Viroqua Church of Christ
11/22/20 Message
TITLE: How to be Thankful in 2020
TEXT: 1 Thess. 5:16-18
We are going to examine some ways we can respond to all that has happened in 2020.
I. Be Joyful Always
A. Joy in the Old Testament
Psalms 16:1Psalms 30:11Psalms 33:1Psalms 40:16
B. Jesus Brings Joy1. At His birth - “Good tidings of great joy”
2. His promises bring joy. John 15:113.
Jesus modeled this joy even on His way to the cross. Heb 12:24.
Jesus encouraged joy even in the worst of times. Luke 6:22-23
C. Paul expects us to live with joy and is an example of joy
Romans 14:17-18; Gal. 5:22- Phil 3:1; Phil 4:4
II. Pray Continually
- Prayer is a way for us to declare that we want Him to reign over the circumstances and over our feelings.
III. Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances
A. We are not commanded to “Feel Grateful” - we are commanded to be Thankful.
1. Feelings are fleeting.
B. Here is one good reason we can give thanks in all circumstances:
1. Romans 8:282 Corinthians 4:13-18
Start being thankful and you will feel more thankful
It all comes down to this “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV