Granby church of Christ Sermon Outlines A Thankful Heart

A Thankful Heart

Introduction:

Read Luke 17:11-19. In the Bible, leprosy is a broad term for a variety of infectious skin diseases. A modern disease that would probably be similar is “Hansen’s Disease” which is spread by multiple skin contacts as well as nasal secretions. Some of the symptoms of leprosy included disfigurement of skin and bones, twisting of limbs, curling of fingers, tumor-like growths [lepromos], and loss of pain sensation.

In the Bible, lepers were the true “untouchables.” They were to live in isolation as outcasts. (Numbers 5:2-3, Leviticus 13:45-46) The leper had to make it clear that people were to avoid him. He lived a terrible life.

This text provides us with several lessons that today we need to take to heart.

Body:

I. The Sin of Ingratitude

· Characteristic of wicked/ungodly (Romans 1:18-21, II Timothy 3:2)

· Family and friends (Job 19:14)

· Servants/workers (Job 19:15-16)

· Those who have helped you (Ecclesiastes 9:15)

· Those in distress (Psalm 38:11)

· Those not thankful to God (Isaiah 1:2-3, Psalm 106:21, Deuteronomy 32:18) 

II. The Blessing of Gratitude

· Be thankful for God’s love. The society of the 1^st Century Palestine did not prompt Jesus to help these lepers. They were shunned by society because of their appearance [dirty, bodies smelled] and because of their infectious disease. So why did Jesus show concern? He had love and compassion. His love extends to the heavens; (Psalm 36:5) and it never ceases. (Lamentations 3:22)

· Be thankful for the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. These ten lepers had a horrible disease that could not be helped by a simple washing [even with lye soap]. They did not have a prescription medicine they could take. No man could cure them, only Jesus the Christ. The lesson for us is that Jesus’ blood is the only cure for mankind’s spiritual disease – sin. (Romans 5:9 – Romans 6:3-4) Today if some man discovered a cure for an “incurable disease” which we had, we would rush to him and thank him over and over again. That’s how we should feel about Christ. (I Peter 1:18-21)

· Be thankful for Christ’s Fellowship. Christ desired that all ten lepers come back and have fellowship with Him. Today only those cleansed of their sins and who have been purified can have this wonderful fellowship. (I John 1:3-4, 6-7) This fellowship grants us the privilege of direct access to God. (Hebrews 4:16)

Conclusion:

Whatever you do, do not fail to have a thankful heart.

(Habakkuk 3:17-19) “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food, Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” NKJV 

Bobby Stafford

November 24, 2013