”What makes us thankful”, Luke 17:11-19, Malcolm Cox

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ
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Intro, Luke 17:11

QUESTION: "Share one thing you've been grateful for this week - or even today"
- Today we talk about gratitude, thankfulness. We are commanded to be thankful:
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NIV11)
- Commanding thankfulness is right, but problematic - if we do not understand why
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1. The compassion of Jesus makes us thankful - Luke 17:12-13

QUESTION: "Why do you think the ten men stood at a distance? Was Jesus unwilling to go to them? Were they afraid?" "What does it tell you about the way they viewed Jesus?" Respect? Not wanting to bother him or get him in trouble?
        - Jesus told to make audacious requests:
“Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
        as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
        but deliver us from the evil one. ’” (Matthew 6:11–13 NIV11)
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15–16 NAS95)
QUESTION: "How has the compassion of Jesus showed up in your life?"
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2. The power of Jesus makes us thankful - Luke 17:14
- Trust in Jesus
- Thankfulness follows obedience
- “As they went” - i.e. healing after obedience. Faith always sees fruit after obedience. See Noah, Hebrews 11:7f.
- Thankful for the command - leads to obedience - leads to fruit
- That power is linked to our practice of what Jesus taught - in advance of seeing it bear fruit
QUESTION: "How has the power of Jesus showed up in your life?"
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The Heart of Thankfulness - Luke 17:15-16

- Response; praise & thanks
    QUESTION: What motivated the Samaritan to come back to Jesus? Why didn’t the other nine return?
    QUESTION: What does this passage teach you about gratitude?
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Conclusion - Luke 17:17-19

- All about God
- All included
- Positive future
- Faith/salvation
- What do we learn about faith from what Jesus says here?
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Communion:

“After taking the cup, he gave **thanks** and said, “Take this and divide it among you. And he took bread, gave **thanks** and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave **thanks**, broke it and began to give it to them.” Luke 22:17, 19; 24:30 NIV11

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm