Sermon Outline Archive 2006:

Sermon Outline Oct 28, 2007 Evening Service

Topic: Worship Is…Thanksgiving

I. In less than a month we’ll be enjoying our celebration of “Thanksgiving”.

II. It’s good to take the time to give thanks.

A. Luke tells of ten men who were having a difficult time (Luke 17:11ff).

B. Their greatest need was to be healed but there was no remedy.

C. But Jesus did step in and heal them.

D. Here was an incredible opportunity for Thanksgiving.

III. This evening we’re going to take a closer look at this story and identify three things that the other nine lepers confused thankfulness with.

I. Thankfulness Is Not The Same As...

A. Respect (vs.12)

1. You’ll notice that the Bible tells us that these ten lepers all “...stood at a distance...” when they located Jesus.

2. Most people today have a certain respect for Him.

3. But respect does not automatically guarantee thankfulness.

B. Recognition (vs.13).

1. All ten recognized Jesus for who He was.

2. In Jesus’ day there was no media coverage to promote Him.

3. Today a lot of people recognize that Jesus Christ is special.

C. Response (vs.14).

1. Jesus told the ten lepers to show themselves to the priests.

2. They all did what they were told but they weren’t all grateful.

3. If you worship God, then you will be obedient to His will.

4. But this one Samaritan leper understood thankfulness.

II. Reasons To Be Thankful:

A. For His Power (Romans 1:16).

1. It’s the power of God that makes it possible for us to have hope.

2. It’s the power of God that makes eternity in heaven a reality.

3. It’s the power of God that makes it possible for us to deal with the trials and temptations of everyday life.

4. His power makes it possible for us to overcome every obstacle.

B. For His Presence (Psalm 139:7-12).

C. For His Provision.

D. For His Person (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).

III. How Do We Thank God?

A. Proclaim the things that God has done (vs.15).

1. This leper was excited.

2. You don’t have to shout but you do have to thank God.

3. And don’t be shy about doing it publicly; let people know how God has blessed you.

B. Recognize the things that God has done (vs. 15).

C. Adore God for what He’s done (vs. 16).

I. Yes, kneeling is uncomfortable.

II. Kneeling doesn’t have any power in and of itself, but kneeling before God may be the most powerful thing you can ever do.