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Elisha Series (Lesson 11)Wed. AM – 04/08/17

THE HEALING OF NAAMAN

Text: 2 Kings 5:1-19

Introduction: The healing of Naaman, the leper, is not just a story of the healing of a man from one of the most dreaded diseases of ancient times, but it is also a story of salvation, one which illustrates the spiritual salvation which one finds only in Jesus Christ and how they come to find that salvation. In Naaman’s healing there are a variety of people who play different roles; some good and vital to the salvation and healing of Naaman and others not so good. However, all of them illustrate the various kinds of people who either aid or hinder in bringing people to Christ. map

As we step into this scene, we leave the land of Israel, (a nation that was to be a light to the Gentiles and a nation of priests) and step into Syria a nation to the north. Syria was a pagan nation surrounded in darkness; it was a place of idolatry and heathen blindness. In these verses there is an anticipation of the gospel that would go out from Israel through Messiah, and then out from the church carrying the light of Christ into the Gentile nations of the world. Naaman’s healing is an illustration of what God would do later in the ministry of the Lord Jesus and His church. We find in this story a classic illustration of God’s love; of how He reaches out to a people in darkness and uses their afflictions to draw them to Himself if they will only respond to His pre-salvation work of grace where He seeks to bring men to repentance.

[READ Rom. 2:4]

4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

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I. THE DESCRIPTION OF NAAMAN (2 Kings 5:1)

[READ 2 Kings 5:1]

5 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.

Here we have a picture of the sinner before he comes to God.

Naaman’s name comes from the Hebrew verb naem, which means: “be delightful, pleasant, or beautiful.” It has the idea of “gracious” or “well formed.” Because of the significance of names in Scripture, this tells us something about Naaman. His name suggests he had undoubtedly been a handsome man, at least before the leprosy. Further, the implication is that he was also a gracious and delightful man. But his name became a reproach and a striking contrast to his appearance, and probably to his disposition as well, because of the disease which had attacked his body. It provides a striking picture of mankind created physically and spiritually beautiful in God’s image before sin began to take its toll on both the personality and physical body of man.

The way Naaman is first described gives us a picture of him as he was seen by people. People most often tend to look on the outward appearance. (1) His position. He was “captain of the army of the King of Aram.” This means he was the General of the Syrian or the Aramean Army, second in command to the King. He was a man of great authority and position.

(2) His popularity and prestige. This is noted in the words, “a great man with his master, and highly respected . . .” Here was a popular man. He was a national hero as the general who had been victorious over

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the enemies of the nation of Aram. Upon his head were the wreaths of victory and upon his chest, medals of honor and valor. But remember the biblical perspective regarding the source of victory and valor is that it is the sovereign plan and power of God. Naaman was a man whom God had used as He had Pharaoh and the Kings of Assyria and Babylon. Once again we see how the Lord uses the saved and unsaved alike to carry out His plans and purposes. But remember, being used by God in this way does not save a person.

(3) His problem. He was a leper. In Scripture, leprosy is a portrait of sin and man’s true spiritual condition without the saving grace (spiritual healing) of God’s salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. Regardless of how people may see us or how we may see ourselves, in God’s Holy eyes, we are leprous without the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith in the person and work of the Savior. This one word gives us God’s perspective of the true condition of Naaman regardless of how he was seen and thought of by man.

The principle we need to see is that many are perishing from the loathsome leprosy of sin. One may be great, successful, wealthy, honorable, and mighty, but spiritually lost. To realize one’s lost condition before God, and to desire to escape from it are the first steps toward salvation, as Naaman would discover.

But what exactly does the disease of leprosy teach us about our sin and its effect in our lives? What can we learn from this story? Before we continue, let’s take some time to understand the disease of leprosy itself.

II. AN EXPLANATION OF LEPROSY

The biblical instructions for dealing with the disease of leprosy are described for us in Leviticus 13-14. The Hebrew word for “leprosy” was actually used for a wide range of skin diseases as well as leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease) which is caused by the bacillus

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mycobacterium leprae. This comes from the Greek root word which means: “to peel off in scales.” It was equivalent to psoriasis, only it was far more serious than the psoriasis we think of today. Scholars are somewhat in disagreement regarding biblical leprosy, but it appears that there were two main types. The first, and by far the more dangerous, is called lepromatous; and the other, a more benign type, is designated as tuberculoid leprosy. Both start with the discoloration of a patch of skin. This patch may be white or pink, and it is most likely to appear on the brow, nose, ear, cheek or chin. (1) The Lepromatous Type: As this form begins to spread, portions of the eyebrow may disappear, then spongy tumor-like swellings appear on the face and body. The disease is systemic and involves the internal organs as well. It is deep seated in the bones, joints, and marrow of the body resulting in the deterioration of the tissues between the bones. The results are deformity, loss of feeling in the appendages, and in the fingers and toes which eventually fall off. This form is incurable and lasts until the victim finally dies, often by the invasion of other diseases because of their weakened condition. They may live for twenty or thirty years in this miserable condition. (2) The Tuberculoid Type: This form is less severe and begins much like the lepromatous form with a change in skin color in one area and then spreading to other areas. This form is limited in its effects and often only lasts from one to three years. The person with this form, unless miraculously healed, could return to the priest and be declared cleansed or healed after observation. Other types of skin diseases were observed and when found not be to true leprosy or they disappeared, the people were also declared clean.

Other than by God’s direct intervention, it appears the Hebrews had no cure for leprosy. With our modern medical advances today, there are a variety of very effective medications available, and leprosy patients are usually not isolated, as they were in ancient times.

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One thing is certain, the term leprosy referred to several types of skin diseases which were rooted in the blood stream. When they were the lepromatous type, they were incurable and led to horrible consequences. Because of this, specific directions were given for dealing with this dread disease in Leviticus 13-14. This was done first as a protection against the possible spread of the disease in case it was contagious, but there was also a ceremonial or spiritual reason. Leprosy stood as a picture of sin in all of its features and effects upon people and their relationship with God.

III. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LEPROSY IN THE BIBLE

Let’s see what we can glean from Scripture and how this condition was viewed and dealt with in Biblical times in both the O.T. and N.T. eras.

(1) The leper was considered unclean and had to be isolated from society to a certain degree. Wherever he went he was to cry out, “unclean, unclean,” and he had to wear black with a hood covering his face and live outside the city walls.

(2) Whenever Jesus healed a leper, He always pronounced the person, not healed, but cleansed.

(3) True leprosy was incurable by man in Bible times just as sin is incurable for man.

[READ Jer. 17:9]

The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked;Who can know it? (“desperately sick,” “beyond cure,” or “incurably sick”)

[READ Isa. 1:5-6]

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5Why should you be stricken again? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faints. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment.

There is nothing man himself can do to deal with his sin problem. Further, his sin separates him from God and even from intimate fellowship with people.

[READ 1 Cor. 5:9-13]

9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

[READ 2 Cor. 6:14 –7:1]

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in themand walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will

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receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”

7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

So, when the Lord healed a leper, the picture should have been obvious. His power to cleanse a leper demonstrated that He was the solution to man’s sin and defilement; and He alone was and is the means of reconciliation and peace between God and mankind.

(4) The rite of purification in the Old Testament did not cure leprosy, it only recognized the fact a leper was cured and clean of the disease, or that he never really had the incurable type of leprosy. He could then be reconciled to society.

(5) Leprosy, like sin, begins within (with who we are) and then erupts on the skin (on the surface). It clearly reminds us of the principle that people are, by their inherited nature, sinners; and it’s not just what we do that is so bad, but what we are. The point is, what our mouth speaks and what our hands do are the results of what our heart is and thinks.

[READ Luke 6:43-45]

43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

[READ Ps. 51:5]

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5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.

[READ Ps. 58:3]

3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

[READ Matt. 12:33-34]

33 “Either, make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

With these verses in mind, let’s now compare them to Leviticus 13:1-4.

[READ Lev. 13:1-4]

13 And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 2 “When a man has on the skin of his body a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes on the skin of his body like a leprous sore, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests. 3 The priest shall examine the sore on the skin of the body; and if the hair on the sore has turned white, and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous sore. Then the priest shall examine him, and pronounce him unclean. 4 But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and its hair has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate the one who has the sore seven days.

Even the slightest blemish in the skin, a swelling (a boil), a scab (a small tumor), or a bright spot (a red or scaly patch) was to be carefully

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observed to see if it was the product of something deeper, like true leprosy.

(6) The priest was to examine the skin and pronounce the person clean or unclean, depending upon his observation of the facts. So today, since Christ has provided cleansing from sin, every believer as a believer priest is to detect sin in their own life and pronounce it sin when it first appears.

[READ 1 Jn. 1:8-10]

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

(7) The pain of leprosy, at least in certain forms, was not acute because it also killed the nerves in the affected area, but it kept the victim restless, miserable, and frustrated as they felt the stigma of the disease. They saw portions of their bodies become numb, muscles atrophy (waste away), tendons contract making the hands like claws, and then the ulceration of the fingers and toes, and hands and feet, resulting in their loss bit by bit until the whole hand or foot was gone.

Let’s be careful not miss the picture God wants us to see from this emphasis in Scripture. Sin is like this. Because of man’s separation from God, because of his spiritually dead condition and the hardness of his heart, he becomes insensitive, callused, restless, and never satisfied. He often does not experience severe pain from his sin, only insensitivity, restless misery, and futility, ever seeking some means of fulfillment running from one thing to another.

[READ Isa. 57:20-21]

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20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest,whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

[READ Eph. 4:16-19] 2 SLIDES

16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Even in apparent prosperity and happiness, not only is there a certain amount of inner peace and true happiness missing, but their ultimate plight is death, loss, and the judgment of separation.

[READ Ps. 1:4-5]

4 The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. (8) Because of the nature of the disease, the leper was often considered as dead; it was a kind of living death though the sufferer was physically alive. So, people without Christ are nothing more than the living dead; walking about as spiritual zombies.

[READ Eph. 2:1]

2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

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(9) Regardless of one’s position, honor, power, possessions, or wealth, leprosy, like sin, is no respecter of persons. Naaman was a man of position and prestige, but he was also leprous.

(10) As we’ve already seen, in Israel, according to the Law, lepers were excluded from society as a picture of sin and its effects. God used this to remind Israel of His holiness. Cleansing a leper meant being restored back to a normal life.

[READ 2 Kings 5:3]

3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! for he would heal him of his leprosy.”

The term “heal” in 2 Kings 5:3 literally means, “to receive back.” This provides us with a fitting picture of our reconciliation to God and to one another.

[READ Isa. 59:2]

2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

[READ 2 Cor. 5:18-21] 2 SLIDES

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He

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made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

(11) Finally, the leprosy of sin destroys the pleasantness and beauty God meant for mankind in His creation. Sin deforms us, but in Christ we are made new creations and can be transformed into His glorious likeness.

[READ 2 Cor. 5:17]

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

[READ Rom. 12:1-2]

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

[READ Gal. 4:19]

19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,

[READ 2 Kings 5:14]

14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Naaman held a high position, but had a huge problem. We need to understand that God often uses the personal failures, illnesses, and

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problems of folks as a means to bring them to the end of themselves and to the knowledge that they need the Lord and His salvation.

[READ Ps. 119:67, 71, 73]

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word ... 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes ... 73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

God uses difficulties in our lives to force us to face our deeper problem: the problem of sin, and the need of God’s forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ. This chapter certainly illustrates this. Naaman went from his problem to God’s solution, which was more than just the healing of his leprosy. As we will see, Naaman came to know the true God. So, beginning with verse 2 and following, we will see how God worked in various ways, through Naaman’s disease and through people in his life to bring him to the Lord.

IV. THE LITTLE MAID IN A FOREIGN LAND (2 Kings 5:2-3)

[READ 2 Kings 5:2-3]

2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! for he would heal him of his leprosy.”Here we see how the Lord always has His messengers of the Word. When there is a person whose heart has been prepared, God always has his messengers available. In this case, God’s messenger was a little captive slave girl. In fact, by His matchless grace and wisdom, God had worked through the unrighteous deeds of Naaman’s own army to bring this little slave girl into his home to be the instrument of God’s love.

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What kind of messenger does God use? He uses those who are available -- those who know and love the Lord. Here was a small girl, humble, obedient, insignificant to men, living under dire conditions, but with a Romans 8:28 mentality. She was a girl using the problems in her life as opportunities; as open doors to witness for God.

