2013 MARCH WEEK THREE LESSON

STUDY 16: UNGRATEFULNESS, A HINDRANCE TO EFFECTIVE PRAISE

Main Text: Luke 17:11-18

Memory Verse: Psalm 105:1

Introduction

Jesus healed ten lepers, all of them were outcasts; perhaps they approached Jesus with humility and a sense of expectation, but nine were ungrateful. Why were the nine ungrateful? This is an issue of concern in this study. For this nine, ingratitude seemed to be the dominant attitude towards the Jesus who gave such an extraordinarily undeserved gift. The nine, possibly Jews and descendants of Abraham, may have considered themselves “qualified” to receive the healing. 

Study Questions

1.       Jesus asked a question, “Where are the nine”? What is the implication of this question?

2.       Why do you think the other nine did not return to give thanks?

3.       What was the result for the ungratefulness?

4.       Can you give examples of people who have shown signs of ungratefulness to God and humanity?

5.        How does ingratitude hinder a Christian’s praise?

6.       In what ways can you express your gratitude to God?

Conclusion

The ungratefulness of the nine lepers was seen when they failed to return to thank Jesus for the healing. Jesus asked the question, “where are the nine?” That means Jesus expected them to show gratitude in the form of praise. The nine lepers enjoyed their healing but refused to acknowledge the Healer (Jesus) and therefore failed to offer praise to Him. When we realize who Jesus is, what He has done for us and our unworthiness, we deal with our ingratitude nature.


HOME CELL THIS WEEK

2013 MARCH WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 15: THANKSGIVING, A FORM OF PRAISE 2

Main Text: Luke 17:11-18

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5: 18

 

Introduction

Sometimes, certain things become normal such that we take them for granted - sleeping and waking up, breathing, walking, urinating, eating, drinking, good health, family relations, friends, traveling mercies, the gift of life, provisions of life, job opportunity etc. Also, we sometimes think we are entitled to what we have and so we hesitate to be thankful to God. We should also be thankful to God for the salvation he has given us in Christ. In our lesson today, one of the ten lepers healed returned to give thanks to Jesus.

 

Study Questions

1.       The ten men were lepers, what was the implication of their condition in Israel? Leviticus 13:44-46

2.       How were the lepers healed? Luke 17:14

3.      Why do you think the one returned to give thanks?

4.      How did this one leper expressed his gratitude? Luke 17:14-15

5.      What lessons do you learn from the fact that the one who returned to give thanks was a Samaritan?

6.       When you are shown gratitude, how do you feel?

7.        Does God enjoy our thankfulness to Him?

Conclusion

Giving thanks to God is a form of worship and a very necessary Christian virtue. We should be thankful for the material blessings that God bestows on us. These, however, should not be put  ahead of the God who bestowed those blessings on us. The material blessing should also not be the only reason why we should worship God. Every day of your life, pause to give thanks, let it be an attitude and teach your home.

2013 MARCH WEEK ONE LESSON

STUDY 14: THANKSGIVING, A FORM OF PRAISE 1

Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5

Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:15

 

Introduction

Thanksgiving refers to an expression of gratitude to another person something done. In America for example, Thanksgiving Day was instituted originally to thank God for agricultural harvest and economic prosperity. We also our friends for giving us birthday presents, and showing love, care and concern. On Mothers’ and Fathers’ Days, children thank their parents for the benefits of good parenting. Certainly, what God has done for us surpasses all that these relations do for us. Recounting and appreciating what God has done for the Christian help us to thank Him better.

 

Study Questions

1.        What does the Psalmist means by the statement “my souldo not forget his benefits” Psalm 103:1

2.       Why do we sometimes forget the benefits of the Lord? Psalm 103:1

3.       What are the benefits we receive from the Lord? Verse 3-5

4.      In what forms and ways do the benefits of God come to us?

5.       Identify other blessings you can be grateful to God for.

 

Conclusion

From Heb. 13:15, the phrase “sacrifice of praise”  includes thanking  God  for  Christ’s  sacrifice  on  the  cross  and  telling  others  about  it. In worship, we also acknowledge what God does daily for us. These benefits should cause you to burst out in praise and worship.