Walk Filled with The Spirit - Giving Thanks & Submitting | Lesson 131

In his sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki delves into Ephesians 5:20, emphasizing the profound significance of giving thanks as a hallmark of a believer filled with the Spirit. He elaborates on how thanksgiving is not merely a superficial act, but a deep-rooted response that flows from a heart enlightened and transformed by the Spirit's teachings. Drawing from various passages, Pastor Strelecki illustrates how the act of giving thanks magnifies God by acknowledging His sufficiency and our deficiencies. He underscores the idea that gratitude should be ever-present on the lips of believers as it reflects the richness of spiritual blessings we possess in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Pastor Strelecki highlights that true thanksgiving requires a shift from self-sufficiency to acknowledging our continuous need for God's provision, emphasizing that it should be an ongoing expression of our faith.

Pastor Strelecki also broadens the context by reviewing the grandeur of God's eternal purpose in Jesus Christ as revealed in Ephesians. He encourages congregants to meditate on the ultimate purpose of their identity in Christ, which transcends worldly pursuits and focuses on what God has purposed before creation. The sermon underscores that the Spirit-filled life involves regular thanksgiving for both the natural and spiritual blessings believers receive. By filling themselves with the Spirit and renewing their minds, believers can maintain a sense of gratitude that aligns with God's grand plan, ultimately directing their hearts towards eternal and spiritual realities that supersede temporary worldly concerns.