Thanksgiving_-_Working_Final.docx

This sermon, delivered on Thanksgiving weekend, calls us to move beyond the surface-level gratitude often associated with the holiday and embrace a deep, transformative thankfulness that shapes our relationship with God and others. Using the story of the ten lepers from Luke 17, the message explores why genuine gratitude is so rare, even among those who have received great blessings. The narrative highlights the profound brokenness of the lepers, the faith required to obey Jesus’ command, and the unique response of the one Samaritan who returned to give thanks. Through the example of Mabel, a woman who found joy and gratitude in the midst of suffering, the sermon illustrates that gratitude is a deliberate choice, not a natural reaction. Practical steps are offered to cultivate a lifestyle of thankfulness, reminding us that everything we have is a gift from God, and that returning to Him with grateful hearts opens us to deeper relationship and greater blessing.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Gratitude is a Deliberate Spiritual Discipline, Not an Automatic Response The story of the ten lepers reveals that even miraculous blessings do not guarantee a grateful heart. Nine out of ten moved on with their lives, forgetting the source of their healing. True gratitude requires intentionality—a conscious decision to return to God, acknowledge His goodness, and resist the pull of self-sufficiency or entitlement. This discipline shapes our spiritual maturity and keeps us connected to the Giver, not just the gifts.
• 2. Recognizing Our Brokenness Deepens Our Appreciation for Grace The lepers’ physical and social devastation mirrors our own spiritual neediness. When we understand the depth of our brokenness—how much we depend on God for every breath, relationship, and opportunity—we become more aware of the magnitude of His mercy. Gratitude grows in the soil of humility, as we realize that nothing we have is self-generated, and every good thing is a sign of God’s grace.
• 3. Blessings Can Distract Us from the Blesser The nine healed lepers were not overtly rebellious; they were simply swept up in the excitement of restored lives. Our own blessings—health, success, relationships—can subtly shift our focus from God to ourselves, fostering a sense of self-reliance. The challenge is to let every blessing become a prompt for worship, not a reason to forget the One who provides.
• 4. Gratitude Transforms Suffering and Sustains Joy Mabel’s story demonstrates that gratitude is possible even in the most painful and isolating circumstances. Her joy was not rooted in her situation, but in her focus on Jesus’ goodness. When we choose to see God’s faithfulness in the midst of hardship, gratitude becomes a source of resilience, enabling us to experience peace and even joy where others see only loss.
• 5. Cultivating Gratitude Requires Specific, Daily Practices Deep thankfulness is nurtured through habits: starting each day with acknowledgment of God’s gifts, naming specific blessings, keeping a gratitude journal, and expressing thanks publicly. Practicing gratitude in both good times and bad trains our hearts to recognize God’s presence and provision at all times. These disciplines not only draw us closer to God but also transform our relationships and outlook on life.

1. In the story from Luke 17, what was the condition of the ten men who met Jesus, and how did their lives look before they encountered Him?
2. What did Jesus tell the lepers to do after they cried out for mercy, and what happened as they obeyed?
3. Out of the ten men who were healed, how many returned to thank Jesus? What do we learn about the one who did return?
4. According to the sermon, what was unique about the man who came back to Jesus, and why is that detail important?

1. The sermon says that gratitude is a deliberate choice, not an automatic reaction. Why might most people, even after receiving blessings, fail to return to God with thanks?
2. How does recognizing our own brokenness or neediness, like the lepers, help us appreciate God’s grace more deeply?
3. The nine lepers who didn’t return weren’t described as rebellious, just busy with their new lives. What does this suggest about how blessings can distract us from the One who gives them?
4. Mabel’s story was shared as an example of gratitude in suffering. What does her attitude teach us about the source of true joy and thankfulness?

1. The sermon described gratitude as a spiritual discipline that requires intentionality. What is one specific way you could make gratitude a daily habit this week (for example, starting a gratitude journal or naming three things you’re thankful for each morning)?
2. Think about a recent blessing or answered prayer in your life. Did you take time to return to God and thank Him, or did you move on quickly? What could you do differently next time?
3. Are there areas in your life where you tend to feel self-sufficient or entitled, forgetting that everything is a gift from God? How can you remind yourself of your dependence on Him?
4. When you face hard times or suffering, is it easy or difficult for you to find reasons to be grateful? What might help you, like Mabel, to focus on God’s goodness even in pain?
5. The sermon suggested expressing gratitude publicly, not just privately. Is there someone you could thank this week—either God or another person—in a way that encourages others?
6. Blessings can sometimes distract us from the Blesser. Is there a good thing in your life right now that might be taking your focus off God? What step could you take to turn that blessing into a reason for worship instead of distraction?
7. How might practicing gratitude change your relationships with others—family, friends, coworkers? Can you think of a specific relationship that could be transformed if you approached it with more thankfulness?