How can we express gratitude for God's grace as Paul does in 1:4?

◄ How to thank God for grace like Paul? ►

Remembering Paul’s Example

1 Corinthians 1:4 — “I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.”

Seeing Grace with Spirit-opened Eyes

• Grace is a gift, not a reward (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• It flows from God’s heart through Christ’s cross (Romans 5:8)

• The Spirit testifies to that grace daily (Romans 8:16)

Recognizing Grace in Our Own Story

• Salvation: rescued from wrath to life (Titus 3:5-6)

• Sustenance: strength for trials (2 Corinthians 12:9)

• Sanctification: ongoing shaping into Christ’s likeness (Philippians 1:6)

• Fellowship: brothers and sisters gifted to us (Acts 2:42-47)

Practical Ways to Voice Thankfulness

• Start each prayer as Paul did—thank God first, then speak requests

• Speak specific examples of grace aloud: “Father, thank You for _____”

• Share testimonies of God’s work when believers gather (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Sing songs that rehearse the gospel (Colossians 3:16)

• Write notes of encouragement, pointing others to God’s grace at work in them

• Give materially to needs as a tangible “thank-offering” (2 Corinthians 9:12)

Cultivating a Lifestyle of Gratitude

1. Remember daily what you deserved and what you received instead (Psalm 103:10-12)

2. Rehearse the cross—God paid the highest price for you (1 Peter 1:18-19)

3. Rest in grace when you fail; repentance restores joy (1 John 1:9)

4. Rejoice when others receive grace you needed yourself (Romans 12:15)

5. Repeat the practice—gratitude grows with use (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Living Thanks Together

• Make gratitude a regular agenda item in small groups

• Celebrate baptisms and communion as corporate “thank yous”

• Keep a shared list of answered prayers and evidences of grace

Verses for Ongoing Meditation