Though small, weak, and insignificant, this little girl knew the omnipotent and sovereign Lord of the universe with Whom there was healing. She was willing to point others to the most significant Being of the universe, YAHWEH OF ISRAEL, who alone could cure Naaman’s disease.

Why do you suppose Naaman listened to her? After all, what could a slave know? I think maybe he listened because her little life spoke volumes! Her life had been such a testimony for good and God that it gave credibility to her words.

V. NAAMAN’S JOURNEY TO ISRAEL (2 Kings 5:4-7)

[READ 2 Kings 5:4-7] 2 SLIDES

4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.” 5 Then the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy. 7 And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.”

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In verses 4-7, we have an excellent illustration of how salvation cannot be obtained. These verses reveal the natural tendencies and perspective of the carnal mind. Here is a typical man who recognized his need to some extent, but he wanted to have a part in his own healing. He was trusting first in his power, position, and riches. Instead of thinking in terms of God’s grace, he naturally thought in terms of favoritism, the leverage of power, wealth, and what one can earn or buy.

First, in verse 4, Naaman went to his king with the news and to obtain permission to go to Israel. The king was willing to help, and that’s good, but they immediately thought in terms of political and financial clout (vs. 5-6). They thought they could buy the favors of God from the prophet of Yahweh through the king of Israel. So Naaman was sent to the king of Israel rather than to the prophet of God. He took a large amount of silver, gold, and clothes with him as a payment for the healing. This was civil good form mandated by the cultural norms of that day, but it was not God’s pattern.

In 5:7 we see the response of the king of Israel. First, this was the wrong reaction for the king. Though he had power, position and wealth, yet unlike the little slave girl, he had no witness. Instead of immediately pointing Naaman to Elisha, the prophet of God, he was paralyzed with fear; and became paranoid. He thought that the king of Aram was trying to cause an incendiary incident that would give him a reason to attack Israel. Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to demonstrate the power of the Lord, he thought only of himself. What a contrast to the little slave girl who thought of others rather than her own plight. Many others in her place would have thought that he was getting just what he deserved. Or they would have tried to strike a bargain for their freedom in exchange for information.

Like the king of Israel, how quick we are to read things into situations and expect the worst rather than take life’s situations as opportunities to serve the Lord and to see Him work. Why is that?

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It’s often because we are so blinded and paralyzed by our own self-centeredness. But there is a lesson for us here. It’s the lesson of the growth potential of accountability, service, and suffering. Through her accountability to her master, her service to his wife, and her own suffering (being uprooted from her home and family), this little girl had learned to trust the Lord and then to think of others and their needs. The king of Israel, on the other hand, considered himself accountable to no one (a serious error). Further, he was always served by others and failed to see himself as a servant of the people. Thinking only of himself was a natural by-product of the kind of luxurious life he lived.

But what did this do for Naaman? It shattered part of his trust in his human resources. The money and gifts which he thought would buy his cure were worthless. He was literally left holding the bag, the bag of riches in his leprous hand. He needed to learn, as all of us do, that we must never trust in the uncertainty of riches, or power, or position, but instead, to trust only in God’s grace and in the work of His Son.

While we’re on this subject, let’s compare some Scriptures:

[READ Eph. 2:8-9]

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

[READ Titus 3:5]

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

[READ 1 Tim. 6:17-19]

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17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

[READ 1 Pet. 1:17-21] 2 SLIDES

17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

[READ Rev. 3:17-18]

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Money, power, and wealth cannot save us, make us spiritual, or effective witnesses, or deserving of responsibility or leadership in the body of Christ. Only God’s grace and His gifts and blessings can do that.

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VI. THE INVITATION OF ELISHA (2 Kings 5:8)

[READ 2 Kings 5:8]

8 So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

Doesn’t this illustrate God’s loving concern for the sinner? Again, God has His messengers. Though some will fail in their responsibility and ministry, the Lord watches over the seeking soul and at just the right moment, He sends one of His own with whatever is necessary to take the seeking person another step toward the Lord and salvation.

