Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on May 3, 2020
Passage: Philippians 4:4-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
QUICK REVIEW
This Sunday, Mike continued our series on Soul Care by looking at the power of gratitude. Giving thanks to God in every circumstance reminds us that God is good, God is working, and that Jesus is always with me.
Looking back at your notes from Sunday’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What are you thankful for during this pandemic that you had previously taken for granted?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. When we give thanks in all circumstances, it reminds us that God is good. How is God described in the following verses?
Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 62:5-7 (ESV)
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Matthew 7:11 (ESV)
11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Which description of God from the above verses is most meaningful to you right now?
2. As followers of Christ, we can give thanks in all circumstances because we know something about God. We know that He is working all things together for our good. What do the following verses teach you about God’s hidden work in your lives?
Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)
9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Why is giving thanks to God during difficult circumstances healthy for your soul?
3. When we give thanks to God in all circumstances, we do so with the power of the Lord within us. According to the following verse, how does the presence of the Holy Spirit provide for our souls?
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
As we wrap us this study, think about some practical things you can do each day to make gratitude to the Lord part of your prayer life and daily routine?
TAKE IT HOME
1. What is your biggest takeaway from this sermon and study?
2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?
Prayer Requests:
