Faith and Gratitude: The Doorway to God's Presence

 

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Sunday October 19, 2025.  

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)

In life, we often seek out "quick fixes" . We seek a simple solution to a complex problem. We want a one-time spiritual exercise to guarantee a lifetime of peace. But our Christian life, as we know, is not a quick fix; it is a continuous process of growth, alignment, and reflection. Faith and Gratitude are the two foundational pillars essential to maintaining that continuous spiritual process. Faith and gratitude are the active, daily posture of a heart committed to God.

Scripture 

Psalms 34:1-22 NIV [1] I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. [2] I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. [3] Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. [4] I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. [5] Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. [6] This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. [7] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. [8] Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. [9] Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. [10] The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. [11] Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. [12] Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, [13] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. [14] Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. [15] The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; [16] but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. [17] The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. [18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. [19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; [20] he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. [21] Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. [22] The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Introduction: 

The Foundation of Life

In life, we often seek out "quick fixes"—a simple solution to a complex problem, a one-time spiritual exercise to guarantee a lifetime of peace. But our Christian life, as we know, is not a quick fix; it is a continuous process of growth, alignment, and reflection.

Today, we look at the two spiritual practices that form the very DNA of that continuous process: Faith and Gratitude. 

Faith and Gratitude are not just nice ideas we dust off for a holiday; they are the active, daily posture of a heart committed to God. 

Our sermon title today is simple, yet monumental : Faith and Gratitude are the Doorway to God's Presence.

Our text from Colossians 2:6-7 gives us the blueprint for a life that is deep, stable, and joyful. 

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Notice the imagery: we are to be rooted, built up, and strengthened in faith, which results in us overflowing with thankfulness. 

1. Faith is the Root:

To be "rooted and built up in him," is to ground our lives in an unwavering trust in God's character. Faith is the root. It is the choice to believe in God's goodness, power, and promises, even when the world around us is shaking.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV says And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Why does it say this?  Because faith is the only way to genuinely approach Him. It proves we are relying on His faithfulness, not our fleeting circumstances or our own strength.

• Faith is the lens that focuses on God's sovereignty. It looks at a crisis and says, "My God is bigger than this problem."

I saw that in the in the room. Thank you. Thank you. I didn't think about that yet. That's easier to do it. Thank you.

• Faith is the memory that recalls God's past mercies. It looks at a current need and says, "He provided for me yesterday; He will provide for me today and tomorrow."

Matthew 6:30-34 NIV [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

We received Christ by faith, and we are called to continue to live our lives in Him by that same faith. 

Just as our text says; “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Faith is what holds the soil  firm around the root, allowing the tree to grow tall.

2. The Evidence of Faith

If faith is the deep root, then gratitude is the inevitable overflow. It is the fruit that grows from that healthy, trusting root. When we are truly convinced of who God is (faith), our natural response must be one of heartfelt thanks (gratitude).

The Psalmist understood this connection perfectly, giving us a beautiful image of how to start our day, our week, or our worship:

Psalms 100:4 NIV Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Notice that you enter the gate with thanksgiving. You don't get to the inner courts of praise without going through the gate of gratitude first. Gratitude is the conscious, deliberate act of:

• Acknowledging God's Gifts: Seeing the blessings in our lives—the breath in our lungs, the community around us, and above all, the gift of salvation in Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

• When we are ungrateful, we are looking at our feet, focused on what we lack. Gratitude forces us to lift our eyes to the Giver, redirecting our attention to the fullness we have in Christ.

Colossians 3:17 NIV says And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

3. The Test: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances 

The ultimate test of a life rooted in faith and overflowing with gratitude is what it says in

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV[16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

This is where faith and gratitude truly come together. This verse does not ask us to be thankful for the pain, the tragedy, or the hardship. This is a command to maintain a posture of gratitude and faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness even amidst suffering, tragedy, or difficulty.

Why? Because giving thanks in the midst of the struggle is the greatest expression of faith! It is telling God: "I don't understand this, it is hard, but I trust Your goodness, I trust Your plan, and I am thankful that You are with me."

This combination of faith and gratitude is what brings the peace, promised in 

 

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Anxiety is an endless loop of worry. Gratitude breaks the loop. When you combine your prayer (faith in His ability) with thanksgiving (gratitude for who He is), you hand the problem over to God. The result is a supernatural peace that acts as a guard for your heart.

Conclusion: The Continuous Call

The message of our text;

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

This is a continuous call to be intentional. Maintaining a strong foundation in faith and aligning your priorities with God's will is a continuous process—a daily choice.

Let us commit to:

1. Check the Roots of our Faith: Where is our trust really anchored? In our money, our job, or in the steadfast love of the Lord?

2. Let’s Cultivate the Overflow of Gratitude: Let us make thanksgiving the first word, the doorway, of our every interaction with God.

When we are rooted in faith, we will inevitably be overflowing with gratitude, and we will live a life that enters daily into the very presence and peace of God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we are humbled and grateful for your Word, which speaks truth into the very core of our being. Thank you for the unshakable foundation of your love and the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, which is the source of all our faith and all our gratitude.

Lord, we confess that our hearts are often quick to complain and slow to thank. We are easily distracted by what we lack and forget the abundance you have already provided. Forgive us for our unbelief and our ingratitude.

We ask now, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that you would deepen the roots of our faith. Help us to fully trust your goodness and sovereignty, even in the hardest of circumstances. May that deep faith cause our hearts to overflow with thankfulness in every conversation, every task, and every moment of silence.

As we leave this place today, may the peace that comes from prayer with thanksgiving stand guard over our hearts and minds. Guide our priorities, align our will with yours, and let our lives be a living testament to your faithfulness.

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Faith in the Harvest: Reaping What We Sow

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Sunday October 12, 2025.  

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)

“Reaping What We Sow.", sounds like an agricultural lesson, and in many ways, it is. In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul uses the fundamental and unavoidable law of the harvest to explain the dynamics of spiritual life.

The farmer understands this law: You cannot sow corn and expect to reap oranges. You cannot sow weeds and expect to gather wheat. The harvest is always, without fail, tied to the seed. We are challenged to look at the seeds we are sowing in the hidden fields of our hearts and lives.

Just as a physical seed produces fruit that contains new seeds, our spiritual actions are meant to produce a harvest of righteousness that continues the cycle of faith.

Scripture;

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NIV [6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” [10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. [12] This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. [13] Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. [14] And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. [15] Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

The Law of the Farm

Our title today is "Faith in the Harvest: Reaping What We Sow.", sounds like an agricultural lesson, and in many ways, it is. In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul uses the law of the harvest to explain the dynamics of spiritual life.

The farmer understands this law: You cannot sow corn and expect to reap oranges. You cannot sow weeds and expect to gather wheat. The harvest is always, without fail, tied to the seed. This morning, we are challenged to look at the seeds we are sowing in the hidden fields of our hearts and lives.

Our text is both a wake-up call and an encouragement.

Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

There are three essential truths in this passage that form the pillars of our faith and guide our daily priorities.

Point 1.  The first truth is the Reality of the Seed

Galatians 6:7 NIV [7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 

This is a warning against self-deception. We cannot live one way—sowing seeds of impatience, bitterness, or neglect in our relationship with God—and expect a harvest of peace, joy, and spiritual vitality.

The word "sow" here represents our investments: our time, our energy, our resources, and most importantly, our choices.

• We sow in our time: Where do we spend the first minutes of our day? On anxiety-inducing news, or in quiet time with the Word?

• We sow in our priorities: Are we aligning our daily tasks with God’s will, or are we pursuing self-gratification above everything else?

The harvest may not come immediately, but it will come. This isn't just a threat; it's a profound, spiritual principle designed to help us establish a strong, foundational faith.  Let me give you some examples from scripture.

Job 4:8 NIV [8] As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.

On the other hand;

Hosea 10:12 NIV [12] Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

When you sow righteous actions and seek God, you can expect a harvest of God's love and favor.

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV [14]  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Sowing forgiveness directly results in a harvest of forgiveness from both God and (often) others.

James 3:17-18 NIV [17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Sowing love and kindness (the building blocks of peace) creates an environment where righteousness and right living can flourish for everyone involved.

The second truth is the Choice of the Field. 

Galatians 6:8 NIV Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 

We are presented with two distinct planting fields: the flesh and the Spirit. This is the critical choice in maintaining our Christian walk.

Sowing to the Flesh: means ​ living for yourself and your own desires. It's the quick fix, the easy path, the immediate gratification. It’s living as if we are the source of life and truth. The harvest here is destruction—a spiritual hollowness, a life devoid of true meaning and lasting qualities connected to God.

Galatians 5:19-21 NIV [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The field where we sow matters so we need to Sow to the Spirit.

This is the intentional act of aligning our will with God's will. It's the investment of prayer when we'd rather worry, the choice of service when we'd rather rest, and the practice of discipline when we want to be indulgent. 

Sowing to the Spirit is a continuous, moment-by-moment process. Every morning, we wake up with a handful of seeds and a choice of where to plant them.

Point 3: The final, and perhaps most encouraging, truth is the Faith for the Wait.

Galatians 6:9 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

The farmer who plants a seed does not demand a harvest the next day. They exercise faith. They do the work—watering, weeding, tending—and trust in the unseen power of God’s creation to bring forth the fruit.

We, too, must not grow weary. We often sow seeds of kindness, prayer, or obedience and feel nothing. We don’t see the immediate growth, so we are tempted to stop. 

 "Do not give up!", “Don’t become weary”

• Weariness is a powerful temptation. We pray and don't feel answered. We serve and don't feel appreciated. We forgive and don't feel released.

• But here’s the Promise: There is a "proper time"—God's time—for the harvest. Your faithful actions, your quiet prayers, your consistent choice to choose the Spirit over the flesh—they are not falling on deaf ears or barren ground. 

Galatians 6:9 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Psalms 126:5-6 NIV says [5] Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. [6] Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

The foundation of our faith is in the character of the Harvester, not the speed of the harvest. Keep sowing the good seeds of faith, love, and righteousness. Trust that what you are faithfully pouring out today will yield a bountiful harvest in God's perfect season.

Conclusion: Begin Your Harvest Today

The law of the harvest is unchangeable: You will reap what you sow.

If you look at your life today and are disheartened by the weeds, take courage: it is not too late to change the seed. 

Like we said earlier Hosea 10:12 NIV says [12] Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

The presence of a seed or seeds inside is what technically defines a fruit.

Use the seed that comes from the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Just as a physical seed produces fruit that contains new seeds, our spiritual actions (sowing to the Spirit) are meant to produce a harvest of righteousness that continues the cycle of faith. 

Prayer

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound and simple truth of your Word today. We thank you for the law of the harvest—a spiritual principle that guides us, corrects us, and encourages us.

We confess, Lord, that we are often guilty of self-deception. We try to sow sparingly to the Spirit, yet expect a bountiful return. We confess the moments when we have chosen the quick, easy gratification of the flesh, and we ask for your forgiveness for planting seeds of impatience, worry, bitterness, and neglect in the fields of our hearts.

Lord, help us today to commit to the Choice of the Field. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we choose to align our will with yours. We ask you to take our time, our energy, and our daily priorities, and help us plant the seeds of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control. We want to reap the fruit of eternal life—the abundant life you promised us.

And finally, Father, we ask for the strength of Faith for the Wait. When weariness creeps in, when we don't see the immediate results of our quiet prayer or consistent service, remind us of your promise: that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Strengthen our foundations, dear God, that we may trust in the character of the Harvester, not the speed of the harvest.

Give us the courage to break up our unplowed ground today, to sow righteousness, and to faithfully do good to all people, especially to those in the family of faith.

May the words we have heard move from our minds into the soil of our lives, yielding a harvest that brings glory to your name.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, the source of our eternal life.

Amen.