Naaman represents the seeking soul; the one in need of the Lord. Remember, God was using Naaman’s leprosy as a means of bringing him to a knowledge of the Lord. Elisha on the other hand represents the Lord. And Elisha, as God’s representative, said “let him come to me,” words which the Lord wants to speak to every unsaved person. For Naaman to come “to know that there was a prophet in Israel” was to come to know that the God of Israel was the only true God, and the only real hope in life.

VII. THE ACTIONS AND COMMAND OF THE PROPHET (2 Kings 5:9-12)

[READ 2 Kings 5:9-12] 2 SLIDES

9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD

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his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ 12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

These verses show us the simplicity of salvation and the necessity of humility in finding the Lord.

VIII. NAAMAN GOES TO ELISHA (2 Kings 5:9-12)

This must have been an imposing picture. Naaman in his chariot with his fine horses, with his gold, silver, and fine clothes, surrounded by his entourage standing in front of the prophet’s house. Naaman was a proud man. He was proud of his accomplishments, his talents, power, position, and wealth. He rode up arrogantly thinking, surely this lowly prophet of Israel will come out to me, Naaman the great warrior; and he will wave his hand over the area of my leprosy and I will be cured. We see his pride expressing itself in verses 9, 11 and 12, but especially in his anger when he was told to go and wash seven times in the Jordan.

But in reality, who was Naaman (or any of us, for that matter)? He was a sinner, a mere creation of God, who drew his breath from two small slits in his face. Even the power and victories he had enjoyed were given to him by the Lord of the universe.

Since pride was almost Naaman’s undoing, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves what the Scriptures teach us about the pride of man:

[READ Prov. 6:16-19]

16 These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to

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evil, 19 a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.

[READ Prov. 11:2]

12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

[READ Prov. 16:18-19]

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

[READ Prov. 29:23]

23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.

Naaman had to be brought low; he had to be knocked off his high horse! God cannot and will not bless us as long as we are full of pride.

Why does a man’s pride bring him low? James gives us part of the answer. After telling us about the grace which God gives, he reminds us that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” That being the case, who then can experience God’s grace? The humble! Therefore, from whom does God withhold His grace? The proud! Who are the proud? Those who are indifferent to God’s plan, those who refuse to commit themselves to God’s plan, and/or who attempt to handle life by their own abilities or strategies.

IX. THE ACTIONS AND COMMANDS OF ELISHA (2 Kings 5:10)

[READ 2 Kings 5:10]

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10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”

What Elisha does in this passage may seem rude; in fact, he would probably be severely criticized by many church members today, as well as our politically correct society. His actions would be viewed as unloving, rude, and arrogant. But what Elisha did was really an act of love. It was a means of showing Naaman his pride so he could receive God’s grace.

Sure Naaman reacted angrily and blew his stack, but Elisha didn’t run after him. Elisha simply turned it over to the sovereignty of God who then worked through the life of another person to bring Naaman to his senses. As long as Naaman was proud, he would never obey the Lord in humble belief or faith. Self-conceit and the ego trips of mankind are typical of the unregenerate heart and even of the carnal mind of the saved. It is so hard to realize that we are just creatures, who need to submit to God’s plan. We must let God be God!

X. THE REACTIONS OF NAAMAN (2 Kings 5:11-12)

[READ 2 Kings 5:11]11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’

What verse of Scripture comes to your mind here? “There is a way that seems right unto man, but the ways thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). This leprous, dying man had the presumption to

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hatch in his own mind the plan by which he would be cured. But that’s not all ...

[READ 2 Kings 5:12]

12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

Naaman had contempt for God’s plan and solution. To him it was base and foolish. He was thinking, why should I go wash in the muddy Jordan River in Israel when I have clear streams of water in Damascus? Of all the absurd ideas! Notice the human reasoning here. The implication is: If a cure comes through bathing in a stream, then I have better streams back home to bathe in. Let’s take a second to compare Paul’s comments about man’s wisdom and solutions versus God’s wisdom and plan of salvation.

[READ 1 Cor. 1:20-31] 4 SLIDES

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.Glory only in the Lord,26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But

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God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God -- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption -- 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

The world’s standards and ideas of salvation seem so much more logical in comparison to God’s plan which seems so foolish and simplistic to the “educated” minds of men. “Go wash in the Jordan seven times . . . and you shall be clean.” A very simple thing to do, but Naaman objected.

