Sermon by Samaroo Sookraj
SUB: NAAMAN A picture of us.
TEXT: 2 King 5:1-14
Intro:
1. The story of Naaman in 2 King 5 has many lessons for us. Summarize
2. His story is in many ways our story.
I. He Was Afflicted With A Dreaded Disease, vs 1
1. "Leprosy" not necessarily contagious, but dreaded and repulsive looking skin disease.
2. It was something he could do nothing about
3. In our story, sin is the dreaded disease about which we are helpless, Rom 3:23, 6:23, Jam 1:14,15, Heb 10:4,11
II. Hope For Healing Begins With Hearing, vs 2,3
1. An insignificant slave girl told of a cure
2. Naaman wasn't too arrogant to listen to a captive
3. But, he didn't know of a cure until someone told him
4. Faith comes from hearing, Rom 10:13-17
5. We need to tell the world of the hope...good news. Mt 28:19,20
6. It doesn't have to be told from a pulpit but as opportunities are made or presented
III. Naaman Believed The Captive's Story, vs 4-6
1. From Damascus to Samaria, 110 plus miles
2. Approx 750 lbs of silver; 150 lbs of gold; 10 changes of clothing; plus an official letter to king
3. How much would you give to be cured of sin?
4. Yet God's healing is not for sale, vs 15,16
5. Many "healers" today only perform when the "gift" is large enough.
6. Naaman's ...
a. Recognition of his condition caused him to begin his search for a cure.
b. Belief in the girl's story caused him to begin his search for a cure.
IV. He went to the wrong person first.
1. People assess wrongly very often; they looked to the high things.
V. He Allowed Preconceived Ideas To Hinder His Cure, vs 8-12
1. Naaman didn't like what he heard from Elijah servant.
2. He rejected the simplicity of the solution. Vs 10
3. In so doing he wanted to do things his way. Prov. 14:12
4. Many are like that, 2 Tim 4:3,4
5. Too many people are thinking for themselves, not seeking God to guide them, Jer. 10:23, Isa. 55:8-9
VI. Cleansing Requires Personal Responsibility, vs 13,14
1. Naaman was encouraged to do what he was told
2. When Naaman dipped 7 times, God fulfilled his promise
3. Our story is no different; we must trustfully obey to be cured.
Conclusion:
1. If you were Naaman...
a. Would you have believed the captive's story?
b. Would you have gone to Samaria?
c. Would you have dipped seven times in Jordan?
d. Would you have been cured?
2. You are not Naaman...your disease is worse.
3. Will you trust Jesus to cure your affliction?
