SERIES ON FAITH
Part Three
“Being Thankful”
Adapted from a message by Rev Bruce Shields
Luke 17:11-19
October 1st, 2006
Broadway Baptist Church
Pastor, Dan Bauder
INTRODUCTION
In the last two weeks we have seen an unforgiving attitude and not spending time reading God’s Word hinder our faith. Today we are going to see that not being thankful also hinders our faith. The Scripture tells us about ten lepers. All were healed but only one came back to thank and praise God for what happened. This morning I want us to see three significant points.
I. GOD WANTS US TO CALL ON HIM IN TIMES OF DISTRESS.(Read Luke 17:12-13)
A. The fact the lepers shouted out to Jesus shows us two things:
1. They were following the requirements of the law
2. They realized Jesus was their only hope. Psalms 20:7 says: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”
B. A child of God knows instinctually where to turn in times of distress. (Whenever a child feels threatened they will run to find their parents.)
II. TO MANY TIMES GOD’S CHILDREN FORGET OR REFUSE TO THANK HIM (Read Luke 17:15-18)
A. It was a Samaritan that thanked Him.
1. The Samaritan knew the animosity that Jews had toward Samaritans. The fact that Jesus healed him was especially significant to him.
B. Sometimes we think we have a right to what God does for us.
1. The 9 thought because they were Jews it was their right to be healed.
C. When we refuse to thank Him we are like a spoiled brat who says, “Is this all I get?”
1. We live in a generation full of spoiled brats whose parents have worked hard to make life better for them only to have them want more.
2. Families fight over inheritances. (A man at work won’t talk to his sister because she was named the executor of his parent’s estate and took what was set aside for him.
III. WITHOUT THANKFULNESS OUR FAITH DOES US NO GOOD (Read Luke 17:19)
CONCLUSION
Are we really thankful for what God has done for us? Are we willing to trust Him completely?
