1. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful”

2. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”

3. How Does Thankfulness Benefit the Life of a Christian? I. Thankfulness Leads to Contentment. A. The Human Heart is Restless (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Acts 17:27). B. Thankfulness Acknowledges God (1 Timothy 1:12-15; Philippians 4:10-19).

4. Why is Contentment Important? II. A Lack of Contentment Leads to Tempt- ation ( 1 Tim. 6:6-10; James 1:12-15). A. God Provides a Lawful Outlet for All Natural Desires (Rom. 1:30, 26). If not… 1. God Creates Sin (James 1:13). 2. Christ Was not Fully Human (Heb. 4:15; 2:14; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

5. Why is Contentment Important? II. A Lack of Contentment Leads to Tempt- ation ( 1 Tim. 6:6-10; James 1:12-15). B. Examples. 1. Hunger (2 Thessalonians 3:10). 2. Anger (Ephesians 4:26). 3. Relaxation (Mark 1:35). 4. Sexual Desire (1 Corinthians 7:2).

6. Why is Contentment Important? III. Discontentment Reflects a Lack of Trust in God. A. God Knows Our Needs (Matt. 6:25; 6: 31-33; James 1:17, 2-3). B. Is it Wrong to Make Requests? (Philippians 4:6-7).

7. Why is Thankfulness Important? IV. Thankfulness Shows Dependence on God. A. Pharisee’s Prayer (Luke 18:10-14). B. Man needs God (Jeremiah 10:23). C. Discontentment is Pride (Romans 1:18-21).