Being Thankful Luke 17:11-19

Many Blessings Many have never –Rode in a car –Flew in an airplane –Watched television –Talked on a cell phone Why they risk death to get here

Should Be Thankful Feasts of thanksgiving under the Law of Moses Abound in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7; 4:2)

Ingratitude All too common –Few recognize the source (James 1:17) –Not all are thankful (Text) –Ingratitude is a sin (Romans 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Good Health Not enjoyed by many –Are you in good health? Am I? –A relative condition –“I complained I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.” (Arabian proverb)

Good Health Appreciate the use of our senses? –Take them for granted –Good health to be treasured (Jeremiah 30:17; 33:6; 3 John 2) –Worse yet, we complain

Happy Home Not enjoyed by all –Divorce, desertion, marital strife –Drunkenness, mental and physical abuse

Happy Home What about your situation? –Have a good wife? (Proverbs 31:10-31) –Loving husband? (Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7) –Obedient children? (Ephesians 6:1-3) –Make good memories before death comes

Employment Many have lost jobs –Causes hardship and stress –Remember where our real treasure is (Luke 12:15)

Employment Thankful to have a job? –Able to provide (1 Timothy 5:8) –Honor and necessity of work (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11) –Don’t work; don’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10) –Learn to be content (Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 13:5)

Faithful Church Many not as fortunate –Often no Christians in the area –Or, only unfaithful ones

Faithful Church Be thankful for this church –Paul’s prayer (Philippians 1:3) –Place to teach and assemble –Problems can be solved

Blessings In Christ Not enjoyed by most people –Have not obeyed the Gospel –Lack access to God (Hebrews 7:25) –All blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:6; James 5:16) –Walk in the light (1 John 1:7)

Blessings In Christ Intended these blessings for all –Gospel for all (Romans 1:16) –Available to all (2 Corinthians 5:14) –Desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9)

Conclusion Christians need not worry (Philippians 4:6, 7) Are you a Christian?