One Was Thankful

Luke 17:11-19

Introduction

1.       Some things that will make us relevant as a congregation

a.       To be true to the Word of God

b.       To seek and save the lost

c.       To be a light to the world

2.       Jesus is our example in these things

3.       Consider the example of Jesus and his meeting with ten lepers  

Discussion

1.       The tendency to complaining and grumbling – this is one way to describe the opposite of thankfulness

a.       Israel in Egypt – Ex 2:23 -25; 5:21 – complaining became a way of life, they put it on as a habit

b.       Continued in the wilderness

                                                            i.      They began with rejoicing after passing through the sea – Ex 15:1-18

                                                           ii.      They quickly reverted to their old ways – Ex 15:22-24

c.        For Americans, thanksgiving is quickly changed to complaining about the bills from Christmas

d.       The difference between complaining and thanksgiving does not lie in the circumstances, but in the attitude  

2.       Thankfulness is an attitude that takes root in the heart – Matt 12:34; Prov 4:23

a.       It comes from a mind that is transformed – Rom 12:2  

b.       It comes from a life where all things have been made new – 2 Cor 5:17  

c.       It comes from an understanding that complaining and thanksgiving are choices that we make  

3.       Thankfulness changes our outlook on life

a.       Thankfulness causes us to accept pain as a gift from God

                                                            i.      Pain tells us we have reached our limit

                                                           ii.      Pain tells us that we are mortal and need life from God  

b.       Thankfulness causes us to accept trials as a tool for growth from God

                                                            i.      Trials often bring failure that teaches us humility

                                                           ii.      Trials provide opportunities for growth

                                                         iii.      Trials provide the strength we need for what lies ahead  

c.       Thankfulness causes us to accept enemies as a gift from God

                                                            i.      Enemies help us engage in self-examination

                                                           ii.      Enemies help us figure out where we may have gone wrong

                                                         iii.      Enemies are our assurance that we are true servants of God – Lk 6:26  

Conclusion

1.       Some suggestions for developing an attitude of thanksgiving

a.       Make it a regular part of your prayer life

b.       Make it a regular part of your conversation with others

c.       Practice giving thanks for your family

d.       Make thanksgiving a part of what you do in your relationships with other Christians

2.  You might begin by thanking God for the gift of His Son by being baptized in obedience to Jesus today