Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• The focus is upon my daughter
• God's focus is upon His Church and His people
• Example from the Bishop - the Church will not be destroyed

The Providence of God

• The Lord had given victory to Naaman
• God is sovereign over all things
• The Lord gave Naaman leprosy
• The Lord gave Naaman an Israelite servant girl
• God permitted the nations to harass Israel (as a judgement)
• This girl was dealt a certain set of cards
• Luke 4 - Jesus refers to this situation
• The hatred of the Jews was stirred up against Jesus at the suggestion of the gospel going outside of their nation
• Many try to deny the sovereignty of God
• God is absolutely sovereign over all things
• This should give us peace - God is in absolute control

The Proclomation of the Girl

• She was absolutely convinced of the fact that Elisha would heal Naaman
• Her testimony involves so many people
• She had no doubt that Elisha would heal Naaman
• She proclaims with boldness the mercies of Elisha
• All Naaman is initially interested in, is being healed
• All he wants is his life back
• He is not really interested in the God of Israel

The Pride of Naaman

• Hinders him from initially receiving the healing (v9-12)
• The greatest conflict and root of all evil
• Sin
• Pride - his heart problem
• His leprosy is nothing compared to this
• At first Naaman will not come
• Is this not the case for many
• Initially Naaman resists the word of God
• John 5:40ff - 'you will not come to Me'
• He will not accept that Jesus is the only way
• Pride hinders people from salvation
• People call it intolerance but Jesus is the only way
• Men will not bow to the knee to Jesus
• Naaman expects Elisha to come out himself
• He is self-important
• John 7 - "My time has not come, but your time is always ready"
• We seek praise and honour from men
• Everybody wants to display themselves
• The gospel is foolishness to the unbeliever but the power of God to those who believe
• 'I'll do it my way'
• Men want to do great works - simply wash
• It is impossible without the grace of God to eradicate this thinking
• God does not bless us because of what we do - God's grace is free
• The servants of Naaman express a truth
• There is no other way but to obey
• We must believe on the command of Jesus Christ and be saved
• There is a personal assurance and conviction of salvation - direct from God
• There is no other way for you to be saved other than to come to the Lord Jesus Christ to ask for forgiveness
• Titus 3:4-5

Naaman submitted himself to God's word

• After initially resisting He submitted to God's word
• He was immediately cleansed
• Have you accepted Jesus or are you still resisting?
• Rom 8:16
• There is assurance
• Do you have a testimony - God saved me?
• Our God is willing to cleanse and save all who come to Him
• This is the promise of God
• The testimony of this girl really stands out
• Example of American Pastor - are we reaching out?
• There are Christians living today like this girl - we must pray for them

Closing Remarks

• God is in control by His providence
• God has called us to share His word wherever he has placed us
• Do we think that the cards God has dealt us are difficult?
• The Gospel is needed
• Missions exist so that true worshippers may exist
• "I have other sheep not of this fold"
• Naaman submitted to God's word
• Have you submitted to God's word?
• Example of A.W. Tozer