A Somebody, a nobody and God

  A Somebody, a nobody and God  EBC

 2 Kings 5:1-15   9/4/05

  This morning we want to talk about a somebody (Naaman) a nobody (the maiden) and her God. We’ll see today that this great man humbled himself before the Lord and received grace and healing because of the heart of a nobody.

  Maybe you’re here today and you’d say I have no influence in the world today. What can I do?

I. A Sick Somebody (5:1) Leper

  A. A Captain -  he was a leader among the people of Syria (Israel excluded lepers – Syria allowed them to stay as long as they could do their jobs. Pagan Nations didn’t exclude Lepers. God separated Lepers to keep the disease from spreading). Modern day leprosy is called Hansen’s disease .

    1. He had been very serviceable to his country.

    2. God made it this way- by him the Lord had given deliverance to Syria.

      a. You will find that the lord uses many who aren’t Christians.

II. A Nobody (5:2) a little maid

  A. She had concern for Naaman (3)

    1. She didn’t hate this man that had captured her, she only saw his need.

      a. Matt. 9:36 – Jesus had compassion even on those he knew would have a part in his death.

    2. This maiden didn’t get mad because now she was a slave – Story of Joseph

    3. Thank God for people with hearts towards others.

  B. She had confidence in God (3c)

    1. Thank God for those who believe in a big God. Who believe that God can do the impossible.

1. Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing shall be impossible

    2. She let her light shine before men

III. A Simple Message (5:10-13)

  A. The Lord’s Man

    1. His command – 7 dip sin the Jordan would heal him.

      a. God said there is only one way to get yourself cleansed – my way

      b. If you’re here today there is only one way to Heaven – God’s way

        a. John 14:6 -

        b. Acts 16:31 -

  B. The Leper’s Mistake (4-11)

    1. He went to the wrong man(4-7)

    2. He had the wrong plan (11-12)

      a. Prov. 14:12 -

        1. Naaman thought he had a better plan people today still have that same thought – I know how to get to Heaven.

  C. The Lord’s Miracle (13-14)

    1. His Servants (13) – what have you got to loose?

    2. His Submission (14) –

      a. Two things happened:

        1. He obeyed

        2. He got cleansed

          a. It wasn’t the dipping not the Jordan that cleansed him, it was the power of almighty God. Have you been cleansed of your sins today?

    3. His Surmise (15) look at his confession and his assurance (big difference between I thought (11) and I know (15)

The thing that separates the sinner and the saint is the willingness to do it God’s way. Naaman was changed because he did it God’s way. Have you done it God’s way or are you still trying to do it your way?