From Smug to Servant
Great Expectations – Week #4
From Smug to Servant
2 Kings 5:15-19
1. When we receive Jesus, the work of God immediately begins in our lives
But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” 11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 2 Kings 5:10-11
Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 2 Kings 5:15
2. Renewing our minds takes time
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord. 2 Kings 5:16-17
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
3 ways to renew your mind:
a. Church Attendance
The first step away from God is a step away from the people of God
b. Worship Music
c. God’s Word
When you read God’s Word, you read God’s will
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
3. Pressure does not mean we are losing the fight. Pressure indicates we are fighting the fight
However, may the Lord pardon me in this one thing: When my master the king goes into the temple of the god Rimmon to worship there and leans on my arm, may the Lord pardon me when I bow, too.” 19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said. So Naaman started home again. 2 Kings 5:18-19
Two Things to understand today:
1. Jesus is in you
2. Jesus is for you