I. PERCEPTION- Recognize the blessings in your life

II. POSITION- Realize your own unworthiness

III. PRAISE- Reverence the Benefactor/Blessor

SERMON TAKE HOME PRINCIPLE: True gratitude is the humble response to God’s grace in our lives

APPLICATION?
Read James 4:6-10.
1. What is the source of grace, and where does God bestow it, according to verse 6?
2. The truly humble will show humility in their attitudes and works. What will the humble do, according to verses 7 and 8?
3. What happens when we humble ourselves before God? (See verse 10.)
4. Make a list of anything you can recall whining about recently. Include things like frustrating people, annoying circumstances, wanting something you couldn’t get (such as an uninterrupted nap), or having something you wished you didn’t have (such as a cold). How does your complaining manifest a spirit of pride, entitlement and expectations?
5. Sit quietly before the Lord for a time today and say, “I sit on the ground before You.” You may even want to literally bow your head down to the ground as you come into His presence, as an expression of your desire to humble yourself before Him. Confess any pride that has shown itself in complaining, irritability, anger or resentment, rather than giving of thanks. Humbly tell Him that you don’t deserve any of His favor, and give Him thanks for any specific recent blessings He brings to mind–including those situations you have complained about! (If a circumstance involves something sinful or evil, ask how He might want to use it in your life to make you more like Jesus.)
6. Whom do you know who consistently exhibits a grateful spirit? What is it about them that makes them so remarkable? What can you learn from their example?