Sermon Outline

A Thankful Heart

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

I. Introduction: In the Bible, the heart is regarded as the seat of our emotions, passions, attitudes, and moral choices. Its condition is vitally important to our spiritual and emotional well-being. Do you have a thankful heart?

II. Message:

A. What motivates us to be thankful?

1. We serve the one true and sovereign God. He loves us unconditionally and forgives our sin.
2. The Lord has sealed us with the Holy Spirit and adopted us as His children.
3. God equips us with spiritual gifts to fulfill the specific plans He has for our lives.
4. Our heavenly Father is merciful, loving, and good.
5. We have the privilege of developing close relationships with others.
6. Jesus went to heaven to prepare a place for us, and He intercedes on our behalf.
7. We have the Word of God.
8. The Lord created our amazing bodies.

B. In what areas of our lives should we have a thankful heart?

1. Worship (Ps. 100:4)
2. Prayer (Phil. 4:6)
3. Giving (2 Cor. 9:12)
4. Friendships (Phil. 1:1-3)
5. Spiritual battles (1 Cor. 15:55-57)
6. Daily living (Col. 2:6-7)
7. Everything (1 Thess. 5:18; Eph. 5:20)

C. What is the impact of a thankful heart?

1. Godliness, because we are aware of His presence
2. Motivation to look for His purpose in our circumstances
3. Submission to His will, even when we don’t understand
4. A reminder of our dependence on Him
5. A stronger witness
6. Attractiveness to others
7. Joy and contentment instead of fear and anxiety
8. Focus on God in difficult times
9. Transformation of our attitude toward others
10. Supernatural energy

III. Closing: Cultivating a thankful heart will transform your life. But you’ll never be genuinely happy or fulfilled until you know Jesus as Savior. Once you are a believer, the Holy Spirit can enable you to be grateful in all circumstances.