The Lord's Actions and Teaching Concerning Thankfulness (Acts 1:1)
Introduction:
1. In the first verse of Acts, Luke referred to the "treatise" he had written earlier [the Gospel of Luke]. 2. In his earlier treatise, Luke had written about the things that Jesus did as well as the things He taught. 3. According to Luke, an inspired writer, the Lord's actions and His teaching are both very important. 4. In our lesson we are concentrating on the Lord's actions and His teaching as they relate to a timely subject -- "thankfulness." a. We read about the Lord's actions during His ministry in all 4 Gospels. b. The Lord's teaching is also found in the New Testament epistles. 5. Let us begin by examining . . .
Discussion:
I. THE LORD'S ACTIONS CONCERNING "THANKFULNESS"
A. Jesus gave thanks on many occasions, including: 1. when He fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:17, 19, 21) 2. when He fed the 4,000 (Matthew 15:34, 36, 38) 3. when He gave instructions for His Supper (Matthew 26:26-29). B. Jesus also thanked the Father: 1. for revealing certain things to certain people (Matthew 11:25) 2. for hearing Him (John 11:41). C. In His dealings with other people,: 1. Jesus commended a Samaritan who thanked Him for curing his leprosy (Luke 17:15-19) 2. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for the way they expressed gratitude (Luke 18:9-12). D. After examining the Lord's actions, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. THE LORD'S TEACHING CONCERNING "THANKFULNESS"
A. We are fortunate to have much of the Lord's teaching recorded in the Gospels. B. However, the Lord's teaching is not limited to the Gospels. C. The New Testament epistles are also the Lord's teaching (1 Corinthians 14:37). D. See: 1. Ephesians 5:3-4, 20 2. Philippians 4:6 3. Colossians 3:15, 17; 4:2 4. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 5. 1 Timothy 2:1; 4:4-5 6. Hebrews 13:15
Conclusion:
1. In closing, let us consider some very important information presented in Hebrews 13:15. 2. This verse teaches us to give thanks "by Him [Jesus]." 3. Let us remember what Jesus did during His ministry. a. He gave thanks often. b. He gave thanks for a variety of reasons. c. He gave thanks under all types of circumstances. 4. This verse also teaches us to give thanks "continually." a. Let us give thanks often. b. Let us give thanks for a variety of reasons. c. Let us give thanks under all types of circumstances. 5. True thankfulness is one of the keys to serving the Lord faithfully.
