Better at Pleasure (part 3): How To Magically Have More

TO START

Share a story of a time you learned to be thankful for something that at first didn’t seem all that worthy of gratitude. 

TO DISCUSS

Have you ever found yourself believing the lie Satan whispers to Eve in the garden: “God is trying to keep something from you”? Have you ever felt like you had to “go around God” to enjoy life? What did you think God was trying to keep from you?  

What do you feel owed? Be honest: Are there things you feel like you deserve? Things you feel entitled to? Perhaps something you felt entitled to in the past? Share a few. 

What does the world/culture tell us we’re entitled to? Give some examples of “pleasures” the world says we deserve that put us at odds with God’s desires for our good.

Do you tend to think there’s not enough or more than enough? What could you do to convince yourself that God gives more than enough?

Justin shared this from Thomas Merton on Sunday:

“To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. 

Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” 

  • Is gratitude an intentional practice of yours? How have you been blessed or shaped or challenged by practicing gratitude? 

  • Take a moment as a group to share a few things you’re thankful for. What is God providing?

TO READ

Read I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

  • Why do you think God says to be thankful in all circumstances? 

  • How do we do that?

  • What effect does gratitude have on our hearts?

TO PRAY

In light of upcoming transitions at our church, take some time to pray prayers of thanksgiving. What good has God done at RRCOC? What has He provided? Make a gratitude list, and pray it!

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