The Attitude of Gratitude (MP3)
Where Were The Nine?
Luke 17:11-19
I. Where Were The Nine?
1.”One day Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem…” (Luke 17:11 NIV)
a. And on HIS way, Jesus came to a village where ten lepers were. (Read Luke 17:12 & Leviticus 13:1-14:31 & Numbers 5:1-3)
b. As Jesus was a distance from them, “They cried out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’…” (Read Luke 17:13-18:4 & Matthew 8:1-5 & 9:33-36)
- What a tremendous testimony there is of God’s grace at work in the lives of those who would cry out to God for help.
a. There is and invitation given unto all who believe, “To whosoever will come”. (Read Matthew 11:28-30 & Romans 10:9-13 & Hebrews 4:1-16)
b. The ten lepers came boldly to Jesus and they received a generous portion of God’s grace. (Read Matthew 7:7 & Luke 17:15-16)
II. How is your attitude of gratitude?
- It’s a pretty miserable person who has an ungrateful heart.
a. Without doubt, we’ve probably met some.
b. How many of you enjoy being around ungrateful people?
- God appreciates it when you tell him, “Thank You!”
a. Jesus was shocked when, only one of the ten lepers came back and said, “Thank You!” (Read Luke 17:17-19)
b. The Bible is full of exhortation unto praise and thanksgiving unto God. (Read Psalms 100 & 103:1-2 & 1 Chronicles 1:1-8 & Ephesians 5:19-20)
c. A grateful attitude grows out of faith in the fact that God won’t forsake us, and it is the key to experiencing peace in the midst of troubled times. (Read Philippians 4:4-8 & Psalm 22:3 & John 14:27 & John 16:33 & Galatians 5:22)
III. Do you desire the presence of God in our midst?
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Let’s take this opportunity to stand up and say “Thank You!” to God, and to those who have been a blessing to us in these past months.
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As the Apostle Paul wrote, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)