreshment, while one filled with bitterness will leave a stain. Our hearts are much like this. The Apostle Paul, as he was writing to the Colossians, urged them as well as us to walk in Christ in such a way that thankfulness overflows. Gratitude is not just a temporary feeling; it is the defining mark of a life transformed by Christ Jesus.

As we think about Thanksgiving, our focus and mind will often go to blessings, but sincere gratitude is deeper than our outward circumstances. It wells up from a heart that is rooted in Christ. What does it look like to be a person who overflows with thankfulness? Let’s look at the foundation of this gratitude. Gratitude flows from being rooted in Christ.

Gratitude Flows from Being Rooted in Christ (v. 2:6-7)

Paul uses the imagery in these verses of being rooted, built up, and established to describe a life centered in Jesus. Just as a tree draws its sustenance from its roots, believers draw life from Jesus. Gratitude comes from recognizing the richness of His grace, our salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. A tree rooted in shallow soil struggles during a drought. Just the same, shallow faith causes ingratitude in trials.

Building on our foundation in Christ leads to our spiritual maturity. Gratitude will develop as we grow in understanding who God is and what He has done. As we grow in Christ, thankfulness not only takes root but also begins to defend us against the temptations that threaten to steal our joy. Gratitude protects us from those spiritual dangers.

Gratitude Protects Us from Spiritual Dangers (v. 2:6-7)

Overflowing thankfulness protects our hearts and minds from spiritual dangers. The devil wants to sow seeds of distrust, making us question God’s goodness. Thankfulness reminds us of God’s faithfulness and turns our focus from ourselves to Him. “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous

Phrases like “I deserve better” or “This isn’t fair” get replaced by humility and trust when we remember God’s blessings. Gratitude reminds us that all we have is by grace. A soldier when in battle, is thankful for their armor, and does not complain about its weight but rejoices in its protection. Gratitude not only protects us but also transforms the way we respond to life’s circumstances both joyful and painful. Gratitude is the overflow of a transformed life.

Gratitude is the Overflow of a Transformed Life (V. 2:6-7)

A life overflowing with gratitude is a testimony to God’s grace that is at work in us. Thankfulness is not reserved just for good times, but it becomes our response even in trials, as we trust God’s loving purposes (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Corrie Ten Boom and her sister thanked God for fleas in a concentration camp because it kept the guards away, allowing them to share the gospel.

A thankful Christian will shine brightly in a world that is marked by discontentment. When others “bump” into us, our gratitude reveals the work of Christ in us. Ultimately, thankfulness is not a chore but a response to recognizing all we’ve been given in Christ. How can we cultivate this kind of heart?

Conclusion

The cure for ungratefulness is found only in Jesus Christ. When we feel that pull of ingratitude in our lives, we must turn to the cross, remember God’s blessings, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us again. I challenge you to make time each day to thank God intentionally. Write down your blessings and let them fuel your gratitude. When others meet us, may they find our hearts full to overflowing with thankfulness which is a testimony to the transforming power of Jesus.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, is one of the most famous fountains in the world, known for its majestic design and its ability to draw people to its refreshing waters. It's not only a masterpiece of Baroque art but also a symbol of renewal and hope. Tradition holds that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome, making it a beacon for travelers seeking a refreshing spiritual or emotional experience.

From a spiritual perspective, the Trevi Fountain can remind us of the living water that Jesus offers, as described in John 4:13-14, where He promises water that will satisfy eternally. Just as people flock to the Trevi Fountain for its refreshing waters and beauty, so we are drawn to Christ, who refreshes and restores our souls.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

Barton, Bruce et al. Life Application New Testament Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001. Print.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. Print.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006. Print.

Robertson, A.T. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933. Print.

Vincent, Marvin Richardson. Word Studies in the New Testament. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887. Print.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

Water, Mark, ed. Encyclopedia of Bible Facts. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2004. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. 

NIV, Archaeological Study Bible, eBook: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture

Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Duane Garrett, and Walter C. Kaiser Jr.

NIV, First-Century Study Bible, eBook: Explore Scripture in Its Jewish and Early Christian Context

Zondervan, Kent Dobson, and Ed Dobson

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, eds. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Wilson, Neil S. The Handbook of Bible Application. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2000.

Dockery, David S., ed. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Water, Mark. Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Brannan, Rick, and Israel Loken. The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

Life Application Bible Notes. Tyndale, 2007.

Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Willmington, H. L. The Outline Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999.

Souter, Alexander. A Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1917.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. The Tyndale Reference Library. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Anders, Max. Galatians-Colossians. Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999, p. 50.

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