Thanks Always

Philippians 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Pause to Consider:  For Paul, dying wasn’t a sacrifice...  Living was... How can we have that kind of perspective about life and death?

BIG IDEA: Worldly happiness is found in happenings... Biblical joy is found in Christ.

1st Thessalonians 5:18, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1. Give thanks for past blessings.

Philippians 1:1-11

Romans 8:28, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

2.  Give thanks for present opportunities.

Philippians 1:12-18a

1st Corinthians 1:10, I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

3.  Give thanks for future glory.

Philippians 1:18b-26

Hebrews 12:2, ...looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

JESUS SAW THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE PAIN.

Galatians 3:26-28, ...for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

NEXT STEP: Spend the first moments of your day thanking God.