1. Each year at this time we are reminded of the importance of being thankful. 2. Everyone needs to be thankful to the Lord for the Gospel that is mentioned in Romans 1:16-17. 3. In Romans 2 Paul showed why Jews need to be thankful for the Gospel. 4. Earlier (1:18-32), Paul showed why Gentiles need to be thankful for the Gospel. a. According to vs.20, the Gentiles had plenty of evidence to lead them to believe in God, but they chose to reject Him. b. Because of their sins, God gave up on the Gentiles (vs.24, 26, 28). c. We are probably familiar with the sins listed in vs.29-31. d. Another sin is mentioned in vs.21 -- "the Gentiles were not thankful." e. The Gospel teaches us: 1) how we can be forgiven of the sins listed in Romans 1 2) how these sins can be overcome. 5. In our lesson we are studying passages that relate to "ingratitude."
Discussion:
I. INGRATITUDE IS NOT LIMITED TO GENTILES
A. The Israelites also had a problem with it. 1. Consider how they acted after God delivered them from Egypt in: a. Exodus 15:22-24 b. Exodus 16:1-3 c. Exodus 17:1-3. 2. The actions of the Israelites lead us to conclude that there is a connection between ingratitude and murmuring. B. Nine of the ten lepers healed by Jesus did not thank Him (Luke 17:12-19). C. Gentiles were certainly guilty of ingratitude, but ingratitude can affect anyone.
II. THE BIBLE REPEATEDLY TEACHES CHRISTIANS (JEWS AND GENTILES) TO BE THANKFUL
A. Ephesians 5:20 B. Philippians 4:6 C. Colossians 4:2 D. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 E. 1 Timothy 2:1
III. INSTRUCTIONS THAT WILL HELP US OVERCOME INGRATITUDE
A. Let us practice the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). B. Let us avoid murmuring (1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:14). C. Let us count our blessings. 1. God gives every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). 2. God gives all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
Conclusion:
1. The Samaritan leper in Luke 17 illustrates how true thankfulness will affect our service to the Lord. 2. Let us always remember what Christ did for us (1 Timothy 1:12-15).