And the Bible teaches, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). But simple faith is not so simple; people object.

Ironically, Naaman was willing to pay any price, he was willing to do any great deed of prowess, or to make any fatiguing pilgrimage, but he was unwilling to obey the simple command “wash and be clean.” What was the issue here? Was it the washing? No. Would that cure him? No. It was the obedience of faith. It was personal faith in the command of the prophet which would cure him; the washing was only the evidence of his faith. It was his simple faith in the word of God, which was the root. Washing was simply the fruit, or the result.

People are so self-willed. According to their ego, their reason, by their own experience and desires, they want things their own way; they want to be saved on their own terms; they want to be spiritual their own way; they want the church to operate their way, and the list goes on and on. But we must humbly submit to the wise plans of God or there can be no salvation, no real joy and fruitfulness, and no deliverance.

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These verses show us that there was definitely a struggle going on in Naaman’s heart between faith on the one hand and unbelief on the other. It was the crucial moment of decision for Naaman, and Satan was trying hard to get the victory, as he does with every person on the point of making this great decision. Satan first appealed to Naaman’s reason: “See how unreasonable this remedy is! If bathing is the cure for leprosy, there are far better streams than this Jordan in which to wash.” He argued, “Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?”

Satan also played on Naaman’s pride, and pointed to the way he had been treated. Naaman, a great warrior, had come to make a request of a king and pay him handsomely for the services rendered. First he was sent to the lowly dwelling of a prophet, who did not even come out to meet him, and then he was sent off in this way, without any display or notice, to wash in the muddy Jordan River! So he turned away in a rage, and it seemed as though Satan had won.

All appeared to be lost, it appeared Satan had won and that Naaman would go away without healing and without the saving knowledge of the Lord. But something happened, and another part of the picture of how God saves comes into focus.

XI. THE PERSUASION OF NAAMAN’S SERVANTS (2 Kings 5:13)

[READ 2 Kings 5:13]

13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

This verse gives us an illustration of the value of loving care and of the importance of the right words at the right time to the unsaved. First, even

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though we need to be praying for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the fields, these verses illustrate how God somehow finds agents for His purposes. Perhaps these servants were also believers in the Lord of Israel like the little servant girl; and knew the power of the Lord, but probably not. Other than the fact they were attendants to Naaman, we know nothing at all about them. Yet, they still had wise counsel for the general.

This also illustrates the importance of the wise and timely persuasion needed in personal evangelism. Notice the following points about the wisdom of their answer, a timely word with sweetness of speech, and an honest and courageous evaluation. (1) They were courteous. They called Naaman “my father,” showing

respect and submission. They chose their words carefully that they might persuade Naaman and help him.

(2) They spoke from what they knew about Naaman. He was proud and

courageous; never afraid to do a great deed.

(3) But, it was precisely Naaman’s pride and his personal opinion which was keeping him from being healed. So, the four concerned servants tactfully sought a way to show Naaman that it was not through his greatness, that he would be healed, but by the greatness of the God of Israel. They were able to see from their more humble state and perspective that this was designed to demonstrate the power of the God of Israel. Should he not, then, heed the simple instruction of the prophet?

Finally, this simple command beautifully illustrates the simplicity of the gospel message of salvation in Christ (salvation by faith alone in Christ alone). The invitation of the gospel is “come, purchase without money and without price ...” (Isa. 55:1). And how do you do that? By faith.

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The way of faith is the way of humiliation and repudiation of self worth, human ability, or religious works, which then casts us on the grace of God. Faith is the one thing we can do without doing anything else. Faith is the recognition of God’s ability and the weakness of our own.

Of course, there are those who read this passage and use it to promote baptismal regeneration, but the analogy of Scripture and the abundance of clear passages teach us that water baptism, as important as it is, does not save us. If that was true, then water baptism would be a part of the gospel message, but the apostle Paul dismisses that idea in 1 Corinthians 1:14-17.

[READ 1 Cor. 1:14-17]

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

XII. THE CLEANSING OF NAAMAN (2 Kings 5:14)

[READ 2 Kings 5:14]

14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

The immediate cleansing illustrates the complete and instantaneous nature of salvation. We note that he was cleansed “according to the Word.” Salvation is always and only according to the Word, and never according to our feelings, emotions, or human reason.

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[READ Rom. 16:25-26]

25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith.

Naaman was cleansed instantly and completely so that his flesh became like that of a little child, yet not only his flesh, but his heart also. He became a new creature by faith in the Lord of Elisha the prophet.

XIII.THE GRATITUDE AND RESPONSE OF NAAMAN (2 Kings 5:15-16)

[READ 2 Kings 5:15-16]

15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.”

16 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.

These verses provide us with an illustration of the first-fruits of salvation. First, he confessed and acknowledged his faith in the Lord (vs. 15). Then from a grateful heart, he wanted to give a present to Elisha to express his appreciation for what God had done.

However, Elisha, carefully and wisely refuses. Why is that? Elisha had accepted help from the Shunammite woman and her husband, and Scripture teaches that it is right for those who are taught the Word to share all good things with those who teach (Gal. 6:6). So why did he

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refuse to accept a gift from Naaman? Because God’s testimony would have been compromised if Elisha received a gift at this time. He wanted Naaman and all those watching to know that he was a servant of Yahweh and not like the greedy heathen priests in the service of Baal. He also wanted them to understand that salvation and all of God’s blessings are free, they cannot be bought nor can they be earned. Elisha refused to take anything lest he compromise the name of God and His grace.

[READ 1 Thes. 1:5]

5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

[READ 1 Thes. 2:5]

5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness -- God is witness.[READ 2 Thes. 3:7-8]

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you ...

[READ Phil. 4:15-17]

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

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XIV. NAAMAN’S CONCERN REGARDING HIS MASTER’S WORSHIP (2 Kings 5:17-19)

[READ 2 Kings 5:17-19] 2 SLIDES

17 So Naaman said, “Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD. 18 Yet in this thing may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon -- when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD please pardon your servant in this thing.”

19 Then he said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a short distance.

This certainly illustrates the kind of concern God’s people should have regarding their worship, their testimony, and the appearance of evil. Naaman knew that he would have to return to his old environment and live in the midst of idolatry and evil. He was concerned that he might have a proper means of worship for he could no longer worship in the house of Rimmon. He would not compromise Yahweh. He needed a place and a means for worship, so he asked for permission (notice the sudden change in his attitude) to take two loads of soil back home. The exact reason is not specified, only implied. Some believe it was so he could erect an altar to Yahweh for a memorial or witness to the God of Israel in his own land. On this altar he could offer sacrifices as an evidence of his determination to forsake all other gods.

Another suggestion is, “Naaman asked Elisha whether two mule loads of Israelite soil might be taken with him back to Syria so that whenever circumstances forced him to bow ceremonially to the Aramean gods with

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his king, he might in reality be placing his knees in the soil of the true God of Israel.” Regardless, Naaman was concerned about what God would think about his presence in the house of Rimmon. Elisha’s only response was, “Go in peace.” This implies Elisha’s assurance that God understands. The issue was his attitude and heart. Perhaps this illustrates the principle of separation versus isolation. Believers are to infiltrate or penetrate the world for the Lord. As the Lord put it, we are to be in the world, but not of it (Jn. 17:15-17).

So, Naaman knew he would have to go back into the world and face the evil of that day. It was his responsibility, but he knew he needed the fortification that comes through the true worship of the one and only God if he was to be an effective witness.

Application: What are some of the key lessons we can glean from this story?

(1) God is constantly at work to lead people to Himself, no matter how dark their condition.

(2) God uses any committed believer, no matter how ordinary or insignificant they may be. How? Because of the mighty God who indwells us. This makes us significant as His instruments of light.

(3) The grace of God cannot be bought with silver and gold or power or position. We must come to God in faith and believe His revelation in the Scripture.

(4) In fact, power and position, silver and gold, can be a hindrance and an impediment to coming to Christ, as well as to effective service.

(5) Two of the greatest hindrances to experiencing God’s blessing for

believers and unbelievers alike are: (a) our pride -- Naaman almost lost out because of his pride, and (b) our opinions -- Naaman almost

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lost out because his thinking was contrary to Scripture. BLACK SLIDE