In this session, Jason outlines the importance of not placing value in the things of this world. We are called to a higher standard and not falling victim to the lie of materialism. It is imperative that believers should always be grateful because of the abiding presence and abounding faithfulness of God. Our gratitude is not circumstantial and not about what we have or do not have.

Every session has specific goals—things you want your group to walk away knowing, feeling, and committing to do.

• Main idea: Give thanks in all circumstances.
• Head Change: To not fall victim to the lie of materialism.
• Heart Change: To be content whether you are in need or in abundance.
• Life Change: To have sufficiency only found in Jesus Christ.

Reflect on a time when you struggled with feeling like you didn’t have enough or wanted more. Do you feel pressure to keep up with a certain lifestyle based on what you possess? What kind of effect did it have on your mental health and behavior because of those feelings? What strategies have you found helpful for you not to fall into the trap materialism sets?

Scripture warns us that possessions are not where our true worth and value lie. It is easy for the love of material things to become idols and create a struggle with vanity. In today’s society, we see the detrimental effects of social media and the pressure of looking a certain way or having certain things. It makes it even more difficult to resist the temptation to succumb to those pressures when they are constantly being fed to you in your everyday life.

Before viewing the session, pay attention to how Turner answers the following question: Why is it important to give thanks in all circumstances?

Show Session 3: Gratitude Is Not about The Things We Possess (12 minutes).

For the next few moments, as you prepare for the discussion, think about what ways you have allowed material things to loom larger in life than Christ. The German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is noted to have said, “It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Now, share in your group how you are already rich with the things you have to be grateful for.

Because we live in a world where people curate their social media platforms to display parts of their lives, it is easy to buy into the lies of comparison and overconsumption. It can be difficult to find reasons to give thanks when you are continuously wanting more. Turner walks us through how to navigate this struggle and ultimately train our minds and spirit to be grateful in all circumstances.

Read Philippians 4:11–12. Christian faith leads believers to have sufficiency in Christ, not self-sufficiency alone. We should not believe the notion that if we don’t have everything, there is no reason to give thanks. As believers, we should take on the Apostle Paul’s disposition in Philippians. We must be in a place of contentment for what we have and not be consumed by what we don’t have.

Lean into God’s clear command in verses 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 for believers to always rejoice, pray without ceasing, and always give thanks. These are markers of a believer. When you give thanks, you are being mindful of favors. Meaning you are recognizing what’s been done for you that you couldn’t do for yourself. It speaks of a response to what we have is what God has done for us.

Read John 4:24. This means that although we may be going through a rough season, we cannot deny the faithfulness of God. His unwavering presence and dependability are enough to give God thanks and praise. It is important because it is a matter of worship. There is not a situation or season in life that God changes. He is consistent. Therefore, whatever God is worth to you, we should express it in a real, sincere way. This is why gratitude is not circumstantial.

Now read Romans 8:28. We are reminded that not everything that happens in life is good, but God is always working things together for our good. The word used for “working” in modern terminology is synergy. Turner explains that synergy is the interaction of elements that, when they are combined, produce an effect greater than the sum of the individual elements. God is presiding over the affairs of the world, and he has not changed. Again, He is consistent and dependable, therefore we should always give thanks.

Don’t let possessions define you. Revisit 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Remind yourself often that your gratitude is not circumstantial. We should never stop recognizing the faithfulness of God. God blesses us despite us, so our gratitude to God should be unconditional. The way we show our gratitude toward God is a meaningful witness to those around us.