Seeing and Expressing Gratitude in Worship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Creek! Today, we embark on a new sermon series called "The Practice," focusing on cultivating a lifestyle of worship. This series builds on our previous exploration of the book of Revelation, where we learned that worship is essential to combat the destructive forces around us. Our allegiance is to Jesus and the kingdom of heaven, not this world. This new way of living requires a new way of seeing and focusing.
Our passage today is from Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus heals ten men with leprosy. These men, suffering from various skin conditions, were ostracized from their community and desperate for a miracle. They cried out to Jesus, calling Him "Master," a term indicating their faith in His power to perform miracles. Jesus instructed them to show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they were cleansed. However, only one man, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus, demonstrating a profound faith and gratitude.
This story highlights the importance of seeing and recognizing God's work in our lives. The nine men were so focused on the task that they missed the miracle. In contrast, the Samaritan saw, returned, and expressed his gratitude, experiencing a holistic healing that went beyond physical restoration. This act of gratitude is more than a fleeting thankfulness; it is a deep, personalized expression of appreciation to Jesus.
In our busy lives, we often miss the everyday miracles because we are in a constant hurry. Our culture values speed and efficiency, but Jesus calls us to slow down and see the goodness of God. By practicing gratitude, we align ourselves with God's kingdom and experience the abundant life He offers. This week, let's make space to see and express our gratitude for all that Jesus has done.
### Key Takeaways
1. Cultivating a Lifestyle of Worship: Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a daily practice that shapes us into citizens of God's kingdom. It helps us combat the destructive forces around us and align our lives with Jesus and His kingdom. This requires a new way of seeing and focusing on God's work in our lives. [36:01]
2. The Power of Faith and Gratitude: The Samaritan leper's faith and gratitude set him apart from the other nine. His return to thank Jesus was an act of profound faith, recognizing Jesus' authority and power. This gratitude led to a holistic healing, showing that true faith involves seeing and acknowledging God's work in our lives. [49:47]
3. The Danger of Hurry: Our culture values speed and efficiency, often causing us to miss the everyday miracles around us. Like the nine lepers, we can be so focused on our tasks that we overlook God's blessings. Jesus calls us to slow down, see, and appreciate the goodness of God in our lives. [48:13]
4. Holistic Healing and Restoration: Jesus' healing goes beyond physical restoration. The Samaritan leper experienced a holistic healing, being made well in body, mind, and spirit. This kind of healing brings us into a new relationship with God and others, aligning us with God's shalom, where everything is as it should be. [54:49]
5. Expressing Gratitude: True gratitude is a personalized expression of thanks to Jesus for specific actions. It involves recognizing and appreciating the everyday miracles and blessings in our lives. Practicing gratitude not only aligns us with God's kingdom but also brings emotional and physical benefits, such as reduced stress and improved heart health. [53:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:01] - Introduction to "The Practice" Series
[37:52] - Reading from Luke 17:11-19
[39:52] - Understanding Leprosy and Social Ostracism
[43:01] - The Desperation and Faith of the Lepers
[46:49] - The Importance of Seeing God's Work
[48:13] - The Danger of Hurry in Our Lives
[49:47] - The Samaritan's Act of Gratitude
[51:03] - Jesus' Holistic Healing and Restoration
[53:04] - The Practice of Gratitude
[54:49] - Being Made Well: Holistic Healing
[56:48] - Extending God's Kingdom
[58:52] - Practicing Seeing and Gratitude
[01:01:02] - Community Gratitude Exercise
[01:12:32] - Generosity and Giving
[01:13:44] - Closing and Charge
[01:14:53] - Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 17:11-19
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the ten men with leprosy call out to Jesus, and what does this term indicate about their belief in Him? ([43:39])
2. What specific instruction did Jesus give to the ten men, and what happened as they followed it? ([45:16])
3. How did the Samaritan leper's response differ from the other nine after they were healed? ([46:49])
4. What did Jesus say to the Samaritan leper after he returned to thank Him, and what does the term "made well" imply in this context? ([54:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus, and what does this reveal about the nature of gratitude and faith? ([46:49])
2. How does the story of the Samaritan leper illustrate the concept of holistic healing and restoration? ([54:49])
3. In what ways does our culture's emphasis on speed and efficiency hinder our ability to see and appreciate God's work in our lives? ([48:13])
4. How does the act of expressing gratitude align us with God's kingdom and bring about emotional and physical benefits? ([53:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were so focused on a task that you missed seeing God's work in your life. How can you make space to notice and appreciate God's blessings this week? ([46:49])
2. The Samaritan leper's gratitude was a personalized expression of thanks to Jesus. What specific actions or blessings can you thank Jesus for today? ([52:07])
3. Our culture values hurry and efficiency. What practical steps can you take to slow down and be more mindful of God's presence in your daily life? ([48:13])
4. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of worship beyond Sunday services? Identify one daily practice that can help you focus on God's work in your life. ([36:01])
5. The sermon mentioned the emotional and physical benefits of practicing gratitude. How can you incorporate a gratitude practice into your daily routine, and what changes do you hope to see as a result? ([53:04])
6. Think about a person or situation in your life where you need to express gratitude. How can you take a step this week to show your appreciation in a meaningful way? ([52:07])
7. Jesus' holistic healing brought the Samaritan leper into a new relationship with God and others. How can you seek holistic healing in your own life, and what steps can you take to restore relationships that may be broken? ([54:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating a Lifestyle of Worship
Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a daily practice that shapes us into citizens of God's kingdom. It helps us combat the destructive forces around us and align our lives with Jesus and His kingdom. This requires a new way of seeing and focusing on God's work in our lives. [36:01]
In our daily lives, worship should be more than just a ritual we perform on Sundays. It is a continuous practice that transforms us and aligns us with the values of God's kingdom. Worship helps us to combat the negative influences and destructive forces that we encounter in the world. By focusing on Jesus and His teachings, we can cultivate a lifestyle that reflects our allegiance to Him and His kingdom. This new way of living requires a shift in our perspective, allowing us to see and recognize God's work in our lives more clearly.
As we go about our daily routines, it is essential to make time for worship and reflection. This can be through prayer, reading scripture, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. By doing so, we can strengthen our relationship with God and become more attuned to His presence in our lives. Worship is not just an act of devotion but a way of life that shapes our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV)
"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to help you stay focused on God's work in your life?
Day 2: The Power of Faith and Gratitude
The Samaritan leper's faith and gratitude set him apart from the other nine. His return to thank Jesus was an act of profound faith, recognizing Jesus' authority and power. This gratitude led to a holistic healing, showing that true faith involves seeing and acknowledging God's work in our lives. [49:47]
In the story of the ten lepers, the Samaritan's act of returning to thank Jesus demonstrates the power of faith and gratitude. While all ten lepers were healed physically, only the Samaritan experienced a deeper, holistic healing because he recognized and acknowledged Jesus' authority and power. His gratitude was not just a simple thank you but a profound expression of faith that set him apart from the others. This act of returning to Jesus and giving thanks highlights the importance of seeing and acknowledging God's work in our lives.
True faith involves more than just believing in God's power; it requires us to actively recognize and appreciate His blessings. When we take the time to express our gratitude, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with God and experience His healing in all aspects of our lives. Gratitude helps us to see the everyday miracles and blessings that we might otherwise overlook, allowing us to live a more abundant and fulfilling life.
Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Think of a recent blessing or miracle in your life. How can you express your gratitude to Jesus for this specific action today?
Day 3: The Danger of Hurry
Our culture values speed and efficiency, often causing us to miss the everyday miracles around us. Like the nine lepers, we can be so focused on our tasks that we overlook God's blessings. Jesus calls us to slow down, see, and appreciate the goodness of God in our lives. [48:13]
In today's fast-paced world, we are often in a constant hurry, trying to accomplish as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. This focus on speed and efficiency can cause us to miss the everyday miracles and blessings that God places in our lives. The story of the ten lepers illustrates this danger, as nine of them were so focused on the task of showing themselves to the priests that they missed the opportunity to return and thank Jesus for their healing. Only the Samaritan took the time to slow down, see, and appreciate the goodness of God.
Jesus calls us to adopt a different approach, one that values slowing down and being present in the moment. By doing so, we can become more aware of God's work in our lives and develop a deeper sense of gratitude. Taking the time to pause and reflect allows us to see the beauty and goodness that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is in these moments of stillness that we can truly appreciate the blessings that God has given us and experience His peace and presence.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV)
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself constantly in a hurry? How can you intentionally slow down and make space to see and appreciate God's blessings today?
Day 4: Holistic Healing and Restoration
Jesus' healing goes beyond physical restoration. The Samaritan leper experienced a holistic healing, being made well in body, mind, and spirit. This kind of healing brings us into a new relationship with God and others, aligning us with God's shalom, where everything is as it should be. [54:49]
The healing that Jesus offers is not limited to physical restoration; it encompasses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. In the story of the ten lepers, the Samaritan who returned to thank Jesus experienced a holistic healing that went beyond the physical. This kind of healing brings about a transformation that affects every aspect of our lives, aligning us with God's shalom, where everything is as it should be. Holistic healing involves being made well in our relationships with God, ourselves, and others.
When we experience holistic healing, we are brought into a new relationship with God, one that is characterized by peace, wholeness, and well-being. This transformation allows us to live more fully and abundantly, reflecting God's love and grace in our interactions with others. By seeking holistic healing, we open ourselves up to the fullness of God's blessings and experience the true meaning of shalom.
Isaiah 58:8-9 (ESV)
"Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need holistic healing? How can you invite Jesus to bring restoration to your body, mind, and spirit today?
Day 5: Expressing Gratitude
True gratitude is a personalized expression of thanks to Jesus for specific actions. It involves recognizing and appreciating the everyday miracles and blessings in our lives. Practicing gratitude not only aligns us with God's kingdom but also brings emotional and physical benefits, such as reduced stress and improved heart health. [53:04]
Expressing gratitude is more than just a polite gesture; it is a personalized and heartfelt acknowledgment of the specific ways in which Jesus has blessed us. True gratitude involves recognizing and appreciating the everyday miracles and blessings that we often take for granted. By practicing gratitude, we align ourselves with God's kingdom and open our hearts to His presence in our lives. This practice not only deepens our relationship with God but also brings numerous emotional and physical benefits, such as reduced stress and improved heart health.
Taking the time to express gratitude helps us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and fosters a sense of contentment and joy. It shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we have been given, allowing us to see the abundance of God's blessings. By making gratitude a regular practice, we can cultivate a more positive and resilient mindset, better equipped to face the challenges of life with faith and hope.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Think of three specific blessings or miracles in your life. How can you express your gratitude to Jesus for these today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our allegiance is to Jesus and the kingdom of heaven. And this is going to require a new way of seeing, a new way of focusing. Because this isn't, we want to be formed and shaped into something different than this world is forming and shaping us." [36:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus saw him, not as somebody who was unacceptable, unclean, unworthy to be in God's presence, but he saw him as a man created in God's image. A man whose incredible faith is an example for all of us." [38:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is calling us to a very different set of values and practices, a different way of living. He's calling us to a way of life so that we can see all the goodness of God, all those hundreds of thousands and millions of gifts that are right in front of us if we just take time to see, to be on the lookout for all the everyday miracles." [48:13] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When the Samaritan came back to express his gratitude, Jesus says, rise and go. Your faith has made you well. Now, it's hard, it's easy to miss that in English because we have all through here, you're cleansed, you're healed, now you're made well. It's like, okay, well, those are all kind of the same things. But in Greek, all those words are different." [54:49] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's healing and God's wholeness are for all people. Regardless of socioeconomic level or political beliefs. Regardless of ethnicity or language. Regardless of gender or sex or education. Or any of these things that separate us from one another." [56:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In their hurry, and their focus on the task, they missed the miracle. Can anybody else relate? Whenever someone's like, hey, how you doing? Oh, I'm busy, I'm just really busy. It's a really busy season for me. I mean, I'm guilty of that, right? I am busy, it is a busy time. I'm busy because I've been called to so many things." [46:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Hurry actually empties out our soul. And it doesn't take long when we look at our culture and our habits, the things that we do every day over and over, we can begin to see, oh, maybe that's why we value hurry so much. I mean, think about high-speed internet. Yeah? Right? Fast food, same-day delivery, entertainment available instantly at your fingertips." [48:13] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He saw that Jesus wasn't just an ordinary teacher or a rabbi, but someone who has the power and authority and is worthy of all honor and praise. He saw that Jesus was greater than the priests. Jesus had the power to declare him clean." [51:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This is exuberant thanksgiving. This is full-bodied, full-hearted gratitude. This is the proper response after we see all that God is doing. We have to express. Our Now this is more than just a quick, like, God, thank you for this food. Amen. That's not bad. It's different. It's a personalized expression of gratitude to a real person for a specific action." [52:07] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So how will you respond to the incredible gift that Jesus, has given you in giving this new abundant life? Will you make space this week? Can you imagine now, just sitting here, how can you make space to really see? Will you make the space to see and then express your gratitude for all he's done?" [58:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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