Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0403A recorded on August 19, 1981 teaching from Luke 17:11-19 – There Are Not Found That Returned to Give Glory to God, Save this Stranger.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens focuses on the biblical story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus in Luke 17:11-19 as he explores the key lesson of the story, which is the importance of obedience and gratitude in receiving God’s blessings. Stevens begins by emphasizing the extraordinary circumstances that brought together the ten lepers—Jews and Samaritans, usually at odds, were united in their affliction. He then uses a personal anecdote from his childhood during wartime to illustrate how people, despite their differences, come together in times of hardship. He then delves into the story of the lepers, highlighting how only one of the ten returned to give thanks to Jesus. This act of gratitude led to Jesus commending his faith and declaring him whole. Stevens expounds upon this, highlighting the significance of obedience, comparing the lepers’ healing with other biblical narratives to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and that he works differently in every individual’s life. He concludes by urging the listeners to emulate the grateful leper, offering a call to action: to express gratitude for God’s blessings through obedience, surrender, and service. By drawing parallels between the biblical narrative and personal experience, Stevens delivers a sermon that is both relatable and theologically rich, prompting listeners to consider the meaning of gratitude and obedience in their own spiritual journey.