The Power of Intentional Thanksgiving
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Greeting
Happy (early) Thanksgiving!
What are you thankful for?
Thankful for answered prayer
preaching cohort
MeweGODyouwe
Announce text: Luke 17:11-19
Key Text: Luke 17:11-19
Review
Been in KOG series, looking at SOTM, 6 case studies of application to JESUS’ teaching on ethics in the KINGdom
Announce text again: Luke 17:11-19
Have you ever faced a crisis during your lifetime that seemed hopeless at the time? As I look out into this crowd, I see a lot of experienced faces, and I know you all are familiar with what I’m talking about. In fact, JESUS tells us that we should expect trouble in this life.
33 “… In the world you have tribulation ...”
When a job is lost, a diagnosis threatens the loss of ability or even a life, a quarterly exam on a subject we just can’t grasp is in front of us, a bill comes due that is unsurmountable, a relationship is broken seemingly beyond repair, a work obligation takes a husband—a father—far away from family causing a strain on the marriage—the family, a turn in financial security creates uncertainty for the future, the weight of those moments can feel utterly hopeless. We feel powerless to do anything about it, and we are desperate for change.
health diagnosis
job
finances
loss
exam
separation from a spouse for extended period of time
As a parent ...
As a spouse ...
As a young person ...
How did you feel when things turned out okay - perhaps even unexpected, dare i say miraculously so?
What was your response?
Invitational Prayer for HOLY SPIRIT to inspire us to move us to action
Message
Message
The Power of Intentional Thanksgiving
The Power of Intentional Thanksgiving
For a moment, imagine pausing in the midst of those circumstances and choosing intentional thanksgiving instead of giving into despair.
This morning we will be looking at a story in which a group of people were in the most desperate place imaginable, and they were powerless to do anything about it. But a place of desperation became an opportunity for change when they had an encounter with JESUS.
Big Idea: Intentional thanksgiving to JESUS transforms our perspective, and deepens our faith, aligning our hearts with HIS purpose and grace.
in the scenarios above
distracted
or opportunity to see GOD work?
1. Recognizing Our Need
1. Recognizing Our Need
Intentional thanksgiving begins with recognizing our need for JESUS.
11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.
12 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him;
13 and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed.
While HE was on the way … how many times do we read this? JESUS is never to busy to meet a need. Story of Good Samaritan?
Lepers in Jesus' day were social outcasts. Their highly contagious condition ostracized them from those they loved When ten lepers encountered Jesus, they desperately implored Him to show them mercy. Jesus sent them to the priest. As they obeyed, they were healed! Imagine what unrestrained joy must have filled them as they ran back home again!
As HE entered a village … stood at a distance … These ten men had been forbidden to enter their own villages, to live in their own homes, to work in their own jobs, or even to touch their own children.
JESUS, MASTER, have mercy on us! … recognize JESUS & believe HE has power to heal them
HE saw them … when JESUS looks at you, there is compassion in HIS Eyes, Love in HIS Heart, Mercy on HIS Lips, and Grace in HIS Arms. What unchangeable problem are you facing this morning? What issue seems impossible for you today? Great news! HE sees you, and there is compassion in HIS Eyes, Love in HIS Heart, Mercy on HIS Lips, and Grace in HIS Arms!
Go and show … JESUS gives a command requiring obedience. Remember Naaman? Initial response was to refuse.
as they were going … obedience = faith, faith = obedience; acted on belief, demonstrating faith. the result?
they were cleansed … as they were going? not at HIS Word, not at HIS Touch (as at other times). Their healing was dependent upon their faith.
Who do you call on in times of adversity? Do you acknowledge the opportunity to see JESUS move on your behalf? JESUS is the ultimate Healer—offering complete healing. We must always turn to JESUS and trust HIM in any situation. HE is always working for our good—even when things don’t turn out how we want. We need to begin every need with a recognition of JESUS’ Sovereignty.
2. Returning With Praise
2. Returning With Praise
Once we’ve recognized our need, and JESUS meets that need, we must express our gratitude to HIM.
15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice,
16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan.
one of them … the only one to give thanks. The other 10 were reveling in their newfound health. Restoration to community. Ten men were joyfully rushing to share the good news with those they loved. But only one considered the Source of that blessing and stopped to thank and worship the One who had given him back his life.
when he saw he had been healed … immediately returns
turned back … sign of repentance
glorifying GOD with a loud voice … illustrating & demonstrating the transformative power of intentional thanksgiving
he fell on his face … act of worship
giving thanks to HIM … Greek word for thanks means gratitude
he was a Samaritan … despised & shunned by Jews, half-Jews, not Jewish enough. Despite this, JESUS—HIMSELF a Jew—had healed him!
The terms "thankful" and "grateful" are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct concepts in terms of depth, duration, and focus. Thankfulness is typically an immediate, situational emotional response to a specific event or act of kindness, such as someone holding a door open or buying a coffee It is often automatic and temporary, fading as the moment passes For example, feeling thankful for a meal or for avoiding a negative outcome, like an airbag working during an accident, illustrates this transient nature.
In contrast, gratitude is a deeper, more enduring state of being or mindset that involves a conscious, ongoing appreciation for the good in life, regardless of circumstances It is not dependent on a specific external event but rather reflects an internal attitude of awareness, acceptance, and compassion Gratitude can be practiced even during difficult times, allowing individuals to find value and meaning in their experiences without denying hardship It is often described as a choice rather than a reaction, involving active reflection and intentional appreciation
While thankfulness focuses on the present moment and specific benefits received, gratitude encompasses a broader, more reflective perspective that acknowledges the cumulative good in one's life It can inspire actions such as writing a gratitude letter, which goes beyond a simple thank-you note Gratitude also involves an openness to receiving more, reflecting an abundance mindset, whereas thankfulness is more about appreciating what one already has
In summary, thankfulness is a fleeting emotional reaction to a specific occurrence, while gratitude is a sustained, internal attitude of appreciation that shapes one’s overall outlook on life.
3. Restored Through Gratitude
3. Restored Through Gratitude
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they?
where are they … JESUS expects our gratitude
18 “Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?”
except this foreigner … implies the others were Jews
19 And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”
Stand up and go … another command to demonstrate faith
your faith has made you well … JESUS acknowledges the act of returning to give thanks, affirming the leper’s faith and its role in his complete restoration.
We, too, have been healed and made whole by the Savior. We are free to enjoy the abundant life the Savior has graciously given us. Could we, like the nine lepers, rush off so quickly to glory in our blessings without stopping to thank our Redeemer? God looks for our thanks. Our worship, prayers, service, and daily life ought to be saturated with thanksgiving to God.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Remember the words of Paul:
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
So, pj … What’s the point?
Conclusion
Conclusion
Intentional thanksgiving seals JESUS' work in our lives, affirming the transformative power of gratitude and faith. Let me encourage us this morning to reflect on your blessings, which feeds the understanding of the depth of our need for JESUS. May we, too, respond with intentional thanksgiving. What might that look like? The next time—or for those who are currently enduring a crisis in life—what if, in the midst of financial strain, we listed three ways God has already provided; what if, while waiting for a long‑distance loved-one to return, we thanked Him for the technology that keeps us connected; what if, facing a loss of mobility, we praised JESUS for the strength HE’s already given us to persevere?
Each of those grateful pauses rewires our perspective, deepening the faith that tells us “this, too, is in GOD’s hands.” It aligns our hearts with His purpose and grace, turning a season of despair into a testimony of hope. This helps us to recognize the transformative power of gratitude in our lives. By reflecting on the blessings we often take for granted, we can develop a habit of intentional thanksgiving, which fosters deeper faith and joy in JESUS.
Intentional thanksgiving is an act of worship that acknowledges GOD's goodness and mercy. It distinguishes between those who receive blessings and those who appreciate them, urging us to actively express our gratitude to God.
How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Jesus as the source of healing and restoration, foreshadowing His ultimate work of redemption on the cross. Thanksgiving to Christ embodies our recognition of His sovereign power and grace throughout biblical history.
Closing prayer & benediction
24 The Lord bless you, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.’
Scripture records the following words in v.27:
27 “So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.”
So, receive and go with the blessings of YAHWEH!
