Pastor Matt reminded us about the importance of feeling thankful and expressing our gratitude to God. When we withhold our thanksgiving, a sense of entitlement can creep up on us. When we say "thank you" to God, we feel his delight.
MY STORY
If you could find the person who made a significant, positive impact on you as a child, and say "thank you" to that individual, who would it be? What did they do that was so empowering to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21)
Then one of [the lepers], when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:16-18)
What did Paul say happen to the people who refuse to honor God by giving thanks to him?
What are some modern-day expressions of this?
Why did Jesus seem surprised that only one of the lepers he healed come back to say "thank you" to him?
What does God want us to hear? What are some of the more factual takeaways from this passage for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt mentioned, "The Apostle Paul says that at the root of humanity's fall, at the root of our sin, is something deceptively simple - a lack of gratitude."
How do you feel when you go out of your way to help someone, and he or she doesn't say "thank you"?
What kind of relational damage occurs when people refuse to feel or express thanks? How does this turn into blights upon the soul?
Who has done something for you, something meaningful and impactful, who would also delight in receiving your gratitude?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and new understanding, how is the Holy Spirit nudging us?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Make a list of ten things you value, and rank them according to their importance to you.
Go through each one, and think about how God is ultimately the source of the joy and meaning you get from that particular relationship, responsibility, or thing. And then express your thanks to God.
If something on that list is a result of someone's compassion, generosity, or actions, contact that individual this week and say thank you.
Extra credit: Write a thank you note to someone who helped you more than ten years ago.
What does God want ME to do? Based on your answers to these questions, toward what creative actions is the Holy Spirit leading you?
Message Notes
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