1. WELCOME TO THE JACKSON STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, (13) and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. (14) Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. (15) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. (16) Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (19) Do not quench the Spirit. (20) Do not despise prophecies. (21) Test all things; hold fast what is good. (22) Abstain from every form of evil.

3. ATTITUDES OF GRATITUDE

4. ATTITUDES? A.What is your basic attitude toward life? B.If those around you were asked to describe your predominate attitude, what do you think it would be? C.God wants us to have an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness. D.Let’s see some attitudes which lead to gratitude in 1 Thes 5:12-22

5. ATTITUDE #1 – Hold your spiritual leaders in high esteem. A.(vs. 12-13a) And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, (13) and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. B.1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. C.We can’t hold our leaders in high esteem without being thankful for them.

6. ATTITUDE #2 – Be at peace among yourselves. (vs 13b) A.Most people hate conflict and it produces anxiety within them. B.Peacefulness contributes to thankfulness.

7. ATTITUDE #3 – Treat others as you would want to be treated. A.(vs.14-15) Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. (15) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. B.Luke 6:31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. C.When we treat people right it produces a thankful spirit toward them.

8. ATTITUDE #4 Rejoice always (vs.16) A.Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! B.Happy people are thankful people. When we laugh with people we appreciate them more.

9. ATTITUDE #5 - Pray without ceasing (vs.17) A.Matthew 5:44-45 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. B.Praying for others helps us to be more thankful for them.

10. ATTITUDE #6 - In everything give thanks A.(vs.18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. B.Job suffered tremendously and yet was known for his patience. (James 5:11) C.“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21). D.A thankful attitude helps us to endure suffering with patience.

11. ATTITUDE #7 Do not quench the Spirit. (vs. 19) A.Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. B.It is obvious that since God wants us to be thankful, that His Spirit would be influencing us to that end.

12. ATTITUDE #8 Do not despise prophecies. (vs. 20) A.1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. B.God’s word directs us to be thankful in all situations and we do not need to resent His admonitions.

13. ATTITUDE #9 Test all things; hold fast what is good. (vs. 21) A.When our lives and minds are filled with things which are good, then we are more thankful. B.Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

14. ATTITUDE #10 Abstain from every form of evil. (vs. 22) A.1 John 3:11-12 (11) For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, (12) not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous. B.The more evil we are involved in, the less thankful we become.

15. Do You Have An Attitude Of Gratitude? A.Someone said, “Attitude is Everything!” B.That is so true with thankfulness and gratitude. C.Do you have an attitude of gratitude? D.Do your thoughts tend to go toward appreciation and thankfulness for the things and people around you? E.Or do your thoughts tend to go toward resentment and negativity. F.(Col 3:15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

17. TONIGHT’S SERMON I AM THANKFUL FOR…