Give Thanks Big Idea of the Series: This is a one-week sermon guide to be used ideally near Thanksgiving. Looking at Paul’s instructions to the Philippians on rejoicing and thanksgiving, this message reminds us that our perspective determines our joy level, and we can choose gratitude despite our circumstances. Week 1 Text: Philippians 2:14–18; 4:4–7 Topic: Thanksgiving, Joy, Perspective Big Idea of the Message: Choosing an attitude of thanksgiving leads to peace and joy. Application Point: We can truly rejoice when we focus on Jesus and his good purposes. Sermon Ideas and Talking Points:

1. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi when he even more pertinent. “Of all Paul's epistles, Philippians is the most consistently positive and personal. It reflects a joyful spirit. One popular exposition of Philippians stresses the importance of living joyfully in spite of his circumstances. Paul did not rebuke this church sharply, nor did he refer to any major problems in it. His warnings are of a precautionary nature. His occupation with Jesus Christ also stands out. In a total of 104 verses, there are 51 references to the Lord Jesus by name” (Thomas L. Constable, Notes on Philippians, Sonic Light, 2017, <http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/philippians.pdf>).

2. The following letter is from Pastor Yang Hua who had been imprisoned in China for his faith for over a year. His ability to choose joy is reflective of Paul’s: http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID==383330. Both Paul and Pastor Yang Hua have a bigger perspective of who God is in their circumstances and what God is doing in the big picture: spreading his kingdom and reaching people with the gospel.

3. Have a response time at the end of your message this week. Invite congregants to (1) write down three things they are thankful for and (2) ask God to give them a fresh perspective on what he is doing in and around them.

4. Put on some glasses with bright-colored lenses as you talk about how we can see life, even difficult things, with a new perspective when we choose thankfulness over anxiety and resentment.

5. Paul’s connection between prayer and choosing thankfulness (Philippians 4:4–7) is also reflected in his letter to the Thessalonians where he says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). It’s important to note that he doesn’t say we should give thanks for all circumstances. But in the midst of them, we can be thankful for Jesus, for what he has accomplished for us, for our untouchable inheritance that is waiting for us in heaven, and for God’s unchanging character.

6. “So right now you have trouble. That’s okay. Jesus said that you would (John 16:33). And Jesus really understands (Hebrews 4:15). In fact, the trouble that you endure has a purpose: in it you are displaying the reality of Jesus to the world in a unique way. The kingdom of God is most clearly shown on earth when Christians gratefully suffer present trouble because they see a future weight of glory coming that makes everything this world throws at them as ‘light momentary afflictions’ in comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17). So, how can you give thanks in all circumstances? There’s only one way: Jesus way. Look to the joy set before you. Look to the joy! If the future joy Jesus promises is real and you believe him, there is no circumstance that can steal your thanksgiving” (Jon Bloom, “How Can We Give Thanks In All Circumstances?,” Desiring God, November 22, 2013, <http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-can-we-give-thanks-in-all-circumstances>).

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