Joy.FULL - The Magnitude of Ingratitude

Joy.FULL - The Magnitude of Ingratitude
Understanding First Century Grace and Gratitude

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, centers on the profound significance of gratitude and the destructive nature of ingratitude, particularly within a first-century cultural context and in our relationship with God. The teaching begins by clarifying the first-century understanding of grace, distinguishing it from the post-Reformation definition synonymous with mercy. In the first century, grace was understood as a cyclical cultural rite, a structured relationship of mutual respect within a hierarchical society.

In Roman culture, the patron-client system was fundamental. When someone needed assistance they could not obtain themselves, they would turn to a wealthy patron. The patron's help was not a loan requiring repayment of the principal, but rather a gift that obligated the recipient, the client, to reciprocate with gratitude and honor. This established a binding "grace relationship."

This "circle of grace" involved three stages: the patron bestowing a favor, the client receiving the favor, and the client offering gratitude in return. The Greco-Roman society was held together by these hierarchical relationships based on the exchange of benefits and expected gratitude. Understanding this cultural backdrop is crucial for interpreting first-century documents, including the New Testament.

Theological Implications: God as the Ultimate Patron

The teaching applies this first-century understanding of grace to our relationship with God. God is presented as the ultimate Patron, bestowing upon humanity the ultimate favor: forgiveness and redemption through His son Yeshua. This is a gift that we can never repay. Our appropriate response to this unparalleled gift is gratitude and honor directed towards His kingdom. Living with gratitude manifests in keeping God's commandments as a way of saying thank you.

The speaker emphasizes that trying to earn redemption through keeping the law is a misunderstanding of this grace relationship. It's akin to trying to be God's patron, attempting to do Him a favor and expecting salvation in return, which is falling from grace.

The first-century stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger recognized ingratitude as a worse crime than homicide, tyranny, or theft. Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in Romans 1:21, highlights that knowing God but not glorifying Him or giving thanks is a fundamental issue. Thanksgiving to God is presented as God-centeredness, a form of worship acknowledging His supreme position. Paul further connects ingratitude to a downward spiral of unrighteousness.

Ingratitude is described as fertile ground for evil, and overcoming it requires recognition and a conscious pursuit of change. True change involves constant prayer, self-assessment, and repentance. Engaging with scripture should be driven by a desire to be conformed to the image of God. Those who follow God's commandments with this intention have a "YOLT" – they only live twice, gaining eternal life through the resurrection. In contrast, those who go through religious motions without a heart for change are likened to having "stolen valor."

The Exodus Narrative: A Case Study in Ingratitude

The teaching then delves into the biblical account of the Exodus from Egypt to illustrate the consequences of ingratitude. Despite God's miraculous deliverance, the Israelites consistently complained throughout their journey in the wilderness. God even issued a commandment in Deuteronomy 9:7: "Remember and do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day you came out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord." Their rebelliousness stemmed from a lack of gratitude.

Examples of their ingratitude include blaming Moses for Pharaoh's intensified oppression, expressing fear and doubt at the Red Sea despite witnessing God's power, and complaining about the bitter water at Moriah. Instead of gratitude and petition, their response was often blame and a longing for their former bondage in Egypt.

The speaker emphasizes that God orchestrated their trials, and their ability to withstand them depended on their level of gratitude. Even in difficult situations, a prayer of gratitude followed by a petition is the appropriate response, rather than complaint. Complaint in the face of God's provision demonstrates a lack of desire for a deeper relationship with Him. Where there is no desire, there is no dedication or self-sacrifice, leading to difficulties being seen as insurmountable.

Ingratitude: The Root of Sin and Idolatry

The teaching posits that ingratitude was one of the first sins, exemplified by Satan's dissatisfaction in his high position. Adam's response to God after eating the forbidden fruit, blaming God indirectly, is also highlighted as an act of ingratitude. The speaker questions whether Adam's punishment might have been less severe if he had simply expressed remorse. The core issue was disobedience coupled with ungratefulness, mirroring Satan's sin.

Complaining about God's provisions or lack thereof perpetuates the sin of the Israelites. God responds "measure for measure." Constant complaining can lead to increased difficulties in life, as God may make invalid complaints valid. This principle of "measure for measure" is also discussed in the context of judging others. Being merciful and helpful towards others will be reciprocated by God's mercy, while harsh judgment will lead to harsh judgment. Forgetting God and being ungrateful leads to focusing on oneself or other things, which is idolatry. Paul's exhortation to "flee from idolatry" in 1 Corinthians is linked to the cup of thanksgiving.

The Path to Joy: Gratitude and Generosity

We have the ability to change our lives by cultivating gratitude. Approaching God in prayer should begin with thanksgiving. Gratitude is not silent; it requires expression towards God and others. We are not entitled to anything, and feeling entitled hinders gratitude. Gratitude leads to contentment, and contentment is the foundation of joy. Generosity flows from a place of contentment and gratitude.

The speaker encourages practicing gratitude, especially during times of abundance. Even in moments of "eater's remorse," reflecting on the satisfaction of having enough can spark gratitude and joy. Practicing gratitude towards coworkers, spouses, and fellowship is essential. To experience joy, we must actively practice gratitude and generosity.

Application for Everyday Life

• Begin your prayers with thanksgiving, acknowledging God as your gracious King and Patron.
• Actively recognize and express gratitude to God for His blessings, both big and small.
• Practice gratitude towards others, verbally acknowledging their efforts and contributions.
• In challenging situations, petition God with a foundation of gratitude, rather than complaining.
• Cultivate a desire for God's truth and His purpose in your life.
• Recognize ingratitude in your own heart and consciously pursue change through prayer, self-assessment, and repentance.
• View difficulties as opportunities to trust God and express gratitude for His past faithfulness.
• Avoid baseless complaining, understanding its potential consequences in your relationship with God.
• Be mindful of how you judge others, recognizing the principle of "measure for measure" in God's judgment.
• Live with contentment, understanding that it springs from gratitude, which then leads to joy and generosity.

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