Sermon Notes

Let gratitude reshape how we see God, how we see the world, and how we see generosity.

INTRODUCTION – The Story That Wakes Us Up

1. GRATITUDE CHANGES HOW WE SEE THE WORLD

The Battle Between Scarcity and Abundance (Matthew 6)

Matthew 6:22–23 NLT“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

Scarcity says:

• “Protect.”
• “Hold tightly.”
• “What if it runs out?”

Abundance says:

• “God owns it all.”
• “God provides.”
• “I can live openhanded.”

Gratitude shifts our vision.

It teaches us to see the world not through fear, but through faith.

2. GRATITUDE REVEALS WHO GOD REALLY IS

Generosity Begins in the Heart of God

Genesis 1:29 NLT

Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.

John 3:16 NLT

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by hispoverty he could make you rich.

Generosity isn’t something God does. It is who God is. And gratitude trains us to recognize His generosity in everything.

3. GRATITUDE REMINDS US: GOD OWNS EVERYTHING, WE OWN NOTHING

The Heart of Stewardship (Luke 12)

“Everything we touch belongs to God.” — John Blanchard

Luke 12:42–44 NLT

And the Lord replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his otherhousehold servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.

Psalm 24:1 NLT

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. God blesses me with more than I need so I can bless the world around me.

4. GRATITUDE BREAKS GREED — THE QUIET ENEMY OF THE HEART

The Rich Fool & the Danger of More (Luke 12)

Luke 12:13–21 NLT

The antidote Jesus gives…

Luke 11:41 NIV

But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

Gratitude doesn’t just inspire giving— Gratitude kills greed.

5. GRATITUDE MAKES US GENEROUS TO THE POOR

The Heart of Jesus & the Witness of the Early Church

Luke 12:33 NLT

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. need.

Why did the Church do this?

• Because gratitude makes you look outward.
• Because generosity is the overflow of a heart touched by grace.

6. GRATITUDE GROWS JOY — THE SECRET OF A HAPPY LIFE

Acts 20:35 — The Happiness Paradox

Acts 20:35 NLT

“…You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Jesus wasn’t giving an obligation. He was giving the pathway to joy.

7. GRATITUDE GUIDES OUR GENEROSITY — PRACTICAL FRAMEWORK

You need to ask yourself three important questions:

A. The Relationship Question:

B. The Difference Question:

C. The God Question:

8. GRATITUDE SHAPES OUR LEGACY — WATERING WHAT WE’VE PLANTED

1 Corinthians 3:6 NLT

I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.

Generosity becomes a way to say: “Lord, we thank You for all You’ve done— and we trust You with what’s next.”

CONCLUSION – START WITH GRATITUDE, END WITH GENEROSITY