The Superficial Thanksgiving

(This is not an original work, I have expanded points to fit our congregation and my style of delivery)

TITLE: THE SUPERFICIAL THANKSGIVING

SCRIPTURE: ST. LUKE 18:9-14

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s fitting to reflect on the power and purpose of gratitude. PSALM 92:1 says, “IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD.” Let’s be honest - for many, next week, the week of thanks will be Superficial.

• For some, it’s a time of genuine praise - for others, just a pretext

• For some, it’s a spiritual time - for others, a superficial ritual

Saying ‘thanks’ is considered to be good manners. Expressing gratitude is a social custom or social grace that is part of the etiquette instilled in us by our parents and teachers.

• We practice it and teach our children to practice it

• We expect it from others and that is right and good

But may it never become for us a religious custom where we go through the formality of thanksgiving out of habit or duty without sincerity. Instead of being superficial and shallow our hearts should spontaneously overflow in love and gratitude.

• Thankfulness is a time of praise not a time of pretense

• It is to be spiritual not superficial!

In this text, on the surface, both men came to the right place - the temple. Both came to do the right thing - to pray. But only one came with the right heart.

• The PHARISEE was well respected in the community

• Known for his religious discipline, his moral uprightness, and his visible devotion to God

• In his own mind and in the minds of many, he was a godly man

• The TAX COLLECTOR, on the other hand, was reviled

• A collaborator with Rome

• A man who bought the right to extort his own people

• The mere mention of him would bring disgust

• But Jesus isn’t interested in surface appearances

• He is always peeling back the layers, looking to the heart

Today, let’s look at Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, and ask ourselves - is our thanksgiving genuine or superficial? It is the only parable that Jesus tells that takes place in a house of worship, in the temple. When you think about it, most of his parables take place in the fields, or in houses, or along the road. This one, and only this one, takes place in the temple. So, it teaches us about worship and prayer.

Jesus tells of two men who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood and prayed, “GOD, I THANK THEE, THAT I AM NOT AS OTHER MEN ARE…”

• He started with thanksgiving, but it was the wrong kind

• He is demeaning others so that he can elevate himself

• Even going so far to point out a particular person around him, the tax collector

• He thinks he’s better than them

H.A. IRONSIDE said, “This man was not thanking God for what grace had done for him; he was thanking God for what he himself had done, and that is the wrong attitude.”

• D.L. Moody called it “a very prayerless prayer. He said a prayer but he didn’t pray any”

The Pharisee focused on human effort — his dos and don’ts. His prayer was like a checklist.

• He fasted

• He tithed

• He compared himself to others

But he missed his greatest need - personal salvation through faith in Christ. EPHESIANS 2:8-9 reminds us, “FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.” Let’s examine our own hearts.

• Are we thankful for what God has done, or are we boasting in our own achievements?

• Are we thankful because of what we have?

• Are we thankful because of our many possessions

• True thanksgiving begins with humility and dependence on God’s Grace

The Pharisee prayed, “OR EVEN AS THIS PUBLICAN.” The difference between himself and the publican filled him with pride, not compassion.

• True thanksgiving produces thankful living

• Thankful for salvation? -- Tell others about Christ

• Thankful for provision? -- Share with those in need

• Thankful for kindness? -- Pass it on

• Thankful for Christian fellowship? -- Extend it to others

• Thankful for prayers? -- Pray for others

This is the spirit of the first thanksgiving. The Pilgrims shared with one another and were truly thankful. Their gratitude moved them to reach out, care for each other, and welcome those who were different into their circle. In the midst of hardship and uncertainty, their thankfulness blossomed into acts of Kindness – Unity - Selfless Giving.