Thank You, Lord
November 23, 2008 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We must remember to thank God all the time.
Focus Passage: Luke 17:11-19
Supplemental Passage: Psalm 100
Introduction:
Emerson said that if the stars came out only once a year, everybody would stay up all night to behold them. We have seen the stars so often that we don’t bother to look at them anymore. In like manner, we have grown accustomed to our blessings, and quite frankly, we’ve become spoiled.
I. The Condition of all
a. Leprosy
b. outcasts
II. The Prayer of all
a. Their observation - they saw and they sensed their need. You don’t pray and call out for help unless you feel your need. The reason sinners don’t come to Christ for salvation is that they don’t sense their need.
b. Their obedience - Prayer without obedience is useless.
III. The praise of one - Here is the key to the whole issue. All were in the same awful position. All prayed and all were healed. Yet only one of the ten returned to offer thanksgiving.
Notice:
a. The opportunity of praise - He saw a reason to praise. He saw a difference Jesus had made. He saw a change wrought by Christ.
b. The object of praise - Notice that with a loud voice he glorified God. With the same loudness and intensity he cried for mercy, he glorified God. Many times we cry loud for help and low with praise. But with the same zeal we sought help we should praise him
Invitation: Why did only one cleansed leper return to thank Jesus? The following are nine suggested reasons why the nine did not return:
One waited to see if the cure was real.
One waited to see if it would last.
One said he would see Jesus later.
One decided that he had never had leprosy.
One said he would have gotten well anyway.
One gave the glory to the priests.
One said, "O, well, Jesus didn't really do anything."
One said, "Any rabbi could have done it."
One said, "I was already much improved."
