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Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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Page 1: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Living on the 4th Level

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Page 2: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The 4 Levels of Living

Level One – Always complain, gripe, grumble. Instead of grateful and humble, they are gruff, hateful, harsh.

Page 3: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The 4 Levels of Living

Level One – Always complain, gripe, grumble. Instead of grateful and humble, they are gruff, hateful, harsh.

Level Two – Just a little better. They take things for granted. Not complaining, just not happy, not grateful. Think the world owed them what they have.

Page 4: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The 4 Levels of Living

Level Three – Are grateful for the obvious blessings. Happy when things are going good.

Page 5: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The 4 Levels of Living

Level Four – The highest level are for those who give thanks for ALL things. Grateful for the little things in life will change your attitude.

There are 5 principles that will get you up to level 4.

Page 6: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Principles of 4th Level Living

1. Our Gratitude is PROPER

James 1:17-18 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Page 7: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Principles of 4th Level Living

2. Our Gratitude is to be PERPETUAL

Gratitude is not for one day a year.

Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation!

Every day we have new blessings from God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Page 8: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Principles of 4th Level Living

3. Our Gratitude is to be PERVASIVE

Gratitude for ALL things

Spiritual things – Jesus, Bible, Church, DBR, Forgiveness, Salvation, Eternal Life

Simple things – Family, health, food, birds singing, pets, wild life, trees and flowers

Sorrowful things – Romans 8:28 Good can come from the tragedies of life

Page 9: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Principles of 4th Level Living

4. Our Gratitude will be PLEASURABLE

Thankful people are happy people.

“If I had something to be thankful for, I would be happy, too.”

Life, Christ, God, Bible, Forgiveness, Salvation

Paul was in prison when he wrote - Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Page 10: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Principles of 4th Level Living

5. Our Gratitude is POSSIBLE

Ephesians 5:18-21 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Page 11: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Principles of 4th Level Living

5. Our Gratitude is POSSIBLE - - - IF WE: Are filled with the Spirit Sing with melody in your heart Give thanks always Give thanks for all things Submit to the will of God

Page 12: Living on the 4 th Level Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Living on the 4th Level

Are you living on the 4th level?

Spend some time in a prayer of gratitude for ALL the ways God has blessed you.

Are you glad that you are saved, forgiven, and headed for heaven?