Discussion Questions: An Attitude of Thanksgiving – Are You Thankful?
To further the conversation started by the weekend message, use these discussion questions in a group study or for personal reflection.
Our message this week – Are you Thankful?
1. Pastor Josh shared that we have a tendency to neglect the simplest things, such as being thankful for everyday things that we take for granted.
- What are examples of things that you should be thankful for but that you generally take for granted?
2. One illustration of not being thankful for what we have been provided is by asking for, dwelling on, or expecting something other than what we have been provided, such a bigger house, a newer car, a larger raise at work than what we received.
- In what ways is this showing a lack of thankfulness?
- In what ways can this become unhealthy for us in life and in our walk if this is our prevailing attitude or outlook?
3. In Ephesians 5:18-20 the filling of the Spirit is referred to as a continual or ongoing activity, and it discusses some of the aspects of the life of someone filled with the Spirit.
- Discuss why this is ongoing or continual?
- According to this scripture what are a couple of potentially visible aspects or characteristics of the life of someone filled with the Spirit?
4. Pastor Josh shared that in order to receive the filling of the Spirit you must have an attitude of submission and the level of your submission directly corresponds to the condition of your heart.
- How does a follower of Christ maintain a submissive attitude?
- What is your heart condition?
5. 3 perspectives on giving thanks
- You think that you have only what you deserve, meaning that you have it because in essence you deserve it.
- You give meaningless thanks, meaning that you do it out of coercion or an automated response, but not heartfelt gratitude.
- You have a true heart of thankfulness and gratitude.
- What do you think leads a person to the first or even the second perspective above?
- What do you think helps someone make the transition from one of the first two perspectives to the third, a true heart of gratitude?
6. 3 levels of thanksgiving
- Being thankful when we receive a blessing.
- Being thankful when we see a blessing coming.
- Being thankful when life is falling apart around us.
- Why is the first level the easiest for most of us?
- Share about someone you have witnessed or who has influenced you that remains thankful and gives God glory even as lifes circumstances have dealt them a difficult hand to deal with.
7. One reason that we fail to thank God now for what we have is that we want more, we want the next step, and we fool ourselves into thinking that when we get more or when we get to the next step that then we will stop to thank Him then.
- Are there things that you should be thankful for, or people you should be thankful for now, at this point in time, that you have not given thanks for or who you have not reached out to say thank you to?
- Assuming that you have something to be thankful for that you have not previously recognized, how will you handle your response to the last question?
Scripture verses:
Faith Promises’ scripture verse for 2013:
