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Jan 10, 2016

Gratitude authorizes and enables us to love our neighbor

Passage: Matthew 14:13-21

Preacher: John Huizinga

Series: Gratitude

Detail:

Sunday's litany - Ten Commandments Gratitude Litany

The Lord said, “I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt, out of slavery into gracious freedom. Do not put any other gods in place of me.”

The Lord intends we honor the Triune God as God alone saying ‘No’ to what God despises, saying ‘Yes’ to what God commands.

“Do not make an idol of anything in creation. Do not bow down to them or worship them. I am the Lord your God. I am a jealous God. I punish the children for the sin of their parents. I judge the descendants of those who hate me. But for all time to come I show love to all those who love me and keep my commandments.”

The Lord intends we worship Father, Son and Spirit alone. Life is not about me, but for the glory of God.

“Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will find guilty anyone who misuses his name.”

The Creator God is Lord of communication, language and understanding, so we will honor God with what we say and what we choose not to say.

“Observe the Sabbath day. Keep it holy, just as the Lord your God commanded you. Do all of your work in six days. But the seventh day is a Sabbath in honor of the Lord your God. Do not do any work on that day. As far as it depends on you, do not make anyone work for you on this day. Extend Sabbath rest to others, even the alien in your land. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. The Lord your God reached out his mighty hand and powerful arm and brought you out of there. So he has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.”

Our Father in heaven is Lord of each day. We are free from finding identity in work or accomplishment. We will rest in God’s grace.

“Honor your father and mother, just as the Lord your God commanded you. Then you will live a long time in the land he is giving you. And things will go well with you there.”

We will honor our covenant promises, saying ‘No’ to all that threatens our relationships, and committing to what strengthens them. We will honor those in authority over us.

“Do not commit murder.”

Anger, hatred, prejudice, and envy are not how we are to relate to our neighbor. Instead, we are to protect others, befriend them in Christ, and do good even to our enemies.

“Do not commit adultery.”

Sexual immorality is a sin against God, his creation, and others. The Lord forbids all that misuses the sexual gift including abuse, infidelity, and pornography. Christ frees us to honor the Lord with our bodies.

“Do not steal.”

We show gratitude to the Lord by loving our neighbors and by doing whatever we can for their good. We are to work faithfully so that we may share in those we need.

“Do not give false witness against your neighbor.”

We thank God by loving the truth. That means saying no to lying or gossip or deceit of any kind. I pledge to speak the truth even to the extent that I guard and advance my neighbor’s good name.

“Do not long for your neighbor’s wife. Do not long to have anything that belongs to your neighbor. Do not long to have your neighbor’s house or land, lifestyle or possessions.”

The God of Exodus frees us to take pleasure in what is right and good. We will turn from broken desires that our contrary to God’s will and word. Spirit, conform my thoughts, words and actions to the holy desires God has given. Help us to take joy in your gifts with all thanksgiving and praise.

 

Q’s –

Make a list of ten people in your life:

family, friends, a neighbor, spiritual brother or sister, co-worker or classmate,

someone you would recognize but is in essence a stranger to you . . .

don’t just pick all family members or friends or work or school-mates,

make the list somewhat representative of your life,

but do include some of the most important people in your life.

And do include one or two difficult or questionable relationships:

a neighbor you don’t know but you know you should,

or maybe a family relationship that isn’t good right now but you know you should address,

or someone who angers you or you have hurt in some way,

or a nonbeliever you have a hard time speaking with –

a couple of people like that.

For your list of ten answer these questions:

 

In what ways has this person blessed my life?

 

What actions of mine have shown my thanks for this person?

 

What will I do this week to further show my gratitude to Christ for this person he has put in my life?