Sermon on Naaman – Lessons from the Life of Naaman
Categories: Biographical Sermon Outlines, Sermon Outlines Tags: Sermons on Naaman, Sermons on Salvation
Date written: October 9th, 2005
Bible text: 2 Kings 5:1-8
SUBJECT: Biography
TITLE: Lessons from the Life of Naaman
PROPOSITION: To teach the story of Naaman and use it to illustrate our salvation today.
OBJECTIVE: That each would know the story and how to tell others about salvation using Naaman in the Bible as an illustration.
INTRODUCTION: (Beginning of this sermon on Naaman.)
1. Read: 2 Kings 5:1-8
2. About the Bible Text:
1) Not much is known about Naaman other than what we find here.
2) He presumably had a family.
3) He had a career.
4) He likely went on to be successful in his occupation.
5) But all we know about him is found in 2 Kings 5.
6) His story is significant.
7) It teaches many valuable lessons.
8) Let’s note a few.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: (Discussion of this sermon on Naaman.)
I. Naaman was Identified by His Flaws, not His Successes
1. Who was Naaman?
1) Captain of the host of the king of Syria.
2) A great man with his master.
3) Honorable
4) A Victor!
5) A mighty man of valor.
2. How do we remember Naaman?
1) He was a leper.
2) Leprosy is a horrible disease caused by bacterial infection.
3) It attacks the nervous system disabling one’s ability to feel pain.
4) In advanced cases, gangrene sets in and causes body parts to fall off.
5) Today we have ways to treat the disease.
6) But no such treatment was available for Naaman.
7) Untreated, the disease undoubtedly leads to death.
3. All of Naaman’s successes were eclipsed by this horrible disease he had.
1) The same is true today.
2) We may have multiple successes in our life, but one big failure will eclipse them all.
3) The biggest failure with which man has to deal is the problem of sin.
4) Every one has this problem – Romans 3:23
5) This problem dooms us to separation from God – Isaiah 59:2
6) Without treatment, we will surely die – Romans 6:23
II. Naaman Looked for the Solution from the Wrong Person
1. Naaman had a solution to his problem.
1) Naaman had captured a Hebrew girl in battle and made her his servant.
2) The girl told Naaman where he could find a cure for his disease-a prophet in Israel.
2. To whom did Naaman look for the solution?
1) Naaman didn’t initially go to the prophet.
2) He wrote to the king of Israel.
3) The king had no such power to cure Naaman of his leprosy.
3. How did Naaman find the solution?
1) Elisha heard of the king’s grief.
2) He inquired and discovered why.
3) He told the king where to tell Naaman to go for the solution to his problem.
4. Where do we look for the solution to the problem of sin?
1) The wrong source.
a. Some look for the answers in family members.
b. Some look for the answers in self.
c. Some look for answers from the “professionals.”
d. Proverbs 14:12, 16:25
e. Jeremiah 10:23
2) The right source.
a. Proverbs 3:5-6
b. John 8:32; John 14:6; John 17:17
III. Naaman Brought His Preconceived Expectations to Salvation
1. Naaman finally found the right source for the solution to his problem.
1) The king of Israel evidently sent word back to Naaman about Elisha.
2) Naaman came to Elisha’s doorstep to be cleansed.
3) Elisha, however, didn’t even bother coming out of his house.
4) He sent his servant out with the message of what Naaman was to do.
5) Naaman, through Elisha’s servant, was given the message of salvation.
6) Wash in the Jordan River seven times.
2. The solution to Naaman’s problems wasn’t what Naaman was expecting.
1) What did he expect?
2) That Elisha would come out.
3) That he would call upon the Lord and make a show by waving his hands.
4) That the rivers of his own country were cleaner than the Jordan.
5) That he could wash in another river to be saved from his leprosy.
3. What preconceived expectations do we bring to salvation from sin?
1) Some believe God must save them personally and directly. But Romans 10:17.
2) Some believe that their salvation must be a show. But James 1:21 “receive with meekness….”
3) Some believe their own “rivers” of righteousness are cleaner than God’s. But Isa.64:6 “filthy rags”
4) Some believe that their own “plan” of salvation is just as good as God’s. But Romans 10:2-3.
IV. When Naaman believed and obeyed God’s message, he was saved.
1. What caused Naaman to dip in the Jordan?
1) Naaman’s servants talked some sense into him.
2) Why would he allow his own preconceived notions to prevent him from being cured?
3) Wouldn’t you have done some great thing?
4) Why not simply go to the Jordan and wash?
5) Sometimes it takes simple people to open the eyes of the great.
6) Elisha’s instructions were simple: Go wash in the Jordan seven times.
2. What did Naaman do?
1) So, Naaman believed that message and went.
2) He washed himself in the Jordan SEVEN times.
3) When he was finished washing, his leprosy was gone.
4) His faith and obedience had resulted in his salvation.
3. What about today?
1) Some get angry because of God’s simple commands.
2) They don’t obey because God’s commands are humbling.
3) Some say that faith ALONE will save. But James 2:24 “not by faith only.”
4) If we are to be saved, our faith must be completed by our obedience. James 2:22.
5) Jesus saves those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9, Revelation 22:12).
CONCLUSION: (End of this sermon on Naaman.)
1. Let us learn from Naaman….
1) Let’s not let our flaws define us.
2) Let’s look for solutions to sin in the right place.
3) Let’s not bring preconceived notions to salvation.
4) Let us simply trust and obey God’s word to be saved.
2. Invitation