I want to share with you an idea that came to me as I read this passage in 2 Kings this morning. I'm giving you a sparse outline. I think that it can be developed into a sermon, or possibly a series since the text is so long. At any rate, here it is:
A great soldier, Naaman, had everything going for him, but he became a leper. I think God was in it so that he could go to the man of God, be healed, and be given a greater understanding of Yahweh. I. Vss. 1-9 - Naaman's need II. Vss. 10-14 - Naaman's reluctance III. Vs. 15 - Naaman's enlightenment (Instead of enlightenment you might want to put Naaman's conversion.) Naaman had no idea that his need was going to lead to an encounter not just with Elisha, but ewith the real God - Jehovah, Yahweh. He had no idea what God was doing in his life. That is like most everyone else in this world. This is skimpy, but, man, there is a lot of material in this text to preach. Have fun with it. Bro. Joe
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People saw in Jesus a source of hope and help. They always came to Him. Today we look at rich young man who came to Jesus for help, and Jesus gave him a difficult challenge.
I. The kind of man that he was: A. Vs. 17 - He was serious. "He came running...." B. Vs. 17 - He was sincere. He "kneeled to Him...." C. Vss. 19-20 - He had a moral conscience. He could be called a "good man," and a good prospect for our church. D. Vs. 22b - He was rich....Here is where the catch is and where the challenge comes from. II. Vs. 21 - The difficult challenge (Notice that Jesus didn't brag on his legalism, and made an appeal to him to act on faith.) A. "Sell all you have." What he had was his problem. B. "Give to the poor." Jesus went to where his real need was - he was selfish. C. "Take up your cross and follow me." A step of faith from worldliness, selfishness and greed. III. Vs. 23- What he did. A. He was sad. B. He went away grieving. C. He was unwilling to take the challenge. Did he come back. We don't know what he did afterward, but we know what we can do after hearing his story. We need to rid ourselves of the things that are keeping us from entering the kingdom, or being better witnesses of the kingdom. I just jotted down these quick notes and thought maybe you could make something out of them for your congregation.
In the text, Jesus is referred to a "Alpha and Omega." In our vernacular this would be A to Z. We might say that Jesus has it covered, that He is the answer - period. This is something we want the rest of the world to know. A to Z in what way? I. Jesus is the A to Z in victorious living. Look at His experience on the Mt. of temptation Matthew 4. II. Jesus is the A to Z in truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." He is the truth about God. Refer to Hebrews 1:1-3 III. Jesus is the A to Z in faith. Jesus teaches us to live by unseen realities: Hebrews 11:1 The most important things in life are spiritual -- unseen.... IV. Jesus is the A to Z in love. "No one ever cared for me like Jesus...." Think of what He did in love for us. V. Jesus is the A to Z in power. He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit. VI. Jesus is the A to Z in peace. John 16:33 Question: Is Jesus the A to Z in your life? |
All of these materials are free of charge. There is no copyright on them and you are free to use them as you see fit. I am happy to be of assitance to you in your preaching/teaching minstry.
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