Community & Conquest

Dennis Tuuri

Outline: 1 Thes. 5:16-18 “Thanksgiving for Circumstances, Community and Conquest” November 23, 2003 by Pastor Dennis Tuuri Introduction – Thanksgiving: Reasonable, Joyful, and Obligatory Ps. 92:1,2; 95:2; 1Th. 5:16 -18; Rom. 1:21 I. Thanksgiving for the Gift of Circumstances – Loving the Sovereign Father We delight in the blessed circumstances of our lives. Ps. 136; Ps. 107:8,15,21,31 AND We should be thankful in difficult circumstances, knowing that no matter how bad they may look or feel, our heavenly Father is caring for us. Ps. 131, 35:17-19; 1 Peter 5:7; Matt. 6:25-32; Phil. 4:6 The Accompanying Character Attribute – Patience Don’t Grumble! Phil. 2:14,15 Examples - Adam and Abraham (Heb. 6:12 ,13); Jonah (Jonah 2:9,10) II. Thanksgiving for the Gift of Community – Loving the Son of Man We delight in the community of friends and families this season. Ps. 133; Cant. 5:1; Neh. 8:10; 2 Cor. 9:11-15 AND We should self-consciously open ourselves up to each other. Jn. 10:38 ; 14:10 ; 17:20-23 The Accompanying Character Attributes – Patience, Kindness 1 Cor. 13:4 Don’t Separate! Prov. 18:1; 16:28 Examples – Cain and Jacob, Paul (Acts 28:15) III. Thanksgiving for the Gift of Conquest – Loving the Victorious Spirit Ezek. 37 We delight in the conquest by Jesus of the gods of groves and grottoes. 2 Cor. 2:14-16; Rev. 11:17; Acts 17:30 AND We should “speak peace” to a world enthralled by the idolatry of nothingness. 1 Tim. 2:1 The Accompanying Character Attributes – Patience, Kindness , Holiness Don’t Be Compromised! Example – Sethites and Joseph, Daniel (Dan. 6:10 ,11) Be thankful for the gifts of Christ’s patience, love, and fidelity. AND Commit to thanksgiving that is reasonable, joyous and obligatory