Any Way You Bless Me : The Power of Humble Obedience

Bible Passage: 2 Kings 5:1–14

INTRODUCTION:

A) BEGGAR’S CAN’T BE CHOOSY

A couple of little children were sitting on the back porch of their home when one of them pulled out a bag of M&M’s candy. As she opened the bag and began eating some them, her little brother starting asking her if she would share some with him. At first, she played like she was ignoring him; that only caused him to be more persistent, even to the point of begging. Finally, she decided that she would give in and share her candy with him. So, she reached into the bag and gave him some of the brown colored ones to which he replied: I like the red ones. She looked at him and said very candidly: “Beggar’s can’t be choosy.”

The text before us today arrests our attention with the reality that sometimes we are guilty of being choosy. Being “choosy” means being very selective and particular about one’s choices. A choosy person is someone who doesn’t settle for just anything but takes time to carefully pick out what they believe is the best option. It’s about having specific standards and preferences.

I should pause parenthetically to make the observation that being choosy is not always a bad thing. in fact, Absolutely, being choosy has its benefits when approached wisely. Here are some upsides to being selective:

1. Quality Over Quantity: By being choosy, you ensure that you select only the best, whether it’s products, friends, or opportunities. This focus on quality can lead to more satisfying and fulfilling experiences.

2. Clear Standards*: Having high standards helps you set clear expectations for yourself and others. This can lead to better outcomes and help you avoid situations that don’t meet your criteria.

3. Informed Decisions: Being selective often means you’re more thorough in your decision-making process. This can result in more informed and thoughtful choices, reducing the likelihood of regret.

4. Time and Resource Management: By choosing wisely, you can better manage your time and resources. You’re less likely to waste these on things that don’t bring value or joy to your life.

5. Personal Growth: Being selective can push you to strive for the best in various aspects of your life, encouraging personal growth and development.

6. Enhanced Satisfaction: When you take the time to be choosy, the satisfaction and happiness derived from your choices can be significantly higher because they align more closely with your preferences and values.

7. Building Strong Relationships: By being selective about the people you surround yourself with, you can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with those who truly align with your values and interests.

In essence, being choosy can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling life, as long as it’s balanced and not taken to extremes.

Being choosy can have its downsides if taken to extremes. Some of the potential drawbacks:

1.Missed Opportunities: By being overly selective, one might pass up good opportunities while waiting for something perfect, which may never come.

2. Decision Paralysis: Constantly weighing options and overthinking can lead to indecision and stress, making it harder to make choices.

3. Strained Relationships: High standards can put a strain on relationships, as others may find it difficult to meet those expectations.

4. Wasted Time and Resources: Spending too much time and effort on minor decisions can detract from more important tasks and goals.

5. flexibility: Being too choosy can make it difficult to adapt to new situations or accept compromise, which is often necessary in life.

Has there been a situation where being choosy has held you back?

B) CONTEXT OF THE TEXT

Summary: The passage recounts the story of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, who is stricken with leprosy. Through a servant girl, he learns of Elisha, the prophet who can heal him. Despite his initial pride and resistance, Naaman ultimately obeys Elisha’s simple command to wash in the Jordan River, resulting in his healing. This highlights themes of humility, obedience, and faith in God's ways.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to be open to God's blessings in unexpected ways. Many struggle with pride and preconceived notions about how God should work in their lives. By reflecting on Naaman's story, believers can learn to embrace God's plan, often manifesting through humility and obedience, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

Teaching: The main teaching of this sermon emphasizes the necessity of humble obedience in the face of God's direction. It teaches that God's ways and means are often different from our expectations, and true healing and blessing come from surrendering to His will.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the greater biblical narrative, this passage points to Christ as the ultimate healer and source of redemption. Just as Naaman had to submit to God's command to be healed, humanity is invited to submit to Christ for spiritual healing and salvation, emphasizing grace over works, and the need for faith in God's provision.

Big Idea: God's blessings may come through humble and unexpected avenues, requiring our obedience and trust in Him to receive them.

Recommended Study: For your sermon preparation, consider exploring the cultural and historical context of leprosy in the ancient Near East and its implications for social exclusion. Consult Logos for relevant biblical commentaries that discuss the significance of Naaman's healing and the implications of a foreigner receiving God’s mercy. You might also examine the typology of Naaman's story in light of New Testament teachings about grace and healing.

1. God's Messengers in Disguise

2 Kings 5:1-5

You might discuss how God's plan often involves unexpected messengers, and how humility can open the door to divine intervention. Naaman's initial resistance reveals a common human trait of pride that can hinder blessings. Maybe you could encourage the congregation to listen to those whom God places in their lives, even if they seem insignificant, as they might be the channels through which God works.

2. God's Simple Solutions

2 Kings 5:6-10

Perhaps explore how preconceived notions about God's actions can be an obstacle to receiving His blessings. Naaman expected a grand gesture from Elisha but was faced with a simple command. Perhaps you could challenge the listeners to let go of their expectations and to trust God's simple solutions, emphasizing that true faith is submitting to God's plan, no matter how ordinary it seems.

3. God's Healing Through Obedience

2 Kings 5:11-14

You could highlight how Naaman's ultimate act of obedience led to his healing, reflecting the Christological theme of submitting to God's will. Maybe you can draw parallels between Naaman’s cleansing in the Jordan and the way Christ invites believers to spiritual cleansing and redemption through faith and obedience to God's Word.