Paul's Example and Teaching Regarding Thankfulness (1 Timothy 1:12-17)
Introduction:
1. The apostle Paul is one the main characters in the New Testament. a. In the book of Acts we read about his conversion as well as his service to the Lord. b. He wrote 13 or 14 of the letters in the New Testament. 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on "Paul's example and teaching regarding thankfulness." 3. Let us first examine . . . Discussion: I. PAUL'S EXAMPLE REGARDING THANKFULNESS
A. Paul was thankful to the Lord (1 Timothy 1:12-17). 1. He thanked the Lord for saving him and putting him into the ministry. 2. His conversion is recorded in Acts 9, 22, 26. a. In Acts 9:6 he asked the Lord what he needed to do. b. In Acts 22:16 Ananias told him what to do. c. We read about his response in Acts 9:18. 3. Paul was grateful to the Lord for saving him, even though he had persecuted the church earlier. B. Paul gave thanks for food during a storm that eventually destroyed the ship he was in (Acts 27:33-37). C. Paul was thankful for his brethren (Romans 1:8-9). 1. He was thankful for their conversion (Romans 6:17-18). 2. He was thankful for memories of his brethren (Philippians 1:3-5). 3. He was thankful for the way his brethren had received the message he preached (1 Thessalonians 2:13). 4. He was thankful for the spiritual growth of his brethren (2 Thessalonians 1:3; Philemon 4-7). II. PAUL'S TEACHING REGARDING THANKFULNESS
A. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (vs.51-54, 58) B. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (vs.6-8) C. Ephesians 5:3-4, 20 D. Philippians 4:6 E. Colossians 3:15, 17; 4:2 F. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 G. 1 Timothy 2:1; 4:4-5 H. Hebrews 13:15 Conclusion:
1. In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul listed the many ways in which he suffered because of his service to the Lord. 2. He did not dwell on these things -- he listed them as he defended himself against his critics. 3. Rather than meditate upon unpleasant things, Paul chose to find things to be thankful for. 4. Perhaps this will help us understand why he could pray and sing while he was in prison (Acts 16:25). 5. Let us make a determined effort to follow "Paul's example and teaching regarding thankfulness" (Philippians 4:9).
