Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

Introduction: Sometime ago a video went viral of a mother who had bought her child some ice cream. The some refused to say thank you so she threw his ice cream in the trash. Many people disapproved of her parenting and believed she was wrong for throwing the ice cream out. When she was asked why she threw away her child’s ice cream, she simply responded, “Because I bought it and you should never forget to say thank you.”

There are many who have gone through life being blessed by God and have perhaps shorted ourselves on blessings because we have forgotten to say thank you.

DT: Make thanking the Lord a priority in your life

Aim: We will thank God regardless of our circumstances and the outcome

Transition: Why should we not forget to thank the Lord for in my life?

The Lord Hears Our Prayers (Luke 17:12-13)

Luke 17:12–13 ESV

And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

It is significant that we get this because these guys in the text were excluded they were ignored by others. They were repudiated because of their disease.

These were lepers:

- they were considered the walking dead

- they were ostracized

- they were required to announce their affliction

unclean

stand at a distance

The text is very direct to point out that they are Samaritans.

They were Samaritans:

- Were despised by the Jewish people

But Jesus heard them and saw them :

- He was not offended by their predicament

- He was not limited by their distance

- He heard their call for mercy

ILLUS: little boy was in a fire …but i see you

Application: Aren’t you glad that Jesus hears you. Regardless of who likes you, your disposition, or your disease, Jesus will hear you!!

Thank The Lord for hearing your prayers. Thank the Lord for seeing you.

The Lord Answers Our Prayers (Luke 17:14)

Luke 17:14 ESV

When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

He did not answer in the way they expected no doubt. He only commanded them to go and show themselves to the priests. This was part of the Jewish custom and law which required anyone who would be cleaned to be released by the priest.

The text says, “as they went they were cleansed.”

Illustration: Now I know what big mama meant when she said, Trust God he may not come when you want him but He is always on time. She meant He will answer you even while you are going. You may not see it but you can believe it.

Transition: Yes, the lord does answer our prayers. But the question is do you thank him for His response to your prayers.

Explain: Nine didn’t respond but one did.

Application: Thank God for answering your prayers.Trust the Lord’s methods. He doesn’t always do things the way you or I expect Him to but one thing is for certain, HE WILL ALWAYS ANSWER!

The Lord is Worthy of Our Praise

Luke 17:16

Luke 17:16 ESV

and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

Jesus has done too much not to Thank Him. He is Worthy.

Doesn’t matter who you are, He is worthy!!