11/27/22                                                                             Rentz

 

 

Our Appropriate Sacrifice for Jesus

Luke 17:11-19

 

Introduction—The death of Jesus ended the necessity of animal sacrifices.  His Blood upon the Heavenly Mercy Seat is the eternal testimonial that the price for sin has been forever paid.  Yet, is there a sacrifice that is appropriate for us to offer to the Lord Jesus?  I believe this text gives us some insight into what should be our appropriate sacrifice for Jesus.

 

I. We Come to Jesus with Empty Hands (11-14)

                A. The lepers came to Jesus with nothing to offer

                    except their need

                                1. Samaritans were largely despised by the

                                    Jews

                                2. Galilee had more Gentiles than Jews

                                    living in their territory

                                3. Leprosy separated them from all

                                    fellowship and hope—leprosy is an

                                    illustration of sin

                B. Anything good we may do for God is due to His

                    power and enablement (Col.3:17)

                C. We owe the Lord our sacrifice of thanks for every

                    thing He brings to our lives (I Thess.5:18)

 

II. We Come to Jesus with Grateful Hearts (15-16)

                A. One leper realizing his healing returned to thank

                    Jesus

                B. When we recognize the work of God in our lives,

                    we are driven to call out a sacrifice of thanksgiving

                    (Ps.116:17)

                C. When we recognize the work of God in our lives,

                    we offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with rejoicing

                    (Ps.107:22)

                                1. The majority of the lepers took their

                                    cleansing for granted

                                2. The blessed are those who are filled with

                                    gratitude for the work of God in their

                                    lives

                                3. A faith that is real is easy to testify

 

III. We Come to Jesus Submitted to His Honor (17-19)

                A. This leper knew that only Jesus deserved honor

                    for his healing

                B. It is only reasonable that we should be living

                    sacrifices offered to Jesus (Rom.12:1-2)

                C. Being thankful to Jesus is our sacrifice of praise

                    offered to Him (Heb.13:15)

                                1. If we find it hard to offer a sacrifice of

                                    praise, perhaps we don’t realize what

                                    He’s done for us

                                2. If we find it hard to offer a sacrifice of

                                    praise, perhaps we have not yet been

                                    cleansed by Him

 

Conclusion—I believe that one of the great sins of the modern age is a lack of gratitude and praise to the Lord.  Without Him we have nothing.  Without Him we lack purpose both now and forever.  Let’s come to Jesus in faith and offer our sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise.