LESSONS FROM A LEPER

LESSONS FROM A LEPER

ON THANKSGIVING

Luke 17:12-19

INTRODUCTION:

Note: The account of Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers reminds us that while some people are very conscious of the importance of being thankful for the blessing they have received, others appear to be clueless as to the appropriateness of, and the wisdom in, thanksgiving.

I. THE REASONS FOR A THANKFUL HEART

A. the blessing he had received

Note: v. 15b “And one of them when he saw that he was healed … ”

Note: how often do you think about your “benefits” / blessings? When is the last time you “saw” how good God has been to you? Thanksgiving is a good time to really look around.

Note: See Lam. 3:22-25

B. the Benefactor he remembered

Note: James 1:18; Ps. 116:12; Ps. 68:19; Ps. 103:2

Note: Hymn: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”

II. THE RESPONSE OF A THANKFUL HEART

A. notice the glory he gave the Lord Jesus

Note: v. 15c “[he] turned back and with a loud voice glorified God”

Note: Ps. 69:30 “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving”

B. notice the gratitude he expressed to the Lord Jesus

Note: v. 16a “[he] fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks”

Note: Notice that this man was a Samaritan” (v. 16c) and a “this stranger” (v. 18). He was the l lowest of the low, and the least likely to do anything noble

Note: See Luke 7:41

III. THE RARITY OF A THANKFUL HEART

A. see the disproportion here

Note: v. 17a “Were there not ten cleansed?”

B. see the disappointment here

Note: v. 17b “Where are the nine”

Note: A good question, asked every Sunday, Wednesday, etc.

Note: thanklessness is caused by thoughtlessness,familiarity, pride (“my hand has gotten me this),

Note: A spirit of thanklessness is said to be rampant in the last days (2 Tim. 3:2).

III. THE REWARD THERE IS FOR A THANKFUL HEART

Note: v. 19 “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole”

A. Thankfulness is rewarded by the fact that it brings the Lord pleasure

Note: See 1 Cor. 4:5.

B. Thankfulness is rewarded by the fact that it makes one a better person

Note: Being a thankful person gives “wholeness” to one’s character.

CONC:

Note: The unthankful nine really missed out.