THANKFUL. By Jim Nemec Nov. 18, Presented to Joint Heirs Adult Bible Fellowship

Transcription

1 THANKFUL By Jim Nemec Nov. 18, 2018 Presented to Joint Heirs Adult Bible Fellowship

2 Luke 17:11-19 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto priests. And it came to pass that as they went, they were cleansed.

3 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? And then he said unto him, Arise, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.

4 6 Full words of God; Joyful Peaceful Hopeful Prayerful Faithful Our Full word for today is Thankful.

5 Reasons for thankfulness: His watchful eye on us before we were saved His sacrifice for all our sins, past, present and future His Word His Holy Spirit His purpose for our lives His sweet fellowship His love for us His church His opportunities to serve His fellowship with fellow followers of Christ His hope for our new homes in heaven

6 Giving thanks to God is a joyful expression of our deep appreciation toward God for His loving kindness. In Thessalonians 5:18, we find, In everything give thanks, for it is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Thanksgiving Day only happens in November, but thanksgiving is every day for those who are aware of and have experienced God s mercies. When we give thanks to God, we are not only expressing our gratitude, but also fulfilling God s will for us. It delights Him every time we give Him thanks for everything.

7 The reading today of the ten lepers gives us an opportunity to reassess ourselves before the holy presence of God, that we may have a deeper and wider understanding about our Lord s character and His merciful dealings toward us, who are unworthy to receive special attention. This story is for us to gradually change our different views of giving thanks to God. It will lead us to a proper way of honoring the Lord and to a higher level of joy produced by an appropriate way of thanksgiving. There is danger of giving thanks through our lips without the understanding from our hearts. Hypocrisy and selfishness are the fruits of the unguarded way of giving thanks. This kind of thankfulness will lead us to more or other abuses of God s mercies.

8 The one leper displayed a typical example of a blessed man who was really touched by the loving mercy of God. He realized who he was and what God had done for him. He was mindful of his wonderful blessing from the Lord and he turned back and with a loud voice glorified God. Asking mercy from God is a clear acceptance of our wretchedness and unworthiness to receive special favor from our Heavenly Father. It is a simple but honest request to God that He would withhold from us what we really deserve and give us blessings that we don t deserve. The lepers asked for mercy from the Lord and the Lord gave them what they did not deserve. Praise God for His mercies!

9 In Hebrews 5:16, we find, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in times of need. In spite of all we have done, the Lord is still merciful to us extending His loving hands to give us help in great times of need. May we not abuse God s mercy. We must not neglect to give Him thanks, for He is worthy to be praised.

10 The story of the lepers is a reminder for us all at this time of year. How many are praying for blessings and miracles of God to come into their lives? How many are asking for grace and mercy from God? And yet, when these blessings come, how many will turn to the Lord and kneel down and glorify God as they give their wholehearted thanksgiving? May every one of us be found faithful in giving thanks to God, for He is worthy to be praised!