Overcoming Entitlement: Embracing Humility and Gratitude
Summary
Entitlement is a subtle but pervasive attitude that can creep into our hearts, often without us realizing it. It’s the belief that we deserve special treatment, that others owe us, or that we are somehow more deserving than those around us. This mindset stands in stark contrast to the humility and gratitude that Jesus calls us to embody. The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 powerfully illustrates this. These men, outcasts with no hope, could only beg for mercy. When Jesus healed them, only one—a Samaritan, the least likely in the eyes of the Jews—returned to give thanks. His response was not just a polite gesture, but a heartfelt, public outpouring of gratitude, falling at Jesus’ feet and glorifying God.
This encounter challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we like the nine who received God’s grace and moved on, or like the one who returned to express deep appreciation? Every blessing we enjoy—our families, opportunities, health, and even our very lives—are gifts from God, not entitlements. We are not more deserving than others simply because of our circumstances. Recognizing this truth should lead us to humility, gratitude, and a willingness to serve others without expectation.
Practically, this means cultivating habits that push back against entitlement. First, we must learn to ask, not demand. A simple “please” reflects humility and acknowledges that we are not owed anything by others or by God. Second, we should make it a practice to express our gratitude, both to God and to those around us. Saying “thank you” is not just good manners; it is a spiritual discipline that keeps our hearts soft and aware of grace. Third, when we are wrong, we must be quick to admit it and say “I’m sorry.” Humility in our relationships—whether at home, work, or church—reflects the character of Christ, who, though He was God, humbled Himself for our sake.
Ultimately, the antidote to entitlement is to follow the example of Jesus, who laid aside His rights and privileges to serve and save us. As we remember who we are—undeserving recipients of God’s mercy—we are freed to live with gratitude, humility, and a servant’s heart.
Key Takeaways
- True humility recognizes that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God, not something we are owed. When we see ourselves as recipients of grace rather than as people entitled to blessings, it transforms our posture toward God and others. This perspective keeps us grounded and grateful, no matter our circumstances. [03:46]
- Asking rather than demanding is a practical way to cultivate humility. Whether in our families, workplaces, or before God, using “please” acknowledges that we have no leverage or right to insist on our way. This small word can reveal the state of our hearts and help us resist the subtle pull of entitlement. [14:25]
- Expressing gratitude audibly and tangibly is essential for a healthy spiritual life. Saying “thank you” is not just about politeness; it is a way to remind ourselves and others that we are not entitled to kindness or blessings. Regular, heartfelt thanksgiving—both to God and to people—shapes us into grateful, joyful followers of Christ. [23:05]
- Entitlement blinds us to the blessings we have and leads to complaining and dissatisfaction. When we fail to thank God and others, we quickly forget past mercies and focus on what we lack. Cultivating a habit of daily thanksgiving protects our hearts from bitterness and keeps us aware of God’s ongoing goodness. [29:06]
- Humility is demonstrated not only in gratitude but also in our willingness to admit when we are wrong. Saying “I’m sorry” is a powerful antidote to entitlement, as it requires us to lay down our pride and acknowledge our faults. This practice fosters healthy relationships and reflects the character of Christ, who humbled Himself for our sake. [35:45]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - The Airport Story: Entitlement in Everyday Life
[03:00] - Entitlement vs. Biblical Humility
[04:47] - The Ten Lepers: Setting the Scene
[06:20] - Leprosy and Social Outcasts
[08:23] - The Lepers’ Desperate Plea
[09:12] - Our Position: Recipients of Grace
[12:54] - Don’t Demand, Say Please
[15:10] - Entitlement in Everyday Requests
[16:32] - Entitlement in Our Relationship with God
[17:39] - Jesus’ Response and the Lepers’ Healing
[20:12] - The Grateful Samaritan
[23:05] - The Power of Saying Thank You
[26:10] - The Danger of Forgetting Gratitude
[32:03] - Thanking Those Who Serve
[32:58] - Jesus Calls Out Entitlement
[35:45] - Be Humble and Say Sorry
[37:34] - Modern Examples of Entitlement
[39:59] - Christ’s Example of Humility
[41:34] - Closing and Final Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Saying No to Entitlement”
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### Bible Reading
Luke 17:11-19 (NKJV)
Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”
And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the ten lepers, what did the lepers ask Jesus for, and how did they approach Him? ([08:23])
2. What was unique about the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, and how did he express his gratitude? ([20:12])
3. According to Jesus, what was the difference between the one who returned and the nine who did not? ([32:58])
4. What instructions did Jesus give to the lepers after they asked for mercy? ([17:39])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think only one leper returned to thank Jesus, even though all ten were healed? What does this reveal about human nature and gratitude? ([27:55])
2. The sermon mentions that entitlement is a subtle attitude that can creep into our hearts. How does the story of the ten lepers illustrate the difference between entitlement and humility? ([03:46])
3. The one who returned was a Samaritan, someone considered an outsider by the Jews. What might Jesus be teaching us by highlighting that it was the “foreigner” who showed gratitude? ([20:12])
4. The pastor said, “We are not more deserving than others simply because of our circumstances.” How does this truth challenge the way we view our blessings and the people around us? ([09:12])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon encourages us to “ask, not demand,” and to use the word “please” as a sign of humility. In your daily life, are there situations where you tend to demand rather than ask? How can you practice humility in your requests this week? ([14:25])
2. Think about the last time someone did something kind for you—did you express your gratitude out loud? What are some practical ways you can make “thank you” a regular part of your conversations at home, work, or church? ([23:05])
3. The pastor shared a story about helping someone at the airport who didn’t say thank you. How do you usually respond when your efforts go unacknowledged? Does it reveal anything about your own expectations or sense of entitlement? ([01:08])
4. The sermon warns that entitlement can lead to complaining and dissatisfaction. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself complaining more than giving thanks? What is one thing you can do to shift your focus toward gratitude this week? ([29:06])
5. When was the last time you admitted you were wrong and said “I’m sorry” to someone? What makes it hard to do this, and how can you grow in humility in your relationships? ([35:45])
6. The example of Jesus in Philippians 2 shows us that He laid aside His rights and privileges to serve others. What is one specific way you can follow Jesus’ example of humility and service in your family, workplace, or church this month? ([39:59])
7. The pastor suggested making a habit of daily thanksgiving, even writing a list of things you’re grateful for. Would you be willing to try this practice for a week? How do you think it might affect your attitude and relationships? ([29:06])
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Closing Thought:
Remember, every good thing in our lives is a gift from God, not something we are owed. As we learn to say “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry,” we push back against entitlement and grow in humility, gratitude, and Christlikeness.
Devotional
Day 1: All Good Gifts Come from God, Not Entitlement
Every blessing and good thing in life is not something we are owed, but a gracious gift from God. When we recognize that we are not entitled to anything, it humbles us and reminds us to be grateful for what we have rather than demanding more. This perspective helps us see our lives, our families, and our opportunities as evidence of God’s mercy, not our own merit. Let us remember that our position, resources, and even our very breath are gifts from the Lord, and not the result of our own deserving. [03:46]
James 1:17 (NKJV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Reflection: What is one specific blessing in your life that you have taken for granted? Take a moment today to thank God for it, acknowledging that it is a gift from Him and not something you are entitled to.
Day 2: Approach God and Others with Humility—Don’t Demand, Say Please
When we ask for help or make requests, whether to God or to others, we should do so with humility, not with a sense of entitlement. Saying “please” is a simple but powerful way to remind ourselves that we are not owed anything and that the other person has the right to say yes or no. This posture of humility keeps our hearts soft and grateful, and it reflects the attitude of the ten lepers who, with no leverage, simply pleaded for mercy from Jesus. Let us cultivate a spirit that asks, not demands, and that recognizes our dependence on God’s grace and the kindness of others. [12:54]
Luke 17:11-14 (NKJV)
Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
Reflection: Think of a request you need to make today—whether to God, a family member, or a coworker. How can you approach it with humility, using “please” and recognizing their freedom to respond?
Day 3: Show Appreciation—Say Thank You
Expressing gratitude is a powerful antidote to entitlement. When we say “thank you” to God and to others, we acknowledge that we have received something we did not deserve. The one healed leper who returned to Jesus to give thanks demonstrated a heart of deep appreciation, and his example calls us to do the same. Saying “thank you” out loud, not just in our hearts, helps us and those around us remember the grace we have received. Let us be intentional in expressing our thanks, both to God for His salvation and daily blessings, and to the people who serve and help us. [21:13]
Luke 17:15-16 (NKJV)
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
Reflection: Who is one person you can thank today for something they have done for you—no matter how small? Take time to express your gratitude in a way they can clearly hear.
Day 4: Be Humble When Wrong—Say Sorry
Admitting when we are wrong and saying “I’m sorry” is a mark of humility and a safeguard against entitlement. Entitlement resists correction and refuses to acknowledge fault, but humility is quick to confess and seek forgiveness. Whether in our families, workplaces, or church, being willing to apologize restores relationships and keeps our hearts soft before God and others. As Scripture reminds us, God is faithful to forgive when we confess, and we are called to extend that same grace to one another. [35:45]
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Reflection: Is there someone you need to apologize to today for a wrong attitude, word, or action? Ask God for the humility to say “I’m sorry” and take the first step toward reconciliation.
Day 5: Follow Christ’s Example of Humility
The ultimate model of a life free from entitlement is Jesus Christ, who, though He was God, humbled Himself and became a servant, even to the point of death on a cross. We are called to have the same mindset as Christ—laying aside our rights, serving others, and living with humility. When we remember who we are and what Christ has done for us, we are empowered to reject entitlement and live lives marked by gratitude, service, and Christlike humility. [39:59]
Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle with entitlement? How can you intentionally imitate Christ’s humility in that area this week?
Quotes